Many people with ME/CFS, Long COVID, Fibromyalgia, POTS and related chronic illnesses have been told they're weak, lazy, or simply not trying hard enough.
But after years of illness and more than a decade of supporting others, I've come to believe there may be a different problem entirely.
Why do so many people continue pushing through debilitating symptoms? Why do they keep trying to meet responsibilities, support others, and carry on long after their bodies are asking them to stop?
In this video, I share a personal experience that led me to reflect on an often-overlooked pattern I see in people living with chronic illness. We explore the push-crash cycle, the pressure of the "shoulds" and "musts" that many of us carry, and why doing less is not always the same as truly resting.
We'll also discuss why rest is about more than inactivity, how guilt and self-pressure can make it difficult to recover, and why learning to be kinder to ourselves may be harder than it sounds.
If you've experienced ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Long COVID, Fibromyalgia, POTS, PVFS or a related chronic illness, I'd love to hear your perspective.
Has this illness taught you to slow down and rest, or have you found yourself pushing through for far longer than you should have?
SHOWNOTES:
https://cfsunravelled.com/episode30
\*\*MEDICAL DISCLAIMER\*\*: Dan Neuffer, CFS Unravelled or ANS REWIRE do not provide medical advice, and the information available in this video does not offer a diagnosis or medical advice of any kind. The content are opinions and information presented for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, and MUST NOT be used as an alternative to a healthcare professional’s diagnosis and treatment. Only a physician or other licensed healthcare professional are able to determine the requirement for medical assistance. Please seek the advice of your physician or other licensed healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding a medical condition.
