What do you say to someone with chronic fatigue?

Be patient with them: It's the condition causing it and it's not their fault. Allow them to rest and sleep when they need to: As well as letting them be alone when needed, they also need downtime without feeling guilty.

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What not to say to someone with chronic fatigue?

Don't say: We all get tired

"They will say, 'Oh yeah we all get tired,' or, 'Come on it's just half an hour, you'll be fine,'" she says. "It's frustrating having to justify things the whole time and sometimes it can be quite upsetting. "It's not intended to hurt, it's just thoughtlessness."

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How do you address chronic fatigue?

A diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, avoiding saturated fats and refined carbohydrates—like the Mediterranean Diet—is reported by many people with ME/CFS to be helpful. Eat several small meals throughout the day. For example, three meals and three snacks might help keep energy levels up.

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How do you explain chronic fatigue syndrome to a friend?

You were too sick to get much done, and definitely too sick to work or play with your children. You had too much fun and a few too many drinks one night, then couldn't get off the couch the entire next day. You felt so weak and tired that you had to call in sick with some made-up illness.

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How do you explain chronic fatigue syndrome?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with ME/CFS are often not able to do their usual activities. At times, ME/CFS may confine them to bed. People with ME/CFS have severe fatigue and sleep problems.

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Dating someone with ME/CFS...Things to know Part 1

42 related questions found

What is the life expectancy of someone with chronic fatigue syndrome?

One study suggests that the average lifespan of an ME/CFS patient is only 55.9 years, which is over 20 years less than the average U.S. lifespan. And the vast majority of patients—75 to 85 percent—are women.

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What are the 7 symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Headache.
  • Tender lymph nodes.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Muscle and joint pain.
  • Inability to concentrate.
  • Insomnia.
  • Forgetfulness.

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Is chronic fatigue a mental health condition?

The latest understanding however is that CFS is in fact a neurological condition which can in turn cause mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety to develop.

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What does a CFS crash feel like?

This is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). People with ME/CFS often describe this experience as a “crash,” “relapse,” or “collapse.” During PEM, any ME/CFS symptoms may get worse or first appear, including difficulty thinking, problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, feeling dizzy, or severe tiredness.

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Is chronic fatigue a form of depression?

The primary signs and symptoms of depression include sad mood, social isolation and negative thoughts and although fatigue and poor concentration are symptoms, they are not the primary symptoms like they are in chronic fatigue disorder.

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Is chronic fatigue a burnout?

The definition of burnout is for example very similar to that of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with regard to fatigue and restraints on daily functioning. Burnout, however, can be distinguished from CFS by the attribution of fatigue to work instead of somatic factors (Hoogduin et al., 2001; Huibers et al., 2003).

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What are the root causes of chronic fatigue?

Some of the areas that are being studied as possible causes of ME/CFS are:
  • Infections. People with ME/CFS often have their illness begin in a way that reminds them of getting the flu. ...
  • Immune System Changes. ...
  • Stress Affecting Body Chemistry. ...
  • Changes in Energy Production. ...
  • Possible Genetic Link.

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What is 1 major criteria for chronic fatigue?

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say doctors should consider diagnosing ME/CFS if a patient has extreme tiredness that cannot be explained by other causes and the tiredness: started recently, has lasted a long time, or keeps coming back.

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What is the root cause of chronic fatigue syndrome?

It is caused by a combination of factors that over time have weakened your body. Furthermore many people with chronic fatigue syndrome find that a very stressful event triggered their illness. Common triggers of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) include: unprocessed emotional trauma e.g. divorce.

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Has anyone overcome chronic fatigue syndrome?

There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Treating these symptoms might provide relief for some patients with ME/CFS but not others.

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Do people recover from chronic fatigue?

For most people, ME/CFS is a lifelong disease. Full recovery (a return to pre-illness functioning) is rare and estimated at less than 10%. For some people with ME/CFS, as time passes and their disease improves, they will find they can do more, but it is a slow and gradual process.

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How tired are you with chronic fatigue syndrome?

Most people with ME/CFS describe their fatigue as overwhelming and a different type of tiredness from what they've experienced before. Exercising usually makes the symptoms worse. Sometimes the effect is delayed and you'll feel very tired a few hours after you've exercised, or even the next day.

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How do you comfort someone with fatigue?

Allow them to rest and sleep when they need to: As well as letting them be alone when needed, they also need downtime without feeling guilty. Still include them with social occasions: Go round to their house, offer lifts as public transport can itself be tiring and be flexible with arrangements.

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How do you cheer up someone who is exhausted?

6 ways to cheer someone up over text
  1. Send them a playlist with some motivational tunes and their favorite songs.
  2. Share a funny video or meme.
  3. Send them a list of 10 things you appreciate about them.
  4. Remind them of a fun memory you share.
  5. Let them know that you're there to support them however they want.

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What advice to give to a tired person?

Suggestions include: Drink plenty of water – sometimes you feel tired simply because you're mildly dehydrated. A glass of water will help do the trick, especially after exercise. Be careful with caffeine – anyone feeling tired should cut out caffeine.

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What is the difference between fatigue and chronic fatigue?

Fatigue is a common complaint experienced by most of subjects during lifetime, which affects approximately 30–50% of general population as point prevalence. According to the fatigue-lasting duration, it is classified as acute (<1 month), prolonged (>1 month, <6 months), and chronic fatigue (≥6 months), respectively.

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Is chronic fatigue a stress response?

In summary, both burnout and CFS appear to be the result of long-term stress combined with a negative perception of the stress.

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How is chronic fatigue diagnosed?

How is ME/CFS diagnosed? There is no single test to diagnose ME/CFS. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, and how long you have had them, and might do some tests to rule out other possible causes. You can only receive a diagnosis of ME/CFS after you have had symptoms for 6 months or more.

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