How does ME/CFS start?
There are numerous ways of developing Fatigue conditions, including Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) along with Fibromyalgia (FM). Some common causes include - viruses, bacterial infections, operations, vaccinations, etc. The cause can also be connected to a stressful incident or period in a persons life. The common factor is that the person's system is under stress.
What happens when our system is under stress?
We produce a powerful cocktail of chemicals - including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin as a result of entering this state. This is the same chemistry produced during the fight or flight response - a natural process that is triggered in reaction to a perceived or real threat.
Physiological changes take place during fight or flight
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for a number of changes taking place. Heart rate and blood pressure increase in order to supply additional fuel to the major muscles. Blood sugar and thyroid levels are affected. Nonessential functions including digestion and immune system shut down allowing more energy for emergency systems.
Where's the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The system is under stress due to the initial bug, virus, vaccination, trauma etc. There may have been additional stressors present or the sufferer could have been run-down already. This would prolong the recovery period. The sufferer may then become concerned at their slow recovery, which results in more stress. This depletes the already challenged immune system, further slowing the recovery process.
Searching for help
Sufferers seek help from their doctors and possibly have tests for other ailments. The tests return negative, but still the symptoms continue. People often look into alternative approaches. These sometimes give temporary relief, but again the symptoms persist. People start to mistrust their body and energy levels, which further entrenches the stress - symptom - stress cycle.
Long-term stress response
The system becomes depleted when subjected to the stress response over the long-term. The chemistry designed to help us out of danger becomes toxic. The immune system becomes depleted and most other bodily systems are disrupted. Adrenalin levels can become depleted after prolonged activation. The dysregulation of stress chemistry is responsible for more fatigue and physical symptoms.
So is it all in the mind?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a physical and debilitating illness affecting most bodily systems. It is certainly not all in the mind. However, the type of approaches to recovery that are purely physical, or that focus on specific symptoms are unlikely to work. What's needed is a recognition that the triggers to these physiological responses take place in the mind. Until we address these patterns, a full and lasting recovery is not likely.
Breaking the cycle
Breaking free of these cycles is possible and can happen relatively quickly, given the right tools. The length of the recovery time, fortunately, is not relative to the duration of the illness. What's required is an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles that are in place, along with an understanding of the connection between mind and body. New physical and cognitive approaches can then be used in order to positively influence health and bring balance to the system.
Health is incredibly buoyant!
It is common for people with fatigue conditions to feel flawed or broken. This is certainly not the case, although it can feel as if it is, due to the severity of the physical symptoms. Health is incredibly buoyant, it is just a case of discovering what is in the way. Once we can bring balance to the system, we can create the opportunity for the symptoms to naturally resolve and energy to return.
There are numerous ways of developing Fatigue conditions, including Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) along with Fibromyalgia (FM). Some common causes include - viruses, bacterial infections, operations, vaccinations, etc. The cause can also be connected to a stressful incident or period in a persons life. The common factor is that the person's system is under stress.
What happens when our system is under stress?
We produce a powerful cocktail of chemicals - including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin as a result of entering this state. This is the same chemistry produced during the fight or flight response - a natural process that is triggered in reaction to a perceived or real threat.
Physiological changes take place during fight or flight
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for a number of changes taking place. Heart rate and blood pressure increase in order to supply additional fuel to the major muscles. Blood sugar and thyroid levels are affected. Nonessential functions including digestion and immune system shut down allowing more energy for emergency systems.
Where's the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The system is under stress due to the initial bug, virus, vaccination, trauma etc. There may have been additional stressors present or the sufferer could have been run-down already. This would prolong the recovery period. The sufferer may then become concerned at their slow recovery, which results in more stress. This depletes the already challenged immune system, further slowing the recovery process.
Searching for help
Sufferers seek help from their doctors and possibly have tests for other ailments. The tests return negative, but still the symptoms continue. People often look into alternative approaches. These sometimes give temporary relief, but again the symptoms persist. People start to mistrust their body and energy levels, which further entrenches the stress - symptom - stress cycle.
Long-term stress response
The system becomes depleted when subjected to the stress response over the long-term. The chemistry designed to help us out of danger becomes toxic. The immune system becomes depleted and most other bodily systems are disrupted. Adrenalin levels can become depleted after prolonged activation. The dysregulation of stress chemistry is responsible for more fatigue and physical symptoms.
So is it all in the mind?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a physical and debilitating illness affecting most bodily systems. It is certainly not all in the mind. However, the type of approaches to recovery that are purely physical, or that focus on specific symptoms are unlikely to work. What's needed is a recognition that the triggers to these physiological responses take place in the mind. Until we address these patterns, a full and lasting recovery is not likely.
Breaking the cycle
Breaking free of these cycles is possible and can happen relatively quickly, given the right tools. The length of the recovery time, fortunately, is not relative to the duration of the illness. What's required is an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles that are in place, along with an understanding of the connection between mind and body. New physical and cognitive approaches can then be used in order to positively influence health and bring balance to the system.
Health is incredibly buoyant!
It is common for people with fatigue conditions to feel flawed or broken. This is certainly not the case, although it can feel as if it is, due to the severity of the physical symptoms. Health is incredibly buoyant, it is just a case of discovering what is in the way. Once we can bring balance to the system, we can create the opportunity for the symptoms to naturally resolve and energy to return.
About the Author:
About The Author: Russell Stubbs is a Coach, Therapist and Trainer. He holds recovery courses in the U.K and across Europe for people with - ME/CFS, PVFS and Fibromyalgia (FM). In the courses he teaches the Lightning Process - the most effective strategy for ending the cycle of ME/CFS. At his website - www.fatigueguide.com he also offers free resources including simple yet effective self-help techniques.
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