Mental Health Awareness Week 5-12 October 2025

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Five ways to support mental wellbeing for ME/CFS  

We need to acknowledge that it is incredibly challenging living with a disabling chronic illness like ME/CFS. It can significantly reduce options and quality of life.  

It is natural to grieve the losses and to find it difficult to cope with at times, especially for those who are very unwell and not receiving much support. 

If you live with ME/CFS or long COVID we suggest the following strategies to support your mental wellbeing.  

If you have whānau affected by ME/CFS, we invite you to let them guide you on how you can support them to explore these strategies.  

✦ Prioritise rest. 

Take regular rest breaks throughout the day. Rest before and after activities. Rest as soon as you notice symptoms increasing.  

✦ Simplify. 

Prioritise what to spend your limited energy on. Find ways to do things that use less energy.  

✦ Connect. 

Allocate time for friendships with people who understand or care. Join an online community of people who can relate to your experiences of chronic illness.

✦ Look for joy. 

Schedule in small activities or pastimes that you enjoy or that add lightness. 

✦ One moment at a time.  

Acknowledge the challenges. Be patient with yourself. Practice gentle self-care. 

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Need help now? Call/text 1737 (NZ) for free counselling support.  

Visit: mecfscanterbury.nz/living-with-me-cfs/mental-wellbeing for support options  Disclaimer: https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/about-us/disclaimer