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Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The first book offering an optimistic, upbeat message for sufferers of CFS (also known as CFIDS, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome), "Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Guide to Self-Empowerment" shows patients that recovery is possible. Dr. William Collinge, creator of the first mind/body program for CFS, outlines principles and strategies used by former CFS patients to heal themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Mass Market Paperback
First published April 21, 1993
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 27, 2024
This book found me, truly. I stumbled upon it in a little free library in a town that I had never been to and probably will never be again. Published in 1993, it came to me 20 years later after passing through the hands of many others who needed its message.
I started reading it last month, nearly nine years into my journey with this illness, at a time when I was starting to doubt myself again. Doubt if I was doing enough, trying enough, if I ever had been, if I would ever make it through this.
It was like this book was written specifically for me, mirroring so much of my journey with scary accuracy and proving to me over and over that everything I’ve been through has been part of my path to healing.
I am exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I need to be doing. And it reminded me to celebrate all that I’ve already been through and overcome.
I’m not sure I can fully put into words what this book has meant to me.
Thank you to William Collinge for pioneering this work, for giving a voice to the voiceless, and hope to the hopeless.
Grateful is an understatement.
I started reading it last month, nearly nine years into my journey with this illness, at a time when I was starting to doubt myself again. Doubt if I was doing enough, trying enough, if I ever had been, if I would ever make it through this.
It was like this book was written specifically for me, mirroring so much of my journey with scary accuracy and proving to me over and over that everything I’ve been through has been part of my path to healing.
I am exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I need to be doing. And it reminded me to celebrate all that I’ve already been through and overcome.
I’m not sure I can fully put into words what this book has meant to me.
Thank you to William Collinge for pioneering this work, for giving a voice to the voiceless, and hope to the hopeless.
Grateful is an understatement.
December 21, 2023
I think this is the type of book you only read if you (or a loved one) are deeply affected by chronic fatigue (whether it's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or another illness with chronic fatigue). As someone who falls into this category, this book was incredibly valuable.
There is a lot of great information in here, and it's the most comprehensive resource I've come across for CFS. My high rating reflects two things: First, that it's balanced. It appreciates ambiguity and never overstates things. Like how CFS is a medical illness, but a medical cure doesn't exist yet, so you have to make lifestyle changes. But also how lifestyle changes aren't meant to replace medical care. I think I've been guilty as seeing chronic illness as either/or, so this was a good perspective change. Second, and perhaps more importantly, is that this book is validating. The fact that there is a book written about CFS means that other people have it, research has been done on it, and that someone cares enough to put it all together for others. One of the most difficult things I've experienced is the feeling of, "Is this real? I should be better than how I am, right?" But this book is clear about how CFS (and other chronic illnesses) really do present limitations and that the reality is you may not be able to do all the things you did before. (If you don't have a chronic illness, this may read as negative, but this acceptance takes away a lot of guilt for our perceived shortcomings for how we "should" be.)
As much as I recommend this book, I would be remiss to not mention that it was published 30 years ago. There are things written here that are—maybe not inconsistent with, but perhaps just not up to date with—the most recent information about CFS. For example, the author talks about the immune system blood markers in people with CFS, but these levels are not required for a CFS diagnosis according to the most recent criteria. I'm not sure if this book is ahead of it's time or if more recent research has disproved those findings, but either way, this book is still validating and gives a good overview of lifestyle changes.
There is a lot of great information in here, and it's the most comprehensive resource I've come across for CFS. My high rating reflects two things: First, that it's balanced. It appreciates ambiguity and never overstates things. Like how CFS is a medical illness, but a medical cure doesn't exist yet, so you have to make lifestyle changes. But also how lifestyle changes aren't meant to replace medical care. I think I've been guilty as seeing chronic illness as either/or, so this was a good perspective change. Second, and perhaps more importantly, is that this book is validating. The fact that there is a book written about CFS means that other people have it, research has been done on it, and that someone cares enough to put it all together for others. One of the most difficult things I've experienced is the feeling of, "Is this real? I should be better than how I am, right?" But this book is clear about how CFS (and other chronic illnesses) really do present limitations and that the reality is you may not be able to do all the things you did before. (If you don't have a chronic illness, this may read as negative, but this acceptance takes away a lot of guilt for our perceived shortcomings for how we "should" be.)
