“Why Am I Always So Tired?” The Hidden Condition You Need to Know About

WORDS DR SERENA IN

FEATURED EXPERT DR SERENA IN Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer Department of Psychology and Counselling School of Psychology and Social Sciences IMU University

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating condition that defies conventional diagnostic efforts.

• It has no specific tests or symptoms that definitively identify the condition.
• As a result, CFS remains shrouded in mystery. Few people know to seek treatment for it, leading to it being under-reported and poorly understood.
• CFS is commonly linked to these conditions, although it is not necessarily the result of these conditions:
  • COVID-19 infection
  • Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis
  • Hormonal changes such as those during menopause
  • Psychological conditions such as depression

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CFS

Symptoms may come and go and can vary greatly from person to person.

• Fatigue that cannot be relieved by rest or sleep
• Difficulties in concentrating
• Muscle weakness
• Hypersensitivity to smells, chemicals, light, and/or noise
• Digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE CFS

Listen to your body and what it is trying to tell you.

Address your basic needs first. Get sufficient rest and eat a balanced diet. If you get the basics right, you should feel better in a few weeks.

However, if you have tried the above and still don’t get relief, then you may need medical advice.

HOW IS CFS DIAGNOSED?

• CFS can only be diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, alongside a series of tests to rule out other possible causes.
• A family physician can help to identify and rule out other possible health issues, from autoimmune conditions like lupus, to burnout, depression or other health problems.
• This may involve blood tests, journal-keeping to track symptoms, and weeks or even months of observation.
• Where relevant, your doctor may also refer you to one or more specialists for further insights.

CAN CFS BE CURED?

• There is no specific treatment or cure for CFS.
• Pain management can play an important role in relieving symptoms, alongside lifestyle adjustments.
• You can consider seeing a clinical psychologist or counsellor for support in processing the changes to your life due to this condition.

LIVING WITH CFS

CFS is different for everyone. Its severity can vary from person to person, being constantly fatigued, in pain or feeling unwell daily can be debilitating.

Some have also reported not being well understood by their own physician, employers, or loved ones when describing their symptoms. This can be particularly difficult for those who are used to being active and social, who are now forced to cut back on certain responsibilities, physical activities, social gatherings and more.

DON’T LOSE HOPE; FIND SUPPORT

For some, the process of adjusting to life with CFS can feel like grief, as it may mean losing the healthier version of yourself that you used to be.

Engaging a supportive team of a medical specialist to manage your symptoms along with a therapist to process the unpredictable challenges. Doing so could greatly enhance your quality of life.

Your therapist can also help to address your fears for the future, as many patients may also feel a sense of hopelessness. It is possible to work through acceptance and still lead a meaningful and fulfilling life after having learnt to effectively manage these symptoms daily.