Breaking through the stigma of ME
16 May 2018
Help for M.E sufferers
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a long-term, fluctuating, neurological condition that causes symptoms commonly affecting the nervous and immune systems.
People with M.E. experience severe, persistent fatigue and other physical symptoms that can make it hard to carry out everyday activities and it affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK, and around 17 million people worldwide.
Those living with ME have experienced stigma over the years due to misconceptions about their condition and been denigrated as having “yuppie flu”. Others have endured incorrect therapy, even by the NHS, that was influenced by a since discredited medical trial. However, researchers are now making progress in identifying biomarkers for ME/CFS, which may lead to an effective medical intervention. Dr Keith Geraghty, in our Faculty of MHS, is gaining national recognition for his work on ME. He is currently working on a new stream of research that is focused on improving care for sufferers and raising awareness of the illness among health professionals.
If you are living with ME, or been recently diagnosed, you can contact our Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS). They have a dedicated disability adviser for staff to provide advice, guidance and support about a range of practical adjustments in the workplace. Line Managers can also get advice from DASS and HR to help them manage workplace adjustments so that staff are able to contribute effectively, and the University is compliant under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Further information