M.E. Awareness Week 2023

Supported by the UK organization Action For M.E., M.E. Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness about M.E.

The term M.E. is often used interchangeably or alongside the term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). However, there is debate as to whether these terms should be used together or separately.

Promoting Greater Understanding Of Symptoms & Their Effects On Quality Of Life

M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a condition defined by the presence of many symptoms which can include chronic fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, muscle pain, cognitive dysfunction ('brain fog'), sensitivity to sound and light, depression, anxiety, irritability and mood swings. Other symptoms of ME/CFS may include allergies or sensitivities to food, digestion problems, chills and night sweats, dizziness and fainting.

The symptoms mentioned here are by no means exhaustive and can vary between individuals, as can their severity. However, lack of energy (fatigue) and brain fog, in which the person has cognition problems such as poor concentration and memory, are common amongst most people with ME/CFS.

In many cases, when people with ME/CFS undergo physical activity they can bring on cognitive symptoms and when people exert themselves mentally they can bring on physical symptoms.

A state known as 'post exertional malaise' is also a characteristic of this condition. Post exertional malaise is a fatigued, and brain fogged state which occurs typically 24 hours after physical exertion. Post exertional malaise can worsen symptoms and the effects can last for days, weeks or even longer.

Post exertional malaise adds to the frustration people with ME/CFS experience. There may be times when symptoms lessen; feeling they are 'ok' people with ME/CFS do more activity which then sets them back again. Symptoms of ME/CFS can last weeks, months or years varying in severity during this time and they can have a major impact on the quality of life.

Action For M.E.

Action For M.E. provide materials with information for M.E. Awareness Week including posters and leaflets which people can use to promote awareness about this debilitating condition.

The Action For M.E. 'faces of M.E.' campaign addresses the issue that people of all ages can be affected by M.E./CFS . By educating the public about M.E., M.E. Awareness Weeks aims to raise funding for support and research.

Many individuals affected by M.E. also participate in M.E. Awareness week, further increasing knowledge and understanding whilst providing encouragement and support for sufferers.

For more information on M.E. Awareness Week, visit the Action for M.E. website.