Beyond fatigue, lets dispel the myths about ME on World ME Day 2025

As World ME Day approaches on 12 May 2025, we’re sharing information about myalgic encephalomyelitis to support everyone, not just rehabilitation professionals, in understanding this often misdiagnosed condition and improving patient care through evidence-based practice.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), affects millions globally but remains surrounded by myths and misconceptions. This year’s World ME Day theme #JustOneWish gives voice to people living with this debilitating condition, many of whom simply wish for proper recognition and understanding.

As rehabilitation professionals, we can help dispel these common myths:

• Myth: ME is a mental health condition or “just being tired”
  Fact: ME is a biological illness affecting metabolism and impairing the brain, immune system and autonomic nervous system

• Myth: People with ME can exercise their way to recovery
  Fact: Exercise can be harmful for people with ME, often worsening symptoms and potentially causing long-term deterioration

• Myth: ME only affects certain groups of people
  Fact: ME affects people of all backgrounds, though approximately 75% are women

• Myth: Long COVID is entirely different from ME
  Fact: Many Long COVID patients meet the diagnostic criteria for ME, with both conditions sharing biological similarities

• Myth: Healthcare professionals cannot help people with ME
  Fact: While there’s no cure, rehabilitation professionals can help manage symptoms through appropriate pacing strategies and symptom management

The telltale symptom of ME isn’t just tiredness but post-exertional malaise (PEM), where even small amounts of physical or mental activity cause overwhelming symptom flare-ups. These “crashes” can last days or weeks, and for people with severe ME, even sitting up or having a brief conversation might trigger serious setbacks.

Despite what many of us learned when training, exercise can actually harm people with ME. While physical activity helps many chronic conditions, for ME patients it often worsens symptoms when they exceed their limited energy reserves. Health organisations like NICE and the CDC have moved away from recommending graded exercise therapy. Instead, they suggest pacing activities throughout the day, balancing activity with rest to avoid triggering PEM.

The Physiopedia page on ME/CFS gives rehabilitation professionals up-to-date information on diagnosis, underlying mechanisms, symptoms and management options. Recent updates also explore the connection between ME and long COVID, as research shows many long COVID patients develop symptoms matching ME diagnostic criteria.

There’s no cure for ME yet, but rehabilitation professionals can make a real difference by using approaches that work within PEM limitations. This might include helping patients develop personalised pacing strategies, addressing sleep disturbances, managing pain and supporting those with severe ME through home visits and telehealth options.

World ME Day falls on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, who many medical historians believe suffered from ME herself. Since its start the day has grown into an international event helping combat the stigma and misunderstanding that still surrounds ME.

For anyone looking to learn more, Physiopedia shares practical information on assessment methods that don’t push patients too hard, management strategies that respect energy limitations and how to set realistic goals for people living with ME. Getting this right matters because well-intentioned but inappropriate treatments can actually set back progress and affect recovery.

This World ME Day 2025, we can all help improve care by learning more about the latest ME research through Physiopedia’s evidence-based resources. When we understand that ME is a genuine physical illness requiring specific management approaches, we’re better equipped to support the millions living with this condition. Share your thoughts and show support using #MEAwarenessDay2025 and #JustOneWish on social media.