How do Fatigue Conditions start?
There are many ways that people develop Fatigue conditions, including Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) as well as Fibromyalgia (FM). Some of the more common causes are viruses, bacterial infections, operations, vaccinations, etc. The onset can also occur after a stressful incident or a build up of stress. There is one common factor – the system is under stress.
What happens when we are under stress?
We produce a powerful cocktail of chemicals – including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin as a result of entering this state. This is the same chemistry produced during the fight or flight response – a natural process that is triggered in reaction to a perceived or real threat.
Physiological changes take place during fight or flight
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for a number of changes taking place. Heart rate and blood pressure increase in order to supply additional fuel to the major muscles. Blood sugar and thyroid levels are affected. Nonessential functions including digestion and immune system shut down allowing more energy for emergency systems.
Where’s the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The system is already under stress from the initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. If the person was run down at the time or there were other stressors present, this could prolong the recovery period. A slow recovery is then a cause for concern, which results in more stress. This depletes an already challenged immune system, slowing the process of recovery further.
Sufferers Search for Help
Sufferers are typically tested for other ailments by their doctors. After receiving the negative test results, the symptoms persist. People often turn to alternative approaches. Some people get temporary relief, but again the symptoms come back. It’s common for people to lose trust in their body and energy levels. This can help to further entrench the stress – symptom – stress cycle.
Stress response over the long-term
The stress response is wearing on the system when experienced over the long-term. The chemistry produced to help us out of danger becomes toxic. The immune system is depleted and most other systems in the body are disrupted. Prolonged stimulation causes depletion of adrenalin levels. More fatigue and physical symptoms follow as a result of this dysregulation of stress chemistry.
Can it be all in the mind?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is certainly not all in the mind. It’s a physical and debilitating illness affecting most bodily systems. However, purely physical approaches to recovery, or those that focus on specific symptoms rarely work. We need to recognize that the mechanisms that trigger these physiological responses are very much a part of the mind. Until these patterns are addressed, full recovery over the long term is unlikely.
How do we break these cycles?
Breaking free of these cycles is possible and can happen relatively quickly, given the right tools. The length of the recovery time, fortunately, is not relative to the duration of the illness. What’s required is an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles that are in place, along with an understanding of the connection between mind and body. New physical and cognitive approaches can then be used in order to positively influence health and bring balance to the system.
Health is incredibly buoyant!
It is common for people with fatigue conditions to feel flawed or broken. This is certainly not the case, although it can feel as if it is, due to the severity of the physical symptoms. Health is incredibly buoyant, it is just a case of discovering what is in the way. Once we can bring balance to the system, we can create the opportunity for the symptoms to naturally resolve and energy to return.