How to Explain Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to Friends and Family

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is difficult to understand, even for doctors. Since quite a bit about this disease remains unknown, it's often difficult for patients to get people to accept the disease as real. The patient must be able to explain CFS adequately to friends and family so they can provide much needed support.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain that the main symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is extreme exhaustion. Let people know that a lack of energy limits your ability to perform even ordinary activities. Ask them to accept that you aren't able to do the same things that you could do before the disease.

• 2

  Tell friends that you'll have to cut back on social activities so that you'll have more energy to devote to work and family. Remind them that you must learn to conserve the precious energy that you do have.

• 3

  Educate friends and family about the secondary symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, such as joint and muscle pain, headache and sore throat. Compare these symptoms to the flu. This will give your friends a good idea of how you're feeling every day.

• 4

  Remain pleasant and positive. Understand that people who aren't sick with CFS may not really "get it." Give them time to ask questions, not only about the disease, but about its emotional impact and the resulting changes to your life.

• 5

  Distinguish Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a physical disease, from depression. Write out a list of all of the things you wish you could do tomorrow. Explain that if you were depressed, the paper would be blank. Show friends and family that you have interest and desire, just not the physical capacity to do things.

• 6

  Refer your friends to recent research studies which show that between one and five people per 1,000 may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, making CFS a major health problem.