Myalgic encephalomyelitis, known by the name chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in the United States, is a chronic condition that causes pain and extreme exhaustion. It may appear suddenly or develop over time. It is often triggered by an infection but the exact cause remains unknown.
CFS can be a life-altering disease, leaving people with a reduced quality of life. It can lead to social isolation, loss of employment and a lack of support from friends and family. However, the symptoms of CFS can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
It is important for people with ME/CFS to know their illness and to talk to their health care provider about how it affects them. Symptoms can include post-exertional malaise, or feeling worse after physical or mental exertion; unrefreshing sleep; difficulty with thinking and memory, also called brain fog; and persistent, crushing fatigue. Some people experience other comorbidities, such as fibromyalgia (widespread muscle pain and unrefreshing sleep), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS, an increased heart rate upon standing) or gastroparesis and irritable bowel syndrome (bloating and constipation).
In the US, it is estimated that up to one million people have ME. It is more common in women than men and can affect people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, it is not well understood and is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. The inquest into the death of 27-year-old Maeve Boothby O’Neill, who had ME, found that her ME was not treated adequately by the NHS. This is not surprising, as many patients and families have struggled for years to get the right diagnosis.
There is no cure for ME but there are a number of treatments that can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy; medicines to treat sleep disorders, pain and inflammation; and exercise programs designed to increase energy without making the symptoms worse. Health care providers can also recommend assistive devices and provide accommodation at work or school to allow people with ME to succeed.
Choosing words to describe yourself can be difficult, especially in the context of an interview. It is essential that you choose positive words that are honest and genuinely capture your personality and strengths. It is also important to keep in mind that your interviewer will be less likely to hire you if you sound insincere or overly negative. So, be sure to use words that reflect your true qualities and avoid haphazardly using buzzwords such as “hardworking” or “team player.” For more tips on how to describe yourself, click here.