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SEID/CFS Irony – Mind Over Matter

2/16/2016

4 Comments

 
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I did a lot of surfing and exploring of the definition of irony before I would even consider using the word.  As many have experienced, there is a current culture of ‘looking down one’s nose’ at the ignorant use of the term irony - Alanis Morissette a prime example of being taken to task by many.  I have decided that I’ll risk it.  Please feel free to chide me if your take is different.
 
Here’s my perspective.  We live in a culture where people are recognized, honored and even championed when they ignore the physical signals of their bodies and push themselves to the brink of their capacity - to a breaking point in the pursuit of some objective.  It’s lauded as the ultimate achievement of Mind Over Matter.  We see this most dramatically in athletic competitions – the Olympics come to mind - but it also has a formidable presence in the work place, at home and even in personal leisure pursuits.  Ultimately, we are held up to the ‘You Can Do It All’ standard.  And in a lot of situations, we manage to get away with it for a while.
 
Then SEID/CFS takes up residence.  I don’t think that it’s a coincidence that many SEID/CFS sufferers would label themselves as Type A personalities prior to SEID/CFS.  And so when we are challenged with something that threatens us to the core of our physical capacity, what’s the instinctual ‘go to’ solution?  Yes – Push Through It.  Mind Over Matter.  And we are shaken when this not only doesn’t work but it makes SEID/CFS worse.  Not to mention the opinions expressed by others who observe and conclude that we’re soft, undisciplined, burnt out or just depressed.
 
So here’s the Dramatic or Tragic Irony.  The solution to personal challenges that has been engrained in us since childhood – Mind Over Matter – is the complete reverse of what is required to get control over SEID/CFS and to ultimately recover.  And it is delivered, wrapped in an ugly package of judgment that we’re weak and in some way inferior.  Did I get it right?  Please COMMENT on this blog or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.  And Guest Blogs are most welcome!

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,
 
Martha


4 Comments
OM
2/17/2016 04:58:04 pm

Right again! Many of us tried to keep going the same as usual for years after getting ME/CFS. Now the research shows that only makes it worse and so it does. We live in hope that the fog that has surrounded this illness will lift soon and all will benefit.

Reply
martha
2/17/2016 09:57:57 pm

Amen to that! Thanks OM!

Reply
julie lee
2/18/2016 04:20:22 am

Oh my,did you ever get this right! After years of leading a workaholic lifestyle and then crashing with CFS it was inferred that l just wasn't a "strong" person anymore! I was quite hurt by this statement but after reading your posts about people just not understanding this condition l realised this attitude is very common.Thank you for all the work you do as it helps tremendously.

Reply
Martha
2/18/2016 08:32:50 pm

When I was sick with CFS, people could make the most hurtful, judgmental comments. Things haven't changed much today. Somehow we have to learn to deflect the negativity and focus on getting well. Thanks Julie Lee!

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    Hello,  I'm
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    After struggling with CFS for four years I am fortunate now to be fully well and making choices about how I want to live my healthy life.  One choice is to be an active part of the CFS community and to offer one voice from the fully recoverd to the dialogue.  I'm glad you're here!   For more about me, here's my Bio.

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