Leaving ME Behind: A Personal Journey Through Chronic Illness

by Simon Harrison, Kenneth J. Friedman (Foreword)

In August 2013 a disabling and complex disease known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, or ME/CFS) turned Simon Harrison’s world upside down.
With a medical cure yet to be discovered, Leaving ME Behind is a moving account of the disease’s devastating effects on basic functioning, relationships, work, identity and mental health.
A previously fit and healthy 30-something, Simon is forced to re-evaluate his life and sets out on a seven-year mission to get well by any means possible. Often incapacitated with fatigue and brain fog, his determination to attend numerous therapies for mind, body and soul gradually begins to pay off.
Encouraged by improvements and the advice of his doctor, the story takes a dramatic turn as Simon uproots his family to Europe in the hope that a little more sunshine might help.
Told with humour and sincerity, Leaving ME Behind is a message of hope for those affected by fatigue-related illness.Foreword by a renowned authority on ME/CFS.Includes bonus material detailing the therapies and lifestyle changes used by the author.Also includes personal insights for families and friends of those with fatigue-related illness.Percentage of book profits to fund research into fatigue-related illnesses at the Open Medicine Foundation.
Praise for Leaving ME

There's no clear path in or out of chronic disease but, in this new memoir, Simon Harrison stakes out a trail that took him inch by inch through the minefield of a deeply misunderstood illness to a better place, where he feels safer and more in control of his own life choices.
Not everyone cut down by this wretched illness has these choices. For the most severely affected, there might be little to look forward to between picking up a virus or immune-deficiency that they're unable to shake off and some long years spent in bed – ever sensitive to bright light, noise and the clatter of everyday things. In the worst cases, they need to be tube-fed in order to survive.
People with M.E. can't enjoy the freedom to exercise as they damn well like. Not because they don't want to but because their biology has let them down. Too much unplanned activity, physical or mental, can make them feel ill and in some cases lead to a relapse that may last months or years. Decent research studies remain elusive and are still desperately needed to find effective treatments and cures.
In a way, Simon is one of the lucky ones! He has been able to choose a path that seems to work out for him. He also writes beautifully – invoking a rich imagery that works every time. This memoir has been a joy to read. – Tony Britton, Fundraising and PR Manager, The ME Association.

‘A captivating and thoroughly inspiring read from the first line, and an exemplar of mindfulness in action—success stories like this are why I teach mindfulness.’ – Per Norrgren, co-founder, Algarve Centre for Mindfulness. Mentor and teacher, Oxford Mindfulness Centre.

'The gradual regain of function subsequent to illness achieved by Simon is no doubt a combination of his keen monitoring of what provoked subtle improvement and his unrelenting determination to gain functional improvement. As an author, he is both articulate and insightful.'
– Kenneth J. Friedman Ph.D.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2025