All About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and How to Overcome it with Psychological Therapy & Counselling

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes persistent fatigue that can affect your everyday life and doesn’t seem to go away with adequate sleep or rest.

CFS is also known as ME, which stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

It is considered a serious condition that can cause long-term illness and disability, but most people, particularly the young, will improve over time.

Estimates suggest around 250,000 people in the UK may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and anyone can develop the condition, although it is reported to be more common in women than men.

The problem usually develops in people in the 20 to 40 age range although children can also be affected.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Although most cases of CFS are classified as mild or moderate, one in four people can develop more severe symptoms.

The most common symptoms you may experience include:

• Feeling very tired for long periods of time.
• Struggling to carry out daily activities.
• Having broken sleep.
• Difficulty concentrating for long.
• Takiing a long time to recover after physical activity.
• Forgetting important things.

AS well as the symptoms mentioned above, you may also experience the following problems:

• Muscle pains.
• Heart palpitations
• Pains in the joints.
• Headaches.
• Dizzy spells.

Because CFS symptoms are similar to a number of other illnesses, we recommend that you speak to your GP before seeking any psychological therapy or counselling.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

As with many problems like CFS, the causes are largely unknown, although the following triggers have been suggested:

• Immune system problems.
• Some viral infections (including Coronavirus).
• Bacterial infections.
• Hormonal problems.

There are some suggestions that your genes may play a role but overall, no definitive causes have yet been identified.

Consequently, most therapy is targeted at symptom management rather than ‘cure’.

Therapy & Counselling for CFS/ME

We offer a number of different types of therapy and counselling for chronic fatigue syndrome and ME-related problems.

Choosing the most suitable therapy depends on a number of different considerations including factors such as:

• How long you have had the problem.
• Your personal preferences.
• How your problem is affecting you today.

You can read more about the different types of therapy for CFS on the following links:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Counselling for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Pluralistic Therapy for CFS

Although all therapies use slightly different approaches, the one thing they all have in common is the relationship that is formed between the client and therapist.

Research suggests that this therapy relationship may be the most important factor in achieving a good therapy outcome.

Arrange your FREE initial consultation here.

If you’d like to find out more about overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome or recovering from any of your mental health problems then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.

During this consultation we will discuss your particular issues and the different types of mental health counselling we offer without you having to commit to any counselling going forward.

The consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet with either Paul or Joan and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.