First, we will need to define emotional fatigue.  According to multiple sources emotional fatigue is the feeling of being overwhelmed and not knowing what to do about it.  Another definition is that a person feels trapped and that they have no control over their situation.  Bingo, I can relate to the last statement and the feeling that I had when I learned that I had COPD.  On one hand I was relieved to know that something was wrong with me and that I was not imagining my symptoms.  As usual, I tried to find out more about the disease and that is when I got hit with the fact that it was a chronic condition to which there was no cure.  Whammoo, it hit me like a rock and now we are talking about emotional fatigue.  I was trapped in a disease over which I had no control.

In the movie this is where the superhero steps in and aids the darling damsel in distress.  That is when I found my superhero The COPD Foundation 360 Social Website.  I read about real people living with COPD and going to conventions and being given awards for their work in helping people and at that point I was totally hooked.  I also gained knowledge about how to help me live a better life with this condition.  I learned that I could quit smoking, eat well, exercise, get enough rest, and keep a positive mental attitude and that I could have a decent quality of life.

Well, I do digress and get a little bit ahead of myself here.  As I read more about emotional fatigue, I learn that it can lead to physical fatigue and or depression.  The treatments are like the things that can help slow down the progression of COPD.  The good diet, exercise, adequate sleep and having someone with which you can share your story are all listed as beneficial in ending emotional fatigue.  Other suggestions are mindfulness practices like Yoga, deep breathing, journaling, and meditation were given as aids in ending emotional fatigue.