Am I Suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Signs to Watch for
Today’s 21st century lifestyle comes with rapid advances in technology and communications, both of which make multi-tasking all the more essential to getting and keeping a good job. Add to this the upkeep of a home and family and the average, everyday citizen must work hard to keep everything in order while maintaining a certain degree of contentment along the way.
While feeling tired every now and then can be expected, the tiredness that comes with chronic fatigue syndrome doesn’t go away. Considering how easy it can be to get lost inside a busy schedule, chronic fatigue syndrome can sneak up on those who least suspect it.
For people who feel tired all the time, it’s important to cover all bases in terms of understanding when symptoms of fatigue may warrant cause for concern. Understanding how chronic fatigue syndrome works can go a long way towards being able to spot the signs before things get out of hand.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS, is a chronic condition that affects an estimated one million Americans each year. Someone affected by ME/CFS remains in a state of extreme fatigue for six months or more that’s unaffected by periods of bedrest.
Chronic fatigue syndrome comes and goes in cycles made up of alternating periods of fatigue and wellbeing, according to the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services.
In effect, symptoms of the condition can go into complete remission only to resurface at a later time. During periods of wellbeing, any overexertion or engagement in activities that require considerable physical or mental energy can bring on relapse.
Headaches and joint pain are common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Call our helpline at 888-646-0635Who Answers? to see if your insurance will help pay your rehab costs.
Signs to Watch for
People suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome reach a point where carrying out simple, daily tasks like dressing and bathing becomes a struggle. Over time, this condition reduces a person’s stamina and daily activity level in such a way that major areas of his or her life start to suffer, such as work performance and home life.
While fatigue acts as the primary symptom, any one person can experience a range of different symptoms depending on his or her physical health and overall lifestyle. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may include:
- Problems sleeping
- Headaches
- Problems concentrating
- Persistent muscle aches and pains
- Fluctuations in mood
- Balance and coordination problems
- Sore throat
- Hypersensitivity to light
- Muddled thinking
- Tender lymph nodes
- Joint pain
Considerations
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, women and people in their 40s and 50s face a higher risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome, especially when co-occurring conditions such as depression and/or a high-stress lifestyle exist.
When left untreated, chronic fatigue syndrome can cause full-blown disability in terms of leaving a person unable to maintain employment. Ultimately, symptoms of this condition affect a person’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in harmful ways over time.
If you suspect you or someone you know may be struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome and need help finding treatment that meets your needs, please don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at 888-646-0635Who Answers? to speak with one of our phone counselors.
