Social Issues Surrounding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

It is unfortunate that chronic fatigue syndrome carries with it a stigma as many of those who suffer from it are regarded as lazy or hypochondriacs. Sometimes called the "yuppie flu" many people believe the misconception that CFS sufferers simply want plenty of attention. Due to the fact that no one diagnostic test can point to chronic fatigue syndrome, many individuals feel that it is very easy to create symptoms that are CFS-like in origin. In this case the few has ruined it for the many as there have been cases where individuals have invented the disease in order to reap financial, social or emotional/ mental benefits from it.

CFS sufferers often find that misconceptions regarding their disease cause them a variety of problems in their day-to-day lives. Many CFS patients suffer from anxiety, depression and anger and these emotions are magnified for those who do not have a supportive unit of loved ones, friends and co-workers. It is all too true but terribly sad that many patients who suffered chronic fatigue syndrome in the past had to cope with unsupportive family members, doctors and bosses who were not understanding to their plight and many have lost their jobs due to the disease they are suffering from. As well careers have been destroyed due to CFS and marriages have ended. Many people have had to sacrifice their personal relationships and many a student has had to let a scholarship go because of the severity of their disease.

The anxiety, stress and depression that results from suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome often arises due to the emotional, social and financial problems that are often a major part of this disorder. Many people who have CFS loss many days at work because of the chronic exhaustion they experience and this puts excessive strain on families when the patient is the sole financial supporter of the entire family. Even if the person is single or has a spouse who also is employed this can still lead to financial pressures. Studies have shown that chronic fatigue sufferers are at a high risk of becoming suicidal, as are people who are disabled and end up becoming very dependent on other people.

Social isolation is one of the greatest side effects of suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Those who suffer from the severest forms of CFS often become confined to their homes, unable to work or go about their regular daily activities. This also means that other people have to be depended upon for such things as buying groceries or running basic errands. As well social activities become non-existent which can lead to even more feelings of social isolation and depression. For some it gets so bad that they become confined to their beds.

The advent of the Internet has provided some relief for CFS sufferers especially for those who are home or bed ridden. Not only does the Internet provide valuable information but it also provides access to support groups and like-minded individuals who can empathize with the CFS patient's difficult situation.

Some notable sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome include singer and actress Cher, actress Jennifer Beals, writer and director Blake Edwards, nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, author Gore Vidal and comedian Gilda Radner.

Recommended Reading

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