Cathrine Abrahamsen, a general practitioner in Norway, has spent the past two decades observing the language people use to express exhaustion. She has noticed a frequent tendency for individuals to use the term 'tired' as a catch-all expression for various states of being overwhelmed or fatigued. This casual usage, according to Abrahamsen, dilutes the meaning of the word and prevents people from accurately identifying and addressing their specific feelings and needs.

Abrahamsen suggests that rather than simply labeling themselves as 'tired,' individuals should strive to articulate their feelings more precisely. She has categorized feelings of tiredness into three distinct types, each requiring different approaches and solutions. For Abrahamsen, this differentiation is crucial in helping her patients communicate their true emotional or physical states so that she can provide better guidance and care tailored to their circumstances.

Ultimately, her insights highlight a broader societal issue regarding mental health and communication, as the simple expression of feeling 'tired' can obscure the complexity of modern human experiences. By encouraging a more nuanced vocabulary surrounding exhaustion, Abrahamsen aims to foster better understanding and support for those struggling with various forms of fatigue.