There are a lot of things that define who you are – your achievements, the skills you have learned throughout your life and those you have yet to learn. But the biggest thing that defines you is the way that you see yourself and how others see you.
Whether in an interview with a potential employer or in your dating profile, your self-image is determined by the words that you use to describe yourself. It’s why it is so important to avoid generic phrases that sound too much like everyone else’s and choose instead more specific, more meaningful words to describe yourself.
One of the most common and often misunderstood terms is “ME”. ME is an illness characterized by profound fatigue and a variety of other symptoms, including aches and pains, difficulty concentrating or remembering, and an inability to recover from activity. Many people who have ME find themselves unable to work or are able to work only part time and often need help at home from family and friends. Children may be unable to go to school or need special support at home and in the classroom.
There is no test for ME and it can take a long time to get diagnosed. People can be referred to specialist clinics but in some areas, there are no specialists and the waiting lists are long. People with ME also face prejudice and discrimination from friends, colleagues and healthcare professionals.
ME affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds and social classes. It is more common in women than men. It can be more or less severe in different people and varies by how long it lasts and the type of symptoms that are experienced.
The cause of ME is not known but it is thought that it may be triggered by an infection. There are several possible triggers including viral infections such as influenza and Epstein-Barr virus, vaccinations, physical trauma or chemical toxins. In some cases, ME has been seen to run in families, suggesting a genetic link or common environmental exposure.
There is no cure for ME but some patients find that their symptoms improve over time and some even recover completely. Some treatments that have been suggested are pacing – matching activities to your available energy levels, sleep aids and medications for pain and depression. ME can be a lifelong condition but it can be managed successfully with some support and understanding from friends, family and health care providers. If you are newly diagnosed with ME our booklet Newly Diagnosed with ME offers advice and suggestions for you and your GP as well as facts about ME and guidance to help you be an active partner in your own care. There are also local support groups who can offer peer support, advice and signposting for help and resources. For details of these, see Action for ME’s list of support groups and ALISS’s national directory.