Why do I feel unsuccessful despite my efforts at 45?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 45 years old, and I have narcolepsy. It seems lately I have not felt any sense of pride for any accomplishments. Even though I am successful at doing things I tried hard at, there seems to be no sense of pride or satisfaction anymore.

Am I just suffering from my condition, narcolepsy, or is it just exhaustion?
Does anybody else feel the same way?
If yes, how do you deal with that?

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for voicing your worries. I am happy you got in touch.

Although narcolepsy typically leads to excessive sleepiness during the day, it rarely involves persistent tiredness, lack of motivation, or reduced ability to accomplish things. Such symptoms may indicate depression, a problem that occurs more frequently among those suffering from narcolepsy compared to the average population.

In case you have experienced hopelessness, worthlessness, excessive guilt, inability to concentrate, memory disturbances, changes in your appetite, sleep, and energy levels, then the thought of having depression should cross your mind. The positive thing about the disease is that it is highly treatable, with most people improving under appropriate treatment, which may involve psychotherapy and or medications.

In order to learn more about you and your current state, it will be helpful if you could provide:

How long you have had narcolepsy?
Medications that you are currently using, with special attention paid to the recent changes?
Recent laboratory data, including tests for thyroid gland activity?
Other diseases that you have?
Family history of depression and other psychological disorders?
Your regular night sleep and day drowsiness patterns?

Sometimes drugs also affect low mood and loss of motivation, and analysis of the medications you use may help in providing additional information.

Also, you may take the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which is a very popular questionnaire for depression screening. It will give you additional information, but this test alone cannot be regarded as a diagnosis.

A healthcare specialist will analyze it according to your medical history and symptoms. With more accurate information about your medical background and symptoms. I will be able to give you more concrete recommendations.

I hope that this helps.

Thank you.