Action for ME – What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)?

ME/CFS can have a profoundly negative impact on patients and it is often misunderstood. This can lead to people experiencing disbelief and discrimination from family, friends, health and social care professionals and even employers. Action for ME can help signpost to local support groups that provide peer support, information and advice.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and also called Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID), is a complex, neuroimmune illness. It is not a psychiatric disorder nor is it caused by lack of exercise, contrary to popular belief. There is no cure or diagnostic test and the cause of ME remains unknown.

People with ME can have many different symptoms including a range of physical problems, such as headaches and muscle pain; and psychological and cognitive issues, such as difficulty thinking or remembering (brain fog). The hallmark symptom is post-exertional malaise, which means that activity – either mental or physical – makes a patient feel worse rather than better. It can take days for a person to recover from even the most mild activities and can be made worse by sleep problems, medication and other factors such as gastroparesis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Some people are very severely affected by ME and may be housebound. As a result, accessing healthcare can be difficult. Campaigners are calling for NHS reforms to ensure that people with ME and severe ME/CFS are able to receive adequate care, support and treatment. These changes are necessary because ME is a disabling condition that limits the health and well-being of patients.

Sadly, ME is still poorly understood and is underfunded. As a result, many people with ME/CFS are not diagnosed and can spend years waiting for a correct diagnosis. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of those with ME are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed, and that around one in three do not get the right care.

In order to diagnose ME, a doctor must consider all the symptoms and rule out other conditions that might be causing them. In the UK, there is no specific test for ME but GPs can assess patients with the following criteria:

In addition to their ME/CFS, people with ME often have other illnesses, such as fibromyalgia or Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome. These comorbidities can cause additional problems such as fibromyalgia-related widespread muscle pain, unrefreshing sleep and orthostatic intolerance (increased heart rate upon standing). It is important for healthcare providers to recognise these comorbidities and to treat them if they are present. There are also strategies that can help to reduce ME/CFS symptoms, such as medication and pacing, and cognitive behavioural therapy.

What Is Love?

Love is the deep emotional bond we share with family, friends and even pets. It nourishes and enriches our lives and helps us to cope with hardship, while also giving us energy for life. It’s a powerful and complex emotion that comes in different forms, from the warm camaraderie of a friendship to the butterflies of romantic feelings.

Throughout history, philosophers and prophets have debated and theorized about love: what it is, how to describe it, how to cultivate it. Scientists, however, have only recently become comfortable studying love explicitly.

The scientific definition of love is “an intensely positive emotion that involves close interpersonal attachment and a strong sense of belonging.” This feeling of connection, supported by a mutual commitment to a relationship’s well-being, creates a strong sense of happiness and well-being. Studies of human bonding have shown that people tend to address and fulfill their love and belonging needs by engaging in positive relationships, such as those with loved ones and friends, and through the practice of virtues like compassion, forgiveness, empathy, and humility.

In modern psychology, a wide range of theories and models of love have been proposed, including attachment theory, romantic love, and friendship love. Some scholars have viewed these as different facets of one universal form of love, which has been called the “love circuit.” This model views the brain as having many different circuits that can be activated in response to the emotions and behaviors associated with different types of love.

Another view of love is that it is a basic human need, which can be fulfilled by addressing and meeting other fundamental needs, such as the need for autonomy. In this perspective, the experience of love is a feeling that provides a sense of purpose and meaning and inspires people to change and improve themselves. This perspective of love has been endorsed by researchers who have found that loving relationships are associated with increased levels of self-esteem, coping skills, and social support.

Research has shown that the way we love impacts our mental and physical health. For example, when we spend time with people who we love, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine that leaves you feeling happy and connected. In addition, spending time with loved ones has been linked to lower stress and anxiety levels and improved sleep quality.

Love is a powerful force that can affect the way we feel about ourselves, the way we treat others, and how we live our lives. It can make us feel good and bring us joy, but it can also be a source of pain and suffering if we allow negative thoughts and behaviors to take hold, such as jealousy, anger, or greed. When we understand and practice the different types of love, we can cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling way of life. Learn more about different perspectives of love by reading scholarly articles, books, and literary works on the topic. Moreover, you can conduct interviews with individuals who have expertise in relationships and love, such as relationship counselors or couples therapists.

Understanding the Difference Between Need and Want

Need is a word that refers to something that you require in order to survive. You can think of basic needs such as food, water and shelter as being needs that everyone requires to live. Other types of need can be more psychological in nature, such as a person’s desire for self-actualization or their need to belong to a social group or community. It is important to differentiate between needs and wants in order to prioritize the most important areas of your life.

Needs are a common topic of discussion in philosophy, biology, psychology, sociology, economics and marketing. Psychologists such as Abraham Maslow have developed models of need that are based on psychological theories. Maslow’s theory suggests that people must first meet their physiological or basic needs (e.g. food, water and shelter) before they can begin to meet their psychological needs for belonging, esteem and self-actualization.

