Why is it that when we mention M.E people reply with some reference to mental illness? It happens all the time and I am sick of it. It is not a mental illness. While, just like every illness it impacts negatively on our mental health, it is a physical, medical condition. Just because people don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. More research is needed and one day we will have tests and treatment too. I have to believe that. Already research has found that it is a cellular level problem, more will follow.
Some time ago I connected to some facebook groups, I was horrified to read comments linking our illness to mental illness, I commented saying such and received a tirade of bonkers responses, yes some of these people are mad, but that is not what M.E is.
We are fighting such negative impressions of our disease and it is wrong. It used to be that anti depressants were thrown our way, as though, yes you are ill, now get perky and cheery and stop minding. These drugs taken when you are not depressed do make you high and life can be nice like that for a little while, but it doesn’t solve the problem. That we took these, is that why people assume its in our heads?
Okay so now a number of SSRI’s are helpful, in treating neuropathic pain and they do give us a cheerful boost, now they are used with some understanding of the condition, rather than just taking a chance. Now there is a range of helpful drugs to lesson our symptoms, but still there are people within the NHS who don’t believe it exists.
Well I am a believer! I am proof to the existence of this condition. Things will change and soon. Covid sufferers are now being diagnosed after long covid, with M.E/CFS, is any one suggesting they are mad or doing it to themselves? No not at all.
Okay, moan over.
Stay strong, spread the truth.
Chris.xx
Living With ME 