Still tired after the long weekend? Here’s why - and what it might be telling you
You just had a long weekend. Maybe you slept in, took a break from work, or even went away. But, come Tuesday morning, and you're still wiped. That heavy, drained feeling doesn’t always come from lack of sleep. If you're living with anxiety, depression, or OCD, no amount of rest will undo what your mind is constantly working through. In my ten years providing therapy for depression and anxiety in downtown Hamilton, I’ve seen many clients hope a week’s vacation or an extra day off from work will cure what ails them, and often it isn’t enough. Sometimes the week away from the stress just highlights how deep the hurt from all that stress is.
Rest ≠ recovery
Many people assume that a day or two off will reset their system. And sometimes, it helps. But if you're dealing with mental health issues, rest often isn’t enough—because the problem is not exhaustion, but instead a pattern of thoughts and actions that leads to exhaustion.
Mental health conditions can cause:
Constant overthinking or rumination (especially with anxiety and OCD)
A low-level sense of dread or guilt (common with depression)
Sleep disturbances or restlessness
Emotional numbness that makes re-engaging with life feel draining
So if your body is still tired after a break, it might be that you need support to approach these symptoms differently.
Why this matters
When people expect a quick recovery from a long weekend and don't get it, they often:
Blame themselves for being “lazy”
Push harder and burn out further
Assume this is just how life is now
But really, it might be a sign that something deeper is going on—and deserves your attention.
What you can do instead of powering through
Track the pattern
Are you always tired after weekends, holidays, or vacation days? That’s a red flag. Especially if your “recovery time” keeps getting longer.
Talk to a therapist
They can help you understand whether the fatigue is linked to anxiety, depression, or something else—and work with you to develop sustainable strategies.
Redefine rest
Mental rest isn’t just sleeping or sitting still. It might mean:
Setting boundaries
Saying no to draining social obligations
Reframing your self-talk
Giving yourself permission to not be productive
A word for first responders and high performers:
If you’re used to operating at high capacity—like many first responders, healthcare workers, or corporate professionals—feeling tired can feel like weakness. It’s not. It’s information. And it’s okay to listen to it.
Next steps
If you’re still tired even after giving yourself time off, that’s not laziness—it’s a signal. Don’t wait for burnout to hit before you act. Your mind, like your body, deserves care and support. Therapy, structure, and simple mindset shifts can help you feel rested for real—not just temporarily. If you need help creating a safety net to help you bounce back from burnout, depression, or anxiety, book a free, no-obligation 15 minute consultation with me.
