Why So Many People Feel Completely Drained Right Now

September 28, 2026 - 15:07

A psychologist has offered an explanation for the widespread exhaustion many people are reporting, and the reasoning is surprisingly straightforward.

Naomi Holdt, a psychologist and speaker, recently shared her thoughts on why so many individuals are struggling with fatigue at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her explanation centers on the idea that the long pause in normal life took a heavier toll than most people realize.

According to Holdt, when life came to a halt for an extended period, people were not simply resting. They were enduring ongoing stress, uncertainty, and constant change. That experience drained mental and emotional reserves in ways that are not always obvious.

Now, as the world attempts to return to a more familiar rhythm, many people are discovering they lack the energy to fully re-engage. The resources needed to rebuild routines, reconnect socially, and manage daily demands have been depleted. Holdt suggests this is not a personal failing but a natural consequence of prolonged disruption.

The insight resonates because it validates what many are feeling but struggling to name. The exhaustion is real, and it makes sense given everything people have lived through.