Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Coping Strategies
Here are the coping strategies for chronic fatigue syndrome as recommended by the experts: physicians, psychotherapists, and patients. Some deal with the physical side of the condition, some with the emotional side of living with chronic illness, and some are simply practical tips. Together with your doctor's advice and care, they can help you cope day to day with CFS.Establish a partnership with your health-care team. Find a doctor whom you trust and who takes chronic fatigue syndrome seriously (since the very existence of CFS as a unique medical condition is not universally accepted in the medical field). Interview several doctors, if needed, and ask plenty of questions. Then, when it comes to making a choice, trust your gut. Also, work with your doctor and other health-care providers by learning about chronic fatigue syndrome.
 An appropriate amount of physical activity helps keep you emotionally and physically healthy. |
Do what you can for your body. Practice the basics of healthy living: Eat a nutritious diet, get enough rest, and participate in a mild exercise program, even if it's just a five-minute daily walk.
Grieve for what you've lost. It's okay to feel sad that you have developed a chronic illness. Grieving over it can help you accept it.
Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault you're sick.
Find support. Talking about your condition with other CFS sufferers can be a big help. They understand what you're going through, and they can offer support, advice, friendship, and information. Ask your doctor or local hospital about local support groups or check the yellow pages or Internet. However, avoid support groups that use the gatherings as sales meetings for alternative products. You might also want to consider seeking professional counseling, since depression often accompanies any chronic condition.
Spend your energy wisely. Several patients talk of using their precious stores of energy like coins from a piggy bank that they ration carefully and use only when necessary. Sit instead of standing, avoid unnecessary trips up and down stairs, get a handicapped parking sticker so you can park close to your destination, have your groceries delivered, and/or hire someone to clean the house. These are all ways to save energy doing everyday tasks.
Set reasonable goals. Be realistic as you set daily goals, keeping in mind how you really feel, not how you wish you felt. If you set your goals too high, you'll feel disappointed when you don't meet them. If you have reasonable expectations, you can meet your goals and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and control.
Schedule rest periods. Listen to your body, and respect its need to rest before and after activities.
Set priorities. You may have time to do only the top two or three things on your to-do list, so make sure the most important tasks are at the very top of the list.
Keep work and home schedules on the same calendar. That way, you won't overwhelm yourself by scheduling an important work meeting on the same day as your child's birthday party, for example.
Learn to adapt. Find ways to socialize that won't wear you out. Watch a video at home with friends instead of going to the movies, or order takeout instead of meeting in a restaurant. Friends and family members who really care about you won't mind staying in.
Have fun. With less energy to get things done, you may be tempted to work whenever you feel well and to consider socializing an extravagance you can't afford. Keep your life balanced by making time for friends and family.
Keep a journal. Even if you don't write in it every day, keeping a journal can help you put your feelings into perspective.
Don't ignore your sexuality. You may have to schedule sex for when you feel good. And that may be in the morning or afternoon, if you're often tired at night.
Keep your sense of humor. Seek out funny movies, books, television shows, and people that distract you from your daily stress rather than encourage you to wallow in it.
Live for today. Try not to dwell on the past or the future.
In the next section, we'll find out about alternative therapies.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
