The signs of chronic fatigue syndrome and when you should reach out for help

Making lifestyle changes can also help.

“People with chronic fatigue syndrome can take steps to manage their symptoms through lifestyle modifications, such as following an anti-inflammatory diet, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and using gentle movement therapies like stretching or yoga,”

Can it be treated?

Although there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, there are treatments available that can help manage the condition and alleviate its symptoms.

According to the NHS website, one of the primary treatments is energy management, which provides guidance on how to make the most of your available energy without worsening symptoms.

“Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the UK, which require symptoms like persistent fatigue, PEM, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive impairment to be present for at least six months,” says Enayat. “Blood tests and other investigations are often carried out to exc... See more

“If you experience persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest and significantly impacts daily life for more than six months, along with other symptoms such as brain fog, muscle pain or dizziness, it is essential to consult a GP or specialist,”

“Unlike many other illnesses where rest leads to improvement, in chronic fatigue syndrome, exertion can worsen symptoms significantly, making pacing and energy management crucial.”

“Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome struggle with even the most basic daily activities, such as getting out of bed, cooking, or holding conversations,” highlights Enayat. “The condition affects work, relationships, and social life, possibly leading to isolation, financial difficulties, and emotional distress.

“Conditions that share similar symptoms include fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or multiple sclerosis), Lyme disease, depression, and post-viral syndromes,”

“The most prominent symptom is persistent and unexplained fatigue lasting for at least six months, but other common symptoms include post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulties such as brain fog, muscle and joint pain, headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues,”

One of the biggest misconceptions about this condition is that it is simply ‘being tired’ or a psychological condition caused by stress or depression, notes the GP.

“While mental health conditions can co-exist with chronic fatigue syndrome, it is not a psychological disorder,”