As much as I recommend this book, I would be remiss to not mention that it was published 30 years ago. There are things written here that are—maybe not inconsistent with, but perhaps just not up to date with—the most recent information about CFS. For example, the author talks about the immune system blood markers in people with CFS, but these levels are not required for a CFS diagnosis according to the most recent criteria. I'm not sure if this book is ahead of it's time or if more recent research has disproved those findings, but either way, this book is still validating and gives a good overview of lifestyle changes.
November 9, 2023
Book Review: Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Guide to Self-Empowerment by William Collinge
William Collinge's book, Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Guide to Self-Empowerment, is a comprehensive guide to self-care for people with ME/CFS. Collinge is a psychologist who has worked with many people with ME/CFS, and his book is based on his personal and professional experience.
The book begins by discussing the nature of ME/CFS and its symptoms. Collinge then goes on to offer a variety of self-care strategies, including:
Physical self-care: This includes things like getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and exercising within your capacity.
Emotional self-care: This includes things like managing stress, building a support network, and finding meaning and purpose in life.
Spiritual self-care: This includes things like connecting with your higher self or with a larger community.
Collinge emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment for people with ME/CFS. He encourages readers to take charge of their own health and to experiment with different self-care strategies to find what works best for them.
Collinge's book is an excellent resource for people with ME/CFS who are looking for ways to improve their quality of life. The book is well-written and informative, and it offers a wide range of practical self-care strategies.
One of the things I appreciate most about Collinge's book is that he emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment. He encourages readers to take charge of their own health and to experiment with different self-care strategies to find what works best for them.
Another thing I appreciate about the book is that it covers a wide range of self-care topics. Collinge addresses both physical and emotional self-care, as well as spiritual self-care. This is important because ME/CFS can affect all aspects of a person's life.
Overall, I highly recommend Collinge's book to anyone with ME/CFS who is looking for ways to improve their quality of life. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about self-care and how to apply it to their own life.
Here are some specific self-care tips from Collinge's book:
Listen to your body.
Rest when you need to, and don't push yourself too hard.
Set realistic goals.
Don't try to do too much at once.
Find a support network.
Talk to other people with ME/CFS, or join a support group.
Find activities that you enjoy and that give you a sense of purpose.
Practice relaxation techniques. This can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. What works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different self-care strategies to find what works best for you.
William Collinge's book, Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Guide to Self-Empowerment, is a comprehensive guide to self-care for people with ME/CFS. Collinge is a psychologist who has worked with many people with ME/CFS, and his book is based on his personal and professional experience.
The book begins by discussing the nature of ME/CFS and its symptoms. Collinge then goes on to offer a variety of self-care strategies, including:
Physical self-care: This includes things like getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and exercising within your capacity.
Emotional self-care: This includes things like managing stress, building a support network, and finding meaning and purpose in life.
Spiritual self-care: This includes things like connecting with your higher self or with a larger community.
Collinge emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment for people with ME/CFS. He encourages readers to take charge of their own health and to experiment with different self-care strategies to find what works best for them.
Collinge's book is an excellent resource for people with ME/CFS who are looking for ways to improve their quality of life. The book is well-written and informative, and it offers a wide range of practical self-care strategies.
One of the things I appreciate most about Collinge's book is that he emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment. He encourages readers to take charge of their own health and to experiment with different self-care strategies to find what works best for them.
Another thing I appreciate about the book is that it covers a wide range of self-care topics. Collinge addresses both physical and emotional self-care, as well as spiritual self-care. This is important because ME/CFS can affect all aspects of a person's life.
Overall, I highly recommend Collinge's book to anyone with ME/CFS who is looking for ways to improve their quality of life. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about self-care and how to apply it to their own life.
Here are some specific self-care tips from Collinge's book:
Listen to your body.
Rest when you need to, and don't push yourself too hard.
Set realistic goals.
Don't try to do too much at once.
Find a support network.
Talk to other people with ME/CFS, or join a support group.
Find activities that you enjoy and that give you a sense of purpose.
Practice relaxation techniques. This can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. What works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different self-care strategies to find what works best for you.
July 25, 2014
This is my favorite book to give to people who are newly diagnosed. I have actually written #1 read on the cover. It covers all aspects of the illness, from theories of how someone " gets" this virus and has loads of info about the immune system. It also speaks to the practical things one can do to overcome this hell and feel better.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews