The Value of Support Part 1

While there is substantial evidence that upholds the psychological value of peer support groups, there are large numbers of people experiencing prolonged fatigue who do not seek medical advice.

Pain and unexplained illness can create anxiety and depression if left untreated and unexplained. The mind is the supreme leader of the body, if left to wither in fear then the body will also fail.

Below is part 1 of a recent interview I conducted with Craig Maupin of www.CFIDsReport.com on the value of support groups. He is living with CFS and was diagnosed at a young age. He offers insight and personal perspective on the disease and how it has been unfairly represented in media and society due to minimal research and information available.

Interview, Craig Maupin of the CFIDS Report http://www.cfidsreport.com/

MICHELLE: What do you view as the most important factor in choosing a support group?

For those with CFS, the factors that play into their choice of personal support may be very different than for other illnesses. Health and stamina issues can be a major determination in what choices are made. In my case, I was often too ill to attend meetings -- I attended just a few --, so online message boards and an email pen pal or two provided me, and still provides me, with valuable contact with other PWC’s. With this illness, it is important to be flexible in choosing support. One size doesn’t fit all. I also think most people are looking to find friends with similar symptoms and life experiences to their own. CFS support groups now take on a wide variety of patients with very different concerns and even illnesses, from those with CFS, to those with Fibromyalgia, to those who may simply have the symptom of “chronic fatigue”. It is important to realize that until more is known about CFS, within each support group may be a variety of concerns.

MICHELLE: Why do you think it is important to go to support groups?

CFS can be a very isolating experience. If there ever was a lonely, isolating illness, this has to be it. As a young person with CFS, I simply didn't see too many people who looked like me and were dealing with the life-altering issues I was dealing with.

When I found people who were experiencing similar problems to mine, it was an incredible feeling. Isn’t it much easier to fight something -- something that the public can be apathetic or misinformed about -- when you have someone standing with you who is going through the same losses and suffering? Veterans of wars talk about feeling bonded to those who have fought beside them. I feel the same about some of my friends with CFS, for the reason that only they can understand the ground upon which we walk and the battles we fight.

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