The academic study of need was at its zenith in the 1950s and currently receives less attention from psychologists than it did in that time period. However, a number of scholars have continued to explore the concept and develop new theories that go beyond a psychological approach. For example, the work of Robert Rosenberg supports people developing awareness of their feelings as indicators, to bring forward their own needs in a relationship, and to use communication to arrive at mutually agreed upon strategies for meeting those needs.

In addition to the Rosenberg model, there is a growing body of literature that focuses on need from a societal perspective. Some authors, such as Doyal and Gough, suggest that a person’s need to avoid harm can be considered a societal need. This concept is similar to the Capability Approach formulated by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, which proposes that people’s need for self-determination is a fundamental human right.

Another type of need is referred to as a Secondary Need, which includes things such as furniture in a home or a garage for storing vehicles. A tertiary need could be an expensive vacation or designer clothes. Usually, a tertiary need is not required to survive, but it may help a person feel satisfied with their lifestyle.

When discussing the difference between need and want, it is important to consider how a need can change over time. You will always need to drink water, but you may decide that you want a glass of wine with dinner. Needs are typically stable, while wants can vary from day to day or hourly. For this reason, it is a good idea to take care of your needs before you start to work on your wants. This will ensure that your basic needs are met and you can focus on the things you really want to do in life. This will lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Why Do People Love You?

You are a person who takes great pride in what you do. Whether it’s work, family or your hobbies, you go all in with everything you do and it shows. People notice it too. Look at all of the emails, cards and handwritten thank-you notes you’ve saved over time — they’re filled with words about how much your loved ones value you and your care for them. That’s why they love you so much.

You’re a good listener. You always take the time to really hear others, and then you respond in a way that shows that you care. You’re also a thoughtful gift-giver, and people are often surprised by the thought behind your choices.

Your friends and family know they can turn to you for advice — even about their biggest problems. Your empathy and kindness have given them comfort and reassurance when they’ve been going through tough times. That’s why they trust you and count on you.

You enjoy helping people find solutions to their problems. If something isn’t working out, you don’t get upset and start whining — instead, you work towards finding a solution. You’re an incredibly resourceful person who comes up with creative ways to solve things that might not be working out for other people.

People admire the fact that you’re a hard worker who never gives up. You can be a lot of fun to be around because you don’t let anything hold you back from what you want in life. Your perseverance and drive will help you achieve all that you set your mind to.

You’re a good looking person and you’ve got the kind of smile that makes everyone stop and stare. Honestly, you’re probably the best-looking person in your circle of friends and colleagues. Move over, GQ models and Victoria’s Secret models — you’re the one who has everybody’s eyes on you!

MEAction – Fighting For Health Equality For ME/CFS

ME/CFS affects people of all ages and both genders. It can appear suddenly or slowly over time and can be triggered by many different events, most commonly viral infections. There is no test for ME/CFS, but it can be diagnosed based on medical history and after other possible causes of symptoms have been excluded.

The illness can be debilitating and can make it difficult to live independently. It’s also misunderstood, which can lead to disbelief and even discrimination from family, friends, healthcare professionals and employers.

This can be especially distressing for people with severe ME/CFS who have a more limited physical capacity and are often dependent on others for help with basic tasks. Despite this, ME/CFS patients do not want to be seen as “lazy” or “weak.” They simply seek to maintain their quality of life and find ways to manage their condition as best they can.

Symptoms of ME/CFS include severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), cognitive impairment, low resilience and a complex clinical picture including problems with the autonomic nervous system and immune system. People with ME/CFS often have to reduce their working hours, resulting in a loss of income and social isolation.

ME/CFS is a complex illness with no specific treatment or cure. However, some symptoms can be managed by pacing activities and reducing stress levels. For some, dietary and sleep changes can also help. The illness can be triggered by a wide range of events, including physical, psychological and emotional stresses, viral infections and environmental factors.

In the UK, it’s estimated that around 250,000 people are living with ME/CFS. Campaigners are calling for reforms to NHS care, such as adding local specialist ME/CFS services, and more support for people who have the most severe symptoms.

The goal of MEAction is to grow and mobilize a community of patients fighting for health equality for ME/CFS. They want to accelerate the discovery of safe and effective treatments, work to increase funding for ME/CFS research, and promote awareness about this invisible illness.

MEAction is a 501(c)3 founded in 1985 to meet the needs of people with CFIDS/ME, ME/CFS and FM (fibromyalgia). They provide information, education, advocacy, support groups, & a range of other services for those suffering from these conditions. Their website includes a comprehensive list of resources and helpful guides to managing ME/CFS. They also have a blog with tips for navigating the workplace and a wiki on how to cope with ME/CFS. They also offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to help spread the word about ME/CFS and encourage patients to get involved in their advocacy efforts.

