Common myths about Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex, multifaceted illness, made more complicated by the lack of definitive tests to diagnose a patient. This often results in months and even years before patients receive a diagnosis as every other possible cause of fatigue has to first be ruled out. However, when patients do receive one, it's easy to go from “ahh great, it's not all in my mind” to “great, what do I do now?”

The lack of traditional medical treatment leaves patients in a state of overwhelm and confusion, but also leads to multiple myths about the condition. Through research and my own lived experience with this debilitating condition, the following are the most common myths I wish to debunk around CFS

1. It’s just tiredness

Every chronic fatigue patient’s favourite explanation. There is a big difference between tiredness and fatigue. Tiredness allows you to push through and often gets better after quality rest and even exercise. However, fatigue is a different ball game. Pushing through and excessive exercise will often result in crashes. Additionally, insomnia is a key characteristic of chronic fatigue and rest alone will not alleviate the symptoms. CFS also causes brain fog, sensitivity to light and certain foods, breathlessness and joint pain. This is however a condensed list and many patients will have a myriad of symptoms. Ultimately, in my experience I have found that fatigue caused by CFS and ME results in a complete drain on your quality of life and more often than not results in patients being unable to work and left housebound or bedridden. 

2. It’s all in the mind

The list of symptoms present in individuals suffering with severe fatigue due to CFS and even long covid shows that it is definitely not all in the mind. However, there is an evident mind-body connection rooted in the nervous system. This is why nervous system regulation is so key in recovery from CFS and why neuroplasticity, neuro linguistic programming and deep inner work are so effective in creating sustainable recovery.

3. It’s untreatable

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is hard enough, but being told that you won’t recover is devastating. From a medical perspective there is no pill you can take to improve, however, this does not mean you cannot recover. Through nervous system regulation, the right diet, pacing and treatments such as the Perrin Technique it is possible to make a full recovery. 

4. Exercise can cure it

Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) is commonly recommended by many health professionals as a means of improving fatigue. However, the NICE guidelines now state that GET should not be offered as a treatment for CFS. Although movement certainly helps in managing symptoms associated with CFS, getting fresh air or a brisk walk is often very detrimental for individuals with CFS. I remember when I was stuck in the boom and bust cycle and I would switch between long walk and weight lifting, which only made my fatigue a lot worse. Instead, when I was recovering, I would incorporate Yin Yoga into my routine as a means of reconnecting with myself and activating my parasympathetic nervous system. 

Education around CFS is so key when it comes to recovery, and is something I actively work though with my clients as well as increasing their self confidence in their ability to recover. If you are keen to learn more book a discovery call with me.