If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would it be? The answer to this question may be a big indicator of how you’ll approach your career, relationships, and life. Choosing a word that best captures who you are and how you act can help people better understand your personality, values, and strengths.
When you’re introducing yourself to someone new, it can be helpful to start by asking them about themselves and how they see you. This will allow them to provide a more objective and accurate picture of your character, which can in turn make it easier for them to connect with you and form positive impressions.
Creating a good first impression can be challenging, especially if you have an illness that prevents you from being as physically active as you could be. This is why it’s important to find a job that allows you to work from home or have the flexibility of working part time while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Most jobs do not accommodate this and many adults with ME are unable to work full-time, while children with severe ME can be completely housebound and need around the clock care.
People with ME feel like their body is constantly draining energy and they have a hard time recovering after exertion. This is called post-exertional malaise (PEM), and it’s a characteristic feature of ME. Even if they sleep for hours, they can still feel as though their body is not fully recharged.
ME is a neurological disease and is not the same as CFS or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The aetiology of ME is unknown, but it’s thought to involve immune dysfunction. The goal of research is to develop effective treatments. To do that, researchers need a clear definition of the disease.
The last two formal descriptions of ME [3,4] have used different elements to try and find an operational definition for the condition. The most recent publication uses the ME-ICC criteria and deviates from the original definition at two points. The most significant difference is the inclusion of long-lasting post-exertional muscle weakness as a mandatory symptom in ME.
Another distinguishing feature of ME is its relapsing pattern, with years passing between relapses. This is unlike other disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, which tend to come and go with stress.
Lastly, ME can occur in anyone and affects all races, ages, and socioeconomic groups. It is more common in women than men and is often seen in adolescents and children. In fact, it’s estimated that one million Americans have ME. It’s important to raise awareness about this illness so that people can get the help and support they need. In addition to raising awareness, we can also push for better and more consistent access to medical resources. You can help by supporting organizations such as the ME Association and making a donation to ME research. You can also help by educating your family, friends, and coworkers about ME.