How to beat it
M.E. drags you down and you may get really low, frustrated and even angry. If you feel you really can't cope, remember that you're not alone. Other young people with M.E. are feeling just the same. On top of feeling ill, missing school and not seeing your friends can be miserable too.
One thing you must not do is feel guilty about not being able to do things. There is no way with M.E. you can just 'pull yourself together'.
Remember that you can only do the best you can, no one is expecting you to do loads when you are ill. Remember, too, that if we didn't have some bad times we wouldn't enjoy the good ones half as much!
Want to know what you can do to help shift those moody blues? Read on.
Worry
Worry is what we all do, but it is a force that can be used for good or evil. It's good in a test or game when it gives you a 'rush' to react quicker than usual. It is horrible when it fills you with feelings of dread, fear or panic. You get a dry mouth, tremble or you break out into a 'cold sweat'.
The thing is, worry is a normal part of life. Try not to let it get the better of you. Learn to control it, tame it and you will be able to use it in a good way!
Not doing things like going to school and seeing friends makes you get out of practice, lose confidence and worry more. No one would expect an injured footballer to score a goal the first time he gets back to the pitch after being off for a spell. So be kind with yourself and don't expect too much.
If you worry a lot, that can make your M.E. feel worse, so take out some time to look at your worries. With a friend or your mum or dad, write down each worry in turn and then think together how you might sort it out. That can really help.
Anger
Being angry is normal and healthy. Lots of things can make you 'see red'. You may feel life is tough and there is nothing you can do to change it.
Keeping a check on your anger is the tricky bit, of course.
Try to find a way to let it out, but remember that being violent is never an option. When you feel your temper flaring up, take a breather. Do nothing for a bit or just leave the room and come back later when you've calmed down. Think of why you were angry and look for a peaceful and helpful way out.
Being depressed
Only a few lucky people go through life without ever feeling low. But the rule is that if you feel low for more than a few days in a row, if it's stopping you from doing things you used to like and it's a problem that goes on for a long time, you may be depressed.
If you think you might be depressed, there are many things that can be done to make you feel better. Get mum, dad, or someone else you trust, to take you to the doctor. That's where the help is.
Boot out those bad thoughts:
Chill out!
Do something you really enjoy - listen to your favourite music, watch a good video or DVD, take a relaxing bath or read a great book. Go on, spoil yourself, you know you want to!
Speak out!
Instead of bottling it all up, speak to someone about how you feel. Try talking to your parents, friends, or the doctor. If you are too shy, it may help to contact Childline. See the links page for contact information.
Let it out!
It's perfectly ok to cry, punch a pillow or be angry if you feel like it - just be careful not to hurt anyone.
Spell it out!
Write down how you feel or draw and paint your moods. But not just when you're feeling low. Write down happy things and thoughts in a diary that you can look at and draw strength from.
Work it out!
Have a go at a new hobby or project you can do from home whenever you have a scrap of energy to spare. Set targets - not too hard - and enjoy reaching them. Focus on what you can do - not on what you can't.
See Let a4M.E Entertain you! for ideas.
Eat it beat it!
Eating three healthy meals a day is really important. No one feels good on an empty tummy, even if food is the last thing on your mind.
Cop out!
If you're looking for a quick fix, check out our Reality Bytes section to see how others are coping and pick up more helpful tips.
Information produced July 2003
Updated June 2004