What Is Love?

Love is a complex emotional state that is one of the most powerful human emotions. It can produce feelings of joy, hope, fear and pain. It can also bring pleasure, happiness and a sense of well-being. Many different scholars, philosophers and writers have studied the concept of love throughout history. There is no single definition of the term, but it is generally described as a deep attachment or admiration for someone or something. Love is considered an important part of life and it plays a role in social interaction, fostering compassion and promoting health.

Scientists have found that there are several biological factors related to love, including hormones and neurotransmitters. These chemicals influence our behavior and can cause us to act differently than normal. They can even cause physical symptoms like a butterflies in the stomach, rapid heart rate and an inability to sleep. These bodily sensations are caused by the brain’s reward centers and are a part of falling in love. Once the relationship becomes long-term, these chemical levels decrease and the feelings of love become more consistent and less intense.

People in love tend to treat others with kindness and generosity. They may share their time, possessions and thoughts with those they love. In addition, people in love often feel a sense of security and safety. This is because they know that their partner will care for them and protect them. As a result, they are less stressed and experience fewer health problems. When people are in love, they also tend to be more tolerant of other’s mistakes.

There are many different kinds of love, including romantic, platonic and familial. Each has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Romantic love is usually a mixture of lust, attraction, and attachment. These components have various evolutionary purposes, including facilitating sexual reproduction and promoting family bonding.

Regardless of the kind of love you have, it can be a powerful force that drives you to do good in the world. It can help you to be a better person and it may make you feel more confident in yourself. It can also increase your motivation to take risks and try new things. For example, if you love someone, you might encourage them to seek treatment for mental health symptoms.

However, love can also be a difficult emotion to maintain. Sometimes, it’s difficult to stop loving someone, especially if they aren’t treating you well or have wronged you in the past. Learning how to let go of love can be challenging but it’s important to recognize the strength that it takes to remove yourself from a situation that no longer serves you. Getting clear about your own feelings, focusing on your needs and speaking with other can help you overcome the challenges of loving someone no longer making you happy. In this way, you can honor your love for that person while moving forward with your own happiness. This is a process that is worth the effort.

The Concept of Need and Want

A need is a human requirement for something required to meet an essential function in the context of life. It is contrasted with a want, which may be more of a desire or aspiration, and it is generally considered that needs are necessary, while wants are desirable. The concept of needs is widely discussed in fields such as philosophy, biology, psychology, social science and economics.

Some academics use the term need to refer to basic or fundamental requirements, which are a necessary condition for a person’s survival and well-being. Others use it more broadly to include any requirement that a person feels they have to fulfill. In this sense, the concept is broader than Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

The word need can be used to describe a number of things, from physical resources such as food, shelter and water, to psychological needs like feeling connected and loved. It can also be used to refer to the capacity to participate in a societal setting, which is considered an inherent requirement for human flourishing. This view is similar to the capability approach developed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum.

People can sometimes confuse the concepts of need and want, especially when discussing financial priorities. For example, while a person needs to pay for food, rent and other utilities, they might prefer to spend their money on designer clothing instead. Regardless, both needs and wants are vital to a person’s wellbeing. The distinction is important, because it can help to inform the choices people make about how they live their lives.

The concept of need is important in many areas, including education, healthcare and business. In the latter two, there is often talk of “employee needs” or “customer needs.” The concept is also a major focus of many political debates and discussions about economic policy.

In general, a need is a deficiency that causes harm or results in a dysfunctional state (like hunger or malnutrition). In contrast, a want is an aspiration or desire, and it does not necessarily result in any harm or dysfunction.

Another important distinction is between countable and uncountable nouns. Countable nouns require an article such as the or a, and uncountable nouns do not need an article. For example, a student requires a book to study for the exam but does not need a five-star hotel to sleep in.

Good usage of articles can make your writing clearer and easier to read. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules of using articles in English. A good place to start is with an English learner’s dictionary, which is available free of charge online. Once you have familiarized yourself with the rules, practice identifying when an article is required and when it is not. The more you practise, the better you will become. Then you will be able to write more clearly in any language, whether it is English or not.

How to Write About Yourself

You (singular) is the most common way to refer to yourself in English, though it can also be used for anyone else. You are often implied by words like I, me and my in conversations with others, but it is not always clear whether someone means you or another person when they use the word alone. You is often used as the subject of an imperative or conditional sentence, such as You must clean up your room! or You must study hard. It is sometimes used as the object of a preposition, such as around or over, and in some languages it is used to mean near or close.

You is a familiar word in informal writing, such as text messages or online posts. It is also a common word in business and academic writing, but its use in these contexts is restricted by convention.

When you are writing about yourself, it is important to think about your readers and what they will want to read. This will help you decide what kind of information to include in your article and how much detail to provide. It will also help you to focus your writing on the topics that matter most to you and to avoid using jargon or technical terms that are not understood by your audience.

If you are preparing an article about someone else, it is useful to contact them early and often for interview. If they don’t respond, politely ask them again, explaining who you are and why you think they might be helpful to your story. If they still don’t respond, ask them if they know of anyone who might be willing to talk to you.

Plural forms of you are common in informal speech, but they do not usually appear in written texts. Youse (you + the plural -s ending of nouns) is common in many regions, but it is rare in educated speech and is often confused with you guys, which does not have a strong regional association and can be gender-neutral or sex-neutral. However, younger speakers and politically progressive speakers are more likely to perceive you guys as problematically noninclusive of transgender and nonbinary people, and as such they may tend to avoid it.

Tell Me About Yourself

The question, “Tell me about yourself,” can show up in many places: job interviews (especially the first one), resumes, college applications and LinkedIn profiles. Whether it is asked verbally or written down, it’s an important question that asks you to describe your positive characteristics in a few words. The answer to this question should help the interviewer understand why you are a good fit for the job. The word choice you make also has other implications — it can set the tone for the entire interview and affect how your abilities are perceived.

ME/CFS is a long-lasting, debilitating illness that makes it hard to keep a job or go to school, and to take part in family and social life. It’s more common in women than men and is more likely to occur in people of middle age, although it can affect anyone, including kids and teens. It can also be difficult to diagnose because there is no single test and the symptoms are not understood by most healthcare professionals.

A person with ME/CFS has persistent, debilitating fatigue that does not improve with rest and is not explained by any other medical condition. It can be made worse by mental, physical or emotional activity, and it does not respond to usual treatments. Other symptoms include tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, memory and thinking problems, trouble concentrating, a sore throat or headache, and sleep disturbances like difficulty staying asleep or sleeping during the day.

Researchers are still investigating the causes of ME/CFS. It appears to be triggered by certain infections, particularly herpesviruses and enteroviruses. Some people develop ME after recovering from long COVID-19 infection.

While there is no cure for ME/CFS, there are interventions and symptom-reduction strategies that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. Research is ongoing to identify and validate new treatment approaches.

It’s also important to recognize that there are groups of people who may be at higher risk for developing ME/CFS, such as children and teenagers, people with low socioeconomic status or racial minorities. It’s important to be aware of these factors and to seek care from a doctor who understands the challenges and is prepared to work with these patients.

A doctor who knows how to help a patient cope with ME/CFS can improve their quality of life, reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups, and increase the chances of remission. They can provide education, counseling, coping skills and practical advice. In addition, they can refer patients to support services and other resources that can help them cope with the illness. In some cases, they can even help patients return to work and other activities.

What Makes You Fall in Love?

Love, the subject of songs, poems, books and movies, is a complex topic. While it may seem indefinable, a great deal of research aims to understand what influences people to fall in love with one another and develop passion. A combination of factors can influence a person’s chances to be loved, from the personality traits and beliefs they have to the chemicals in their brain that help them feel attracted to others and experience intense emotions like empathy, attachment and fear.

In a relationship, sex and intimacy can also affect a person’s ability to love. The hormone cortisol increases during romantic feelings and when people experience arousal in the presence of someone they are interested in. However, these effects may be diminished in a long-term relationship where there is trust.

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato suggested that loving someone might cause feelings of attraction and pleasure, but he thought it more important to view love as a set of practices that help us grow into our best selves. Today, many psychologists and social scientists believe that it’s crucial to have loving relationships in order to live a good life. They have defined ‘love’ as a bond between two people who support each other through the challenging times in life, helping them change and grow to become their most authentic selves.

Some studies suggest that the key to falling in love is a chemical reaction in the brain. When you first meet someone you’re attracted to, your brain’s reward center — the ventral tegmental area — becomes flooded with dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This is why you feel those butterflies in your stomach, your palms get sweaty and your heart races.

As you become more familiar with the person, you start to build up a stable attachment and feel a sense of loyalty. You’re committed to this person and you want them to succeed, but you don’t need the same intensity of feeling as when you were in love with them at the beginning. This type of ‘love’ can also reduce stress and depression.

Another form of love is karuna, which is compassion and mercy for the suffering of other people. It is sometimes called “elevated love” or “godly love.” This type of love can motivate you to reduce the pain and suffering of those around you, and it can even lead to sacrifice. It requires a deep sense of spirituality and is rooted in your belief system and personality traits.

Researchers have found that you are more likely to find true love if you prioritize emotional and intellectual compatibility with your partner. Focus on meaningful conversations and shared interests when meeting new people, and try to expand your social networks to increase the likelihood of finding compatible partners. You can also practice bhakti, a devotional form of love, by volunteering with your loved ones or engaging in activities that you’re passionate about.