When people are asked to describe themselves, they usually think of their personality traits and skills. For example, someone might say they are friendly and a good listener. But a person’s true personality is complex, with varying facets that can change over time. For this reason, it is not easy to find out who they really are.
A ‘Who am I’ quiz can help remove the guesswork, but they should not be taken as a scientific diagnosis. In fact, many of these types of tests have not been proven to be accurate or useful. However, a person can use the results of these tests to help them better understand themselves and others.
There is no known cause for ME, but it has been linked to viral infections and hormone imbalances. It may also be hereditary. Research is continuing to investigate potential triggers, such as environmental factors and gene mutations.
The symptoms of ME are different for everyone, and can include extreme fatigue and cognitive difficulties – sometimes known as brain fog. It can also cause a variety of physical problems, including pain and mobility issues. It is estimated that around 250,000 people in the UK have ME. But charity Action for ME believes the number is closer to 750,000.
Diagnosing ME can be difficult because of its broad and overlapping symptoms. These can be similar to those of other conditions, such as fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, making it hard for healthcare professionals to distinguish the condition from these. The NHS has been criticised for not providing sufficient care for people with ME, and the inquest heard that it can take up to five years to get a diagnosis.
Symptoms of ME are often described as “post-exertional malaise”. This means that after physical or mental exertion, the symptoms get worse for hours or even days and then slowly start to improve. These episodes are known as relapses. Other symptoms include sleep problems, recurrent flu-like illnesses and persistent fatigue and a lack of motivation or energy.
ME is more common in women than men, and can affect people from all ages and backgrounds. It can be difficult for people with ME to hold down a job and many need to take extended periods of leave, but there are ways to help. Health care providers can prescribe treatments such as pacing, which involves matching the amount of activity to the available energy; sleep aids; and medications for pain and anxiety. They can also support people with ME apply for disability, obtain assistive devices and access workplace or school adjustments.
The ME Association has compiled a list of links to organisations that provide support for adults and children with ME. It also has a Guide to Employment Issues that can be helpful. A number of charities are also working to increase awareness of ME. Solve ME is a global network of organisations that focuses on advocacy and raising awareness, as well as supporting patients and their families.