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Invisible Illness Stigma: Understanding the Challenges Faced by Those with M.E

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), affects millions of people worldwide, yet many continue to face disbelief, invalidation, and dismissive attitudes from others due to the invisible nature of their illness. One such example is Sarah, who was diagnosed with M.E several years ago. Despite struggling with debilitating fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment, her family and friends often question the legitimacy of her illness, assuming that she is just being lazy or exaggerating her symptoms. This disbelief has caused Sarah to feel isolated and unsupported, adding to the mental health challenges already posed by her condition. Another example is John, who has been struggling to obtain disability benefits due to the lack of understanding surrounding M.E. Although he is unable to work due to his condition, his applications for benefits have been denied multiple times due to the lack of visibility of his symptoms. John's story is not unique, as ...
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Living with Depression and M.E.: My Personal Experience

As someone living with M.E. and depression, my life can feel like a constant uphill battle. There are days when I can't get out of bed, and the smallest tasks feel impossible. The fatigue and muscle pain that comes with M.E. is difficult enough, but when depression sets in, it's like a weight that's crushing me from the inside out. I remember the first time I experienced a major depressive episode. I was in my early 30s and had just been diagnosed with M.E. I felt like my life was over before it had even begun. I couldn't work, socialise, or even take care of myself properly. It was a dark time, and I felt like I was drowning in hopelessness. Over the years, I've learned to manage my symptoms and cope with my mental health challenges. But that doesn't mean it's easy. Some days, I still feel like I'm barely treading water. One thing that's helped me is finding a supportive community. I've joined online and in-person support groups where I can conn...
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Help, I Can't Get Out of Bed: My Journey with M.E.

I wake up in the morning and all I want to do is go back to sleep. The thought of getting out of bed and facing the day seems impossible. I lay there, willing myself to move, but my body just won't cooperate. This is my reality with M.E. – a chronic illness that has completely changed my life. For those who don't know, M.E. stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It's a condition that affects my nervous system, leaving me with extreme fatigue, muscle pain, and brain fog. Every day feels like a battle, a struggle to get out of bed and face the world. I used to be an active person, always on the go and living life to the fullest. But now, even the simplest tasks can feel like a marathon. Taking a shower or making a meal can leave me completely exhausted. It's hard for people to understand just how debilitating M.E. can be. The worst part of it all is the isolation. I feel like I'm living in a different world than everyone else. Wh...
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Sex Part 1

Sexual health is an important part of a relationship, but for people with ME/CFS, it can be a complex and challenging topic. ME/CFS is a chronic condition that can cause fatigue, pain, and cognitive symptoms, which can impact sexual function and intimacy. Let's explore how these challenges can affect real-world couples and some strategies that may help. Sarah and David are a couple who have been together for several years. Sarah has ME/CFS and experiences chronic fatigue and pain. These symptoms can make it challenging for her to feel physically comfortable or motivated to engage in sexual activity. On the other hand, David wants to be intimate and feels rejected when Sarah is not interested in sex. They talk about the challenges they face and agree to explore alternative forms of sexual expression that prioritise emotional connection and intimacy over physical activity. They try cuddling, holding hands, and expressing their love in other ways that don't require as much physica...
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Pain Relief

Living with M.E. can be a challenging experience, and one of the most common symptoms is chronic pain. It can be difficult to manage and finding effective pain relief options can greatly improve quality of life. Fortunately, there are several different types of pain relief options that may help. Over-the-counter pain relievers: These are some of the most common and accessible pain relief options. Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help manage mild to moderate pain.  Prescription pain relievers: For more severe pain, prescription medications may be necessary. Opioid pain relievers such as oxycodone or hydrocodone may be prescribed, but they come with risks of addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal. For this reason, they should be used with caution and only under the close supervision of a healthcare provider. Topical pain relievers: These are medications that are applied directly to the skin, such as creams, gels, or patches. They may contain ingredients su...
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Feel the Stretch

Hey there! It's your favorite blog pal, back with another topic that's near and dear to many of our hearts: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E) and its effect on flexibility. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Flexibility? That's boring!" But trust me, I've got some entertaining twists and turns for ya! Let's dive in! M.E can be a real pain in the...you know where. And when it comes to flexibility, well, let's just say it's not a match made in heaven. With M.E, your body can feel like it's been through the ringer and back again, making even the simplest movements feel like a chore. Think about it like this: You're a piece of gum, stuck to the bottom of a shoe, trying to stretch and reach for that elusive penny. That's how flexible you feel with M.E. But, don't worry, I'm here to help you find a way to get that penny and keep that gum stuck to your shoe! First things first, listen to your body. If it's saying "No way, Jo...
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The darkness is not forever

It's normal to feel down and struggle with dark feelings from time to time. But, I want you to know that there are things you can do to help uplift your mood and find joy and positivity in your life. First of all, surrounding yourself with positive people is key. When you're surrounded by people who bring happiness into your life, it can help you focus on the good and counteract those negative feelings. Try to spend time with friends and family who are supportive, understanding, and uplifting. Finding joy in simple things is also important. There are always simple things in life that bring us happiness, no matter what we're going through. It could be reading a good book, listening to music, or walking in nature. Whatever it is that brings you happiness, make time for it every day. Practising gratitude can also make a big difference. When you focus on what you're thankful for, it can help shift your focus from the negative to the positive. Try starting a gratitude journa...
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