I hope that reading my story has shown you that improvement is possible with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If you would like to improve, what should you do? Here are five suggestions, along with two websites.

1) Get Medical Help
A doctor can confirm a diagnosis of CFS, prescribe medications to treat major symptoms, and help you with other medical issues that often accompany CFS. For more, see the article How Your Doctor Can Help If You Have CFS/ME.

2) Focus on Pacing 
If there is one secret to improvement, it is living within the limits imposed by CFS by pacing. Pacing takes time to master, but the rewards can start immediately. A good place to begin is with daily rests. For more on pacing, see the series Pacing: What It Is and How to Do It.

3) Manage Stress
CFS both increases stress and makes people more sensitive to stress. This combination makes managing stress crucial. You can begin by working to reduce stress, for example, by setting aside time for yourself to relax every day. Stress avoidance is also very useful. For more, see Stress Management and Controlling Stress.

4) Use Patience and Determination
Improvement is possible but usually gradual, so approach it with an attitude that combines patience and determination. I call it acceptance with a fighting spirit, which means accepting that life has changed for now, but believing that there are things to do that will bring improvement. For more, see the article The 1% Solution.

5) Get Support from Other People with CFS
Knowing others with CFS can counteract isolation and depression, and provide information, understanding, inspiration and support. For more, see the article Finding Support Groups and Doctors.

Websites

The CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help Program 
The site for our self-management program and the place you’ll find the articles mentioned above.

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
A site I created together with Dr. Charles Lapp. The site guides you step by step through the process of creating an individualized treatment plan.

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