LETHARGY DEFINITION: the quality or state of being drowsy, listless, or apathetic PHYSICAL SIGNALS: Slouched body posture Steps that drag Ponderous movements Half-closed eyes Slow, deep breaths An unfocused gaze Lying prone or sagging in a seat The body conforming to whatever surface it rests on Staring at nothing Propping one’s head up with a hand Limp limbs Hands and feet that are still Lifeless eyes Signs of letting oneself go (unwashed hair, wrinkled clothes) Using the least amount of physical exertion to finish a task (taking the elevator instead of stairs) Drinking caffeinated beverages or energy drinks Dropping out of active hobbies Sitting or lying for long periods without moving Yawns and languorous stretches Moving only to shift one’s body position Going without instead of getting up to get a drink or snack Asking others to do things that require movement Canceling appointments Turning down social opportunities Withdrawing from others Choosing activities with no physical or mental stimulation Not engaging in conversation Answering questions with a mumble or shrug Asking others to bring things rather than get up and get them A lack of pickiness Living in a cluttered environment Avoiding people; displaying hermit-like tendencies INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A heaviness in the limbs A sensation of not wanting to move Loss of appetite MENTAL RESPONSES: Lack of motivation Having to mentally talk oneself into a better mood Seeking out possible causes Worrying over a possible physical ailment behind the lethargy (sickness or disease) Loss of interest in things that used to cause excitement Thick thoughts A desire to do nothing, to not think Denial that there is a problem Not noticing what’s going on with other people An inability to help others with their problems Difficulty making decisions CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM LETHARGY: Depression Symptoms of an underlying illness that is causing the lethargy Isolation Dependence on stimulants Muscle atrophy Illness Weight gain or loss Sleep that doesn’t restore one’s energy CUES OF SUPPRESSED LETHARGY: Blaming one’s behavior on boredom or being overworked Claiming that all one needs is a good night’s sleep Putting on a happy face around others, then crashing when alone Claiming to have participated in physical activities that no one has witnessed Waving off the concerns of others Refusing to see a doctor out of fear of the results WRITER’S TIP:Lethargy is largely a physical ailment, but it has a profound effect on a person’s psyche, compounding the physical problem with self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression. When dealing with an ailment like lethargy, always remember to address the emotional and mental effects, too.