Feeling rubbish! Help please.

lixy

So little is understood about ME even now - researchers are working hard at last.

My niece found it helpful to have a small 'to do today' list. She put three things on it, such as 'find a yellow flower' 'spot a robin' or 'see what I can see in the clouds'. Most days she could tick at least 2 off and felt that she had achieved something with her day. Gradually she began to feel more positive.
Eventually she ran out of ideas so she involved the whole family in making her list; we would take it in turns. Gchn were the most inventive: find a stick and float it in a puddle, how many different greens can you see from your window?

Her mum collected the lists and wrote all the ideas on lollipop sticks. Now there is a ready resource for when she feels she needs it; she just picks a stick at random from the jam jar.

She still goes up and down but took tiny steps.

I love this. Thank you.

And, a massive huge thank you to all who’ve responded. You’ve made my day so much brighter and some great suggestions.

I wish you all a bright new week filled with sunshine, even it’s it not literally!

Oh Cossy - have a free hug! Wouldn't it be great if it was 'just pull yourself together'... Clearly you are asking more of yourself than you have got to give. We all have different limits and 'drains'. Suggestions - try to be a bit selfish, read anything about how athletes/healthy/confident people live - try out any ideas that seem worth a go.

So little is understood about ME even now - researchers are working hard at last.

My niece found it helpful to have a small 'to do today' list. She put three things on it, such as 'find a yellow flower' 'spot a robin' or 'see what I can see in the clouds'. Most days she could tick at least 2 off and felt that she had achieved something with her day. Gradually she began to feel more positive.
Eventually she ran out of ideas so she involved the whole family in making her list; we would take it in turns. Gchn were the most inventive: find a stick and float it in a puddle, how many different greens can you see from your window?

Her mum collected the lists and wrote all the ideas on lollipop sticks. Now there is a ready resource for when she feels she needs it; she just picks a stick at random from the jam jar.

She still goes up and down but took tiny steps.

There are ME support groups: I met up with some members on a trip to Edinburgh a few years ago. I learned a lot about ME by speaking to them.

Some symptoms of long covid are similar to chronic fatigue/m.e. The significant rise in people suffering will hopefully lead to research and answers soon for you.

I've, also, had M.E. for 20 odd years. You are feeling angry and bitter as you are grieving the life that you would have had if not for this dreadful disease. This is entirely normal, we all go through it and it makes everything seem worse. Good luck with your M.E. journey. hugs

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems Cossy I think "getting a grip" etc is not the right way to approach this. You have your diagnoses now you have to look at strategies for dealing with them. You are already getting good support from your GP, a mental health nurse will be able to advise you about coping mechanisms as well. There will also be support groups out there with others dealing with the same conditions, talk to them and help each other. I hope things improve for you soon.

Cossy your feelings are quite understandable; don't feel guilty (though I know that's easier said than done!) I've had ME/CFS for about 20 years and I think it being an invisible illness makes it harder as we and other people can feel we just need to pull ourselves together ( horrible expression). It is (or can be) extremely debilitating and I'm so glad you are getting good support from your doctor. Very good luck with all the remedies you are trying. Xxx

First of all, have a hug.

I'm quite stressed at the moment. I find setting myself very small challenges, some of which are daily repeats, helps a little. I think of them as stabilising (or grounding) actions.

Hope you find something that helps.