Description
CONTENTS: Acknowledgments. Introduction. Why I have written this book and who it is for. My story. The different levels of CFS/ME: mild, moderate and severe. The whole person: CFS/ME, the body and the mind. 1. What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME? The Different Names for CFS/ME. The Symptoms. Stages of CFS/ME. What does it feel like to have CFS/ME? Why has my friend/relative not discussed this with me? How is it diagnosed? What causes CFS/ME? Treatment and management strategies. Conclusion. 2. CFS/ME and you (the friend of family member). Your reaction to the news. Changes in your relationship with the sufferer. Why it can be easy to say the wrong thing. Common misunderstandings. Support for you (the friend or family member). Conclusion. 3. Supporting your loved one to cope with the symptoms of CFS/ME. Helping with the physical symptoms. Helping with the cognitive symptoms. Helping with the emotional effects. Other factors that make coping with CFS/ME harder. Helping with making positive changes - treatment and management strategies. Preventing relapse and staying stable. Other things that can help. Conclusion. 4. Practical advice on how you can help with everyday life. Personal hygiene. Food and nutrition. Shopping. Mobility and travel. Domestic tasks, DIY and gardening. Money, employment and work. Caring responsibilities. Socialising and communication. Conclusion. 5. The top 10 tips on how you can help. Final note from the author. Resources/Directory of Support. References. Index.