ME/CFS – Psychological Support
Why “small things” can sometimes come at a high cost
People living with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) often experience a significant worsening of symptoms following exertion. This phenomenon is known as Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM).
Importantly, this does not only refer to physical activity. Mental or social exertion can also lead to a considerable increase in symptoms.
Activities that may appear routine for others can therefore be highly demanding for people with ME/CFS, for example:
- Driving
- Household tasks
- Shopping
- Writing emails
- longer conversations or appointments
For this reason, managing exertion and structuring daily activities become important elements in coping with the condition.
Psychological Support for ME/CFS
ME/CFS often affects concentration, mental stamina, and the structure of everyday life.
Structured psychological support can help to build stability, better understand individual limits, and reduce the likelihood of setbacks.
My work follows a three-stage approach:
1. Assessment and Clarification
- Evaluation of concentration, attention, and cognitive capacity
- Assessment of mental fatigability
- Individual analysis of exertion patterns and triggers
2. Stabilisation
- Development of pacing strategies
- Structuring everyday activities
- Emotional and stress regulation
- Strategies for managing “brain fog”
3. Gradual Adjustment
- Careful expansion of individual capacity
- Training of attention and executive functions
- Support during return-to-work or professional reintegration