Fatigue and depression are common complaints that can be caused by either, or sometimes a combination of, physical and psychological conditions.

Fatigue is usually associated with stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. Studies have also linked fatigue and depression with increased inflammatory activation of the immune system. Studies have shown that therapeutic plant-based medicines derived from the cannabis sativa plant have anti-inflammatory effects and can alleviate symptoms associated with inflammation related conditions such as fatigue and mood disorders.

It is important to note that fatigue can also be a symptom of a physical condition such as low iron, sleep apnoea, thyroid problems, certain allergies, diabetes, glandular fever, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease and restless leg syndrome. It is important that you consult your regular doctor to exclude any physical diagnoses for your fatigue.

If your fatigue has persisted over four weeks and has not been associated to any physical health issues by your regular doctor, therapeutic plant-based treatments and lifestyle medicine may be suitable treatment options for your condition.

Dr Mehdi is a specialised GP and has been authorised by the TGA to prescribe therapeutic plant-based medicines. He has a special interest in lifestyle medicine which focuses on preventing, treating and reversing chronic conditions with lifestyle interventions.

If you are suffering from fatigue and/or depression, book a consultation to discover how plant-based treatment options and lifestyle medicine can improve your condition.