Understanding and Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an incapacitating and multifaceted illness characterized by overwhelming fatigue. Bed rest does little to relieve the symptoms. The symptoms are aggravated by physical or mental activity. There is no known cure for chronic fatigue. Generally, a person with this syndrome suffers for years because the illness is often misdiagnosed.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the difference between general fatigue and chronic fatigue. General fatigue is the result of illness, over-exertion or stress. Chronic fatigue patients experience unexplainable, continuous and extreme fatigue for at least 6 months.

• 2

  Recognize the symptoms. The most common symptoms for chronic fatigue syndrome are sore throat, diminished short-term memory or concentration, muscle pain, headaches and sleeplessness.

• 3

  Watch out for anxiety attacks. Anxiety develops with this illness. Anxiety generally appears from the prolonged frustrations or the lack of understanding of the illness. People with chronic fatigue syndrome are often erroneously considered as "just being lazy."

• 4

  Seek treatment. Treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome are over-the-counter medications, counseling, antidepressants, sleep pills, healthy eating habits and exercise.