How do Fatigue Conditions 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?
As a result of entering this state we produce a cocktail of chemicals - including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin. This powerful group of chemicals is also produced during the fight or flight response - this is the natural process that is triggered in reaction to a threat - either real or perceived.
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.
How are the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome connected?
The system is already under stress from the initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. If the person was run down at the time or there were other stressors present, this could prolong the recovery period. A slow recovery is then a cause for concern, which results in more stress. This depletes an already challenged immune system, slowing the process of recovery further.
Sufferers Search for Help
Sufferers typically seek help from their doctors who run tests for other ailments. The test results are negative but the symptoms persist. Sufferers often try alternative approaches. Sometimes these give temporary relief, but once again the symptoms return. People can easily lose trust in their body and energy levels. This further entrenches the stress - symptom - stress pattern.
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.
Can it be all in the mind?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is certainly not all in the mind. It's a physical and debilitating illness affecting most bodily systems. However, purely physical approaches to recovery, or those that focus on specific symptoms rarely work. We need to recognize that the mechanisms that trigger these physiological responses are very much a part of the mind. Until these patterns are addressed, full recovery over the long term is unlikely.
How can these cycles be broken?
It is possible to break free of these cycles and it can be done quickly, given the right tools. Fortunately, the length of time of the illness does not determine the length of the recovery time. What's needed is an understanding of the mind - body connection and an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles. We can then learn to use new physical and cognitive strategies that influence our health in a positive way.
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 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?
As a result of entering this state we produce a cocktail of chemicals - including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin. This powerful group of chemicals is also produced during the fight or flight response - this is the natural process that is triggered in reaction to a threat - either real or perceived.
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.
How are the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome connected?
The system is already under stress from the initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. If the person was run down at the time or there were other stressors present, this could prolong the recovery period. A slow recovery is then a cause for concern, which results in more stress. This depletes an already challenged immune system, slowing the process of recovery further.
Sufferers Search for Help
Sufferers typically seek help from their doctors who run tests for other ailments. The test results are negative but the symptoms persist. Sufferers often try alternative approaches. Sometimes these give temporary relief, but once again the symptoms return. People can easily lose trust in their body and energy levels. This further entrenches the stress - symptom - stress pattern.
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.
Can it be all in the mind?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is certainly not all in the mind. It's a physical and debilitating illness affecting most bodily systems. However, purely physical approaches to recovery, or those that focus on specific symptoms rarely work. We need to recognize that the mechanisms that trigger these physiological responses are very much a part of the mind. Until these patterns are addressed, full recovery over the long term is unlikely.
How can these cycles be broken?
It is possible to break free of these cycles and it can be done quickly, given the right tools. Fortunately, the length of time of the illness does not determine the length of the recovery time. What's needed is an understanding of the mind - body connection and an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles. We can then learn to use new physical and cognitive strategies that influence our health in a positive way.
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 holds 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 and effective self-help techniques.
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