Six myths and facts everyone should know about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) 

 

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as ME/CFS, is a debilitating illness that affects millions of people worldwide. However, persistent myths and misunderstandings hinder its recognition and treatment.

Picture of girl ill in bed. Text says Myth vs Fact.

For World ME day on May 12th 2025 WAMES is joining with the World ME Alliance (WMEA) and countries around the world to debunk six of the most common myths about ME and share the medical facts everyone should know.

Challenge the myths, champion the facts!

In the run up to World ME Day we will be releasing images to share

Myth:  ME is a mental health condition

Fact: ME is a biological illness that disrupts the metabolism and impairs the brain, immune system and autonomic nervous system

Myth: ME is just about feeling tired

Fact: The defining symptom of ME is Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)

– an extreme worsening of symptoms after even minor physical or mental exertion. While there is no cure for ME, there are compassionate ways to help patients manage their symptoms, in addition to pacing to prevent PEM.

Myth: You can exercise your way to recovery from ME

Fact: Exercise can be dangerous for people with ME

Unlike other chronic conditions where exercise can help, structured exercise programs often make ME symptoms worse as patients end up pushing themselves too far.

Myth: Only certain groups of people can develop ME

Fact: ME affects people of all races, genders, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds

Myth: Doctors cannot help people with ME

Fact:  Doctors can help people manage ME symptoms

While there is no cure for ME, there are compassionate ways to help patients manage their symptoms, in addition to pacing, to prevent PEM.

 

Myth: Long COVID is entirely different from ME

Fact: Many Long COVID patients have symptoms that match ME

More information

Myth: ME is just about feeling tired

Myth: Mae ME yn ymwneud â theimlo’n flinedig

Myth: ME is a mental health condition

Myth: Mae ME yn gyflwr iechyd meddwl

Myth: You can exercise your way to recovery from ME

Myth: Gallwch ymarfer eich ffordd i wella o ME

Myth: Only certain groups of people can develop ME

Myth: Dim ond rhai grwpiau o bobl all ddatblygu ME

Myth: Doctors cannot help people with ME 

Myth: Ni all meddygon helpu pobl ag ME

Myth: Long COVID is entirely different to ME

Myth: Mae COVID Hir yn hollol wahanol i ME

#WorldMEDay      #MyalgicE       #MEAwareness

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2 Responses to World ME Day 2025: Dispelling 6 ME myths

  1. Catherine says:

    This is a great idea to spread correct information about ME and raising awareness on what a debilitating illness it is.

  2. P Farrell says:

    I really appreciate this informative approach regarding ME/CFS as I battle judgement from presumptive, people some being in positions of regularly assessing you & making a difficult life even harder as you battle their narrow mindedness based on ignorance, it only takes one person to negatively impact your life when you are constantly searching for positiveness to sustain you.