"Now leading a balanced quality life"

Earlier this year I was diagnosed with ME. I was struggling to cope with my caring responsibilities and managing my career whilst dealing with the impact of ME. After several flare ups and being forced to take a lot of time off work, impacting on my mental health and motivation I was referred to Occupational Therapy to identify what support could be implemented within my work and my personal life to help me manage my energy levels. At the start of the process, I couldn’t do day to day tasks such as housework and I had completely given up on all social aspects of my life. The constant fatigue and inability to walk and concentrate had a massive negative impact on my relationships and friendships. I was losing my drive, motivