Day: June 17, 2025

Myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as ME/CFS, is an illness which has many symptoms and can have different levels of severity. It is a complex, neuroimmune condition which is very poorly understood and has no cure at present. It can affect people of all ages and is twice as common in females as it is in males.

The onset of ME/CFS can be sudden or develop gradually. It can occur after an infection (often, but not always viral), or there may be no obvious trigger. It can be triggered by physical activity or mental stress. A key symptom of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise, which is when your symptoms get worse after physical or mental activity and take longer than usual to recover. You can experience other symptoms including unrefreshing sleep, difficulty concentrating and pain.

ME/CFS can affect all aspects of your life, and can lead to severe impairments in work, school and family life. One in four people with ME/CFS become housebound or bedbound on their worst days and many are unable to access the services they need.

Most people with ME/CFS have a lot of trouble getting a diagnosis. They often have a long list of problems that seem to be unrelated, and it can be hard for doctors to put together a diagnosis. This is partly because ME/CFS can be misinterpreted as a psychotic or depressive disorder. Some patients are not believed by their doctor at all, which can make it difficult for them to get help.

There is no single test for ME/CFS and it can be difficult for GPs to distinguish between it and other conditions. Keeping a diary of your symptoms can help. GPs will ask about your health history and do a clinical examination. They will look for signs of other illnesses that could be causing your symptoms and will order blood and urine tests.

ME/CFS is thought to be caused by abnormal immune function and can be triggered by certain infections. It is also possible that there are other factors, such as genetics and environmental exposures. It is important for research to continue so that more precise diagnostic tools and treatments can be found as soon as possible.

Love is a powerful force that enriches our lives and provides us with support during tough times. It can take many forms, from the bond with family and camaraderie with friends to the butterflies that come with romantic feelings. It can also take the form of self-love and compassion for others, as well as care and concern for our environment.

The concept of love has been debated by philosophers, scientists and ordinary people for millennia. Many thinkers have argued that it’s impossible to define because it means different things to different people. Nonetheless, many people believe that love is a feeling that can change and that the way we show love to others determines whether or not it’s true love.

A common definition of love includes a sense of closeness with another person, along with respect and admiration for that person. It’s also about caring for and helping that person to achieve their full potential. Love can also include a desire to protect someone, and even be prepared to take risks in order to do so. Love can also be shown through thoughtful deeds such as giving a glass of water to someone who’s thirsty or cooking dinner for someone who’s sick.

In a broader sense, some people feel love for their pets and other animals, as well as for nature and the world around them. Others feel a strong sense of love for their country or ethnic group. This love can be expressed in a variety of ways, including through political activism and religious devotion.

It’s not uncommon to see stories about people in love and to hear couples say they’re “in love.” In fact, it seems like everyone is looking for that special someone with whom they can share their lives. However, the reality is that finding true love can be difficult. Those who are in toxic relationships or who have been hurt by previous partners can often end up feeling like they’re unworthy of loving someone. They may be unable to open up and trust others, which can lead to emotional problems in the future.

Biologically, falling in love is a complex process that involves the release of several hormones, such as adrenaline and norepinephrine. These chemicals cause the cheeks to flush, the palms to sweat and the heart to race when a person you’re attracted to first shows up in your life. Once you move past attraction into attachment, the brain’s reward centers become activated by oxytocin and dopamine, and you begin to make long-term plans with that person in mind.

The idea of love has been celebrated in poetry, music, plays and movies, as well as through everyday actions such as helping a friend out or making a stranger smile. When you’re able to stand up for your own values, show empathy and respect for others, be vulnerable, and hold yourself to high moral standards, you can experience the deep sense of connection that is often referred to as love.