Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe and debilitating illness with no cure. It is defined by a cluster of symptoms that must have persisted for over six months with no other medical explanation. Fatigue, pain and post-exertional malaise are key indicators of ME/CFS.
The name ‘chronic fatigue syndrome’ can be misleading as often people think that having ME/CFS is just being very tired. This is incorrect. People with ME/CFS generally have a number of physical and neurological symptoms that affect their daily lives over a long period of time.
For a full list of symptoms and diagnostic guidelines on ME/CFS, please click here.
The severity of ME/CFS can vary considerably; some people are bedridden while others are able to manage degrees of activity. Some people with ME/CFS may be able to continue work and participate in social activities, while others are unable to. The severity of ME/CFS can alter over time.
People with ME/CFS need to consider changes to their lifestyles to manage their condition. This often means treating symptoms like sleep disruption, fatigue and pain and any related conditions in order to ease discomfort. A great asset for people with ME/CFS is to have knowledgeable and supportive people around them.
For more information on symptoms and diagnosis of ME/CFS, please click here.
Click here for guidelines for visting a person with MCS from the Allergy, Sensitivity & Environmental Health Association QLD Inc.
Read 'Twenty Things You Should Say to an Ill Person'.
Read 'Five Things You Should Never Say to Someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome'.
How you can help
Keep yourself informed
Finding out as much about the illness as you can may be helpful in supporting your friend or family member. ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) hosts a library of resources related to ME/CFS, as well as an online resource library.
Offer practical help
Talk about what help you can offer and allow your friend or family member to direct your assistance or decline if that is what suits them best. Help may be as elementary as the occasional phone call, visit or email.
Offer non-judgemental acceptance
Providing reassurance to your friend or family member that you are willing to share their journey through ME/CFS without burdening them with your expectations of their treatment or recovery may be the most significant help you can provide.
Join ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)
ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation providing information, advocacy and support to the ME/CFS community.
Membership fees allow us to continue providing services to people with ME/CFS and their friends and families; raise awareness of ME/CFS through community education; and participate in political lobbying.
Click here for more information on membership of ME/CFS Australia (Victoria). Donations to the organisation are also greatly appreciated.
