If you are a fully paid-up member of the CFS/ME group (that means us!) then you may have come to a point in your life where you are sick to death of 'healthy' people. It can become really difficult to deal with people who make assumptions about you from their own perspective and have no idea how you feel. They can always ask but the problem with that is that it takes energy and mental focus to explain to someone how you feel. It can become exhausting and that is just what we don't need. If you are at this point it may be worth considering trying to get in touch with other people who are in the 'club'. It can help in several ways:
1. Being ill is a very isolating experience. Maintaining friendships is impossible when you are ill. Sometimes we can feel that we are the only person in the world struggling with this illness. Finding out that you are one of many thousands of people in the same boat can be liberating.
2. Don't take this the wrong way - but it can be good to know that there are people worse off than you are - and there always is. Conversely, there will be people who are better off than you are.
3. Information. Yes - we can have too much when we are exhausted and our mental faculties have diminished. Try to limit yourself and just take in a little at a time.
If you are in the UK I recommend The ME Association. Their web site is informative and well set out. You can use it as a resource on its own or become a member. The site has highly readable sections describing ME, discussing treatments and so on. There are links to local support groups and and telephone support line. If you are housebound and isolated this can be a real lifeline. When you have the energy - take a look. If you want to join it is £18. This gives you access to further services. If you have been ill for some while this may be out of reach, but you can still use the web site as a resource.
Take care,
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