Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndome

When you have chronic fatigue syndome, learning how to pace yourself and manage or avoid physical and emotional stress is important. Physical activity helps you to feel better not just physically, but emotionally as well. Regular exercise can lessen body aches, joint and muscle pain, and increase energy. But, be careful not to over do it. Too much exercise can end up causing more fatigue. As you build up strength over time, you may be able to increase the intensity of your exercise program. Physical therapists and rehabilitation medicine specialists can help you develop an exercise program and a daily activity plan that won't be too stressful or something you can't handle.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a special treatment that can help you to change the way you think about your condition. It also helps you to develop ways to improve both your daily functioning and quality of life.

Yoga, stretching, and self-hypnosis are some alternative treatments that some people report help with chronic fatigue syndome. Keep in mind that there are many alternative treatments, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies touted to cure illnesses like chronic fatigue syndome, which can end up doing a person more harm than good. Remember to always keep your health care provider informed of the other health care professionals and alternative practitioners you are seeing.

Having an illness for which there is no cure can cause psychological stress and even depression for some people. It is normal to feel cranky, sad, angry, and frustrated with an illness that causes extreme fatigue and pain. Psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") can help you learn how to manage your feelings about this difficult illness. It may also be helpful to join a support group, where you can talk with other people who are going through the same thing.