Recovery guidance for ME/CFS, Long Covid and related illnesses.

The RESTAND Framework

SJ Porter Coaching - mecfsrecoverycoaching.com

Weekly, inspirational quotes & tips to support recovery from ME/CFS, Long Covid, Fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

Week 2 - 18/5/2025 (Post 3)

"What if there isn't anything to fix?"

One of the biggest mistakes that I see when I start working with clients is that they are trying so hard to fix themselves and their illness (It is important to note that I was no different!). There is often a desperation and sometimes an obsession with trying to find the 'thing' that is going to make them well. This just increases fear, when actually what is needed is safety. They often move from one thing to another with an unhealthy intensity and without giving a particular treatment enough time. This could be medication, supplements, dietary changes, meditation, chiropractic treatment, pacing, homeopathic treatment etc. Whilst all of these can be useful, none of them on their own will bring about recovery. A holistic strategy that is focussed on reducing the fight/flight and bringing the body back into homeostasis is what is required.

So, what if there isn't anything to fix? The body and brain working together have a remarkable way of healing. Perhaps, your job is to support and not fix? For most people with these sort of illnesses, medical examinations, MRI scans, blood tests etc come back negative. It has been said that this is a software problem and not a hardware problem, then maybe it is a reboot that is required!

So, what is the answer?

There will certainly never be a magical cure for these sort of illnesses. We need to find a way of reversing why you became ill in the first place. Reducing physical, mental and emotional stress is key, sending reassuring messages of safety to the brain, giving your brain a break!, correcting personality traits that have not served you well, being present and mindful and learning the meaning of true relaxation are examples of a good starting point. More about these in future blogs.

Stay strong!