How does ME/CFS start?
There are a number of different factors in the development of Fatigue related conditions. Viruses, bacterial infections, operations, vaccinations, etc. can all be triggers. This can lead to the development of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM). The cause can also be attributed to a stressful incident or time in a persons life. The common factor in all of theses cases is that the sufferer's system is under stress.
What happens when our system is under stress?
When we are in this state we produce a powerful group of chemicals - including adrenalin, noradrenalin and cortisol. This is the same group of chemicals that we produce during the fight or flight response - the process that is triggered as a reaction to a real or perceived threat.
What physiological changes take place during fight or flight?
The sympathetic branch of the nervous system is responsible for a number of changes. Blood pressure and heart rate increase in order to bring additional fuel to the major muscles groups. Thyroid and blood sugar levels are affected. Functions that aren't essential including digestion and immune system are shut down to allow increased energy for emergency systems.
What's the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. has already under put the system under stress. If there were other stressors present or the person was run-down at the time, the recovery period could be prolonged. If the recovery is slow this can be a cause for concern, which results in more stress. The immune system, which is already challenged becomes depleted, further slowing the process of recovery.
Sufferers Search for Help
Sufferers are typically tested for other ailments by their doctors. After receiving the negative test results, the symptoms persist. People often turn to alternative approaches. Some people get temporary relief, but again the symptoms come back. It's common for people to lose trust in their body and energy levels. This can help to further entrench the stress - symptom - stress cycle.
Stress response over the long-term
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.
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.
How do we break these cycles?
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.
You are not broken!
People with fatigue conditions typically feel flawed or broken in some way. This is not the case, although the physical symptoms can be so severe that it feels as if it is so. Our health is incredibly buoyant, we just need to discover what is in the way. Once we redress the balance we create the opportunity for energy to return and symptoms to naturally resolve.
There are a number of different factors in the development of Fatigue related conditions. Viruses, bacterial infections, operations, vaccinations, etc. can all be triggers. This can lead to the development of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM). The cause can also be attributed to a stressful incident or time in a persons life. The common factor in all of theses cases is that the sufferer's system is under stress.
What happens when our system is under stress?
When we are in this state we produce a powerful group of chemicals - including adrenalin, noradrenalin and cortisol. This is the same group of chemicals that we produce during the fight or flight response - the process that is triggered as a reaction to a real or perceived threat.
What physiological changes take place during fight or flight?
The sympathetic branch of the nervous system is responsible for a number of changes. Blood pressure and heart rate increase in order to bring additional fuel to the major muscles groups. Thyroid and blood sugar levels are affected. Functions that aren't essential including digestion and immune system are shut down to allow increased energy for emergency systems.
What's the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. has already under put the system under stress. If there were other stressors present or the person was run-down at the time, the recovery period could be prolonged. If the recovery is slow this can be a cause for concern, which results in more stress. The immune system, which is already challenged becomes depleted, further slowing the process of recovery.
Sufferers Search for Help
Sufferers are typically tested for other ailments by their doctors. After receiving the negative test results, the symptoms persist. People often turn to alternative approaches. Some people get temporary relief, but again the symptoms come back. It's common for people to lose trust in their body and energy levels. This can help to further entrench the stress - symptom - stress cycle.
Stress response over the long-term
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.
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.
How do we break these cycles?
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.
You are not broken!
People with fatigue conditions typically feel flawed or broken in some way. This is not the case, although the physical symptoms can be so severe that it feels as if it is so. Our health is incredibly buoyant, we just need to discover what is in the way. Once we redress the balance we create the opportunity for energy to return and symptoms to naturally resolve.
About the Author:
About The Author: Russell Stubbs is a Coach, Therapist and Trainer. He runs recovery courses in the UKand across Europe for sufferers of - ME, CFS, PVFS and Fibromyalgia (FM). In the courses he teaches the Lightning Process - the most effective strategy for halting 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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