How do Fatigue Conditions start?
Apr 07
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?
As a result of entering this state we produce a cocktail of chemicals – including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin. This powerful group of chemicals is also produced during the fight or flight response – this is the natural process that is triggered in reaction to a threat – either real or perceived.
Physiological changes take place during fight or flight
A number of changes take place, due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Additional fuel is directed to the major muscles groups by increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Thyroid and blood sugar levels are affected. Increased energy is needed for emergency systems which causes nonessential functions including digestion and immune system to shut down.
What’s the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. has already under put the system under stress. If there were other stressors present or the person was run-down at the time, the recovery period could be prolonged. If the recovery is slow this can be a cause for concern, which results in more stress. The immune system, which is already challenged becomes depleted, further slowing the process of recovery.
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.
The stress response over the long-term
The system becomes depleted when subjected to the stress response over the long-term. The chemistry designed to help us out of danger becomes toxic. The immune system becomes depleted and most other bodily systems are disrupted. Adrenalin levels can become depleted after prolonged activation. The dysregulation of stress chemistry is responsible for more fatigue and physical symptoms.
Is it 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.
Breaking the cycle
It is possible to break free of these cycles and it can be done quickly, given the right tools. Fortunately, the length of time of the illness does not determine the length of the recovery time. What’s needed is an understanding of the mind – body connection and an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles. We can then learn to use new physical and cognitive strategies that influence our health in a positive way.
You are not broken!
Sufferers of fatigue related conditions can typically feel broken or flawed in some way. Although the physical symptoms can be so severe that it feels as if this is so, this is not the case. Human health is incredibly buoyant, it is just necessary to discover what is in the way. Once we can bring balance to the system, we can create the opportunity for energy to return and physical symptoms to naturally resolve.
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