“Everything can change in a moment … never stop fighting, I am fighting with you” Whitney Defoe
“The physical symptoms can be as disabling as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure and other chronic conditions” – The Nice Clinical Guidelines ME/CFS 2007
ME/CFS is a long term, neurological and nervous system disease which can affect anyone regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. For too long it has been viewed as a psychological illness which can be treated with CBT and or graded exercise therapy. This has led to distress and worsening of symptoms for many patients who often feel isolated and not believed by society.
I believe that ME/CFS is a physiological illness which leaves its sufferers with debilitating symptoms making necessary to make fundamental changes to their lives in order to deal with this condition.
To date there is no medically recognised treatment for ME/CFS however the ME Association and Action for ME recognise that pacing is an effective tool in managing your symptoms. To achieve pacing a person needs to recognise their base level of energy and work within that energy envelop to avoid the more debilitating crashes.
However coming to terms and living with ME/CFS is a painful and difficult process. It has been described as a grief at the loss of your old life, health and dreams. I believe that counselling can help you work through these at times overwhelming feelings and ultimately find a way of living with this debilitating condition.
I understand that attending sessions face to face and travelling maybe difficult for you so I am able to offer either telephone counselling or online counselling from your own home.
If you have recently been diagnosed with ME/CFS, are in the process of seeking a diagnosis, or been suffering with this illness for some time and are finding it difficult to live with for whatever reason I hope you will contact me to discuss how counselling would support you.
Other resources
ME ASSOCIATION
ACTION FOR ME
SAMARITANS 116123
PAPYRUS 08000684141 (people under 35yrs who are feeling suicidal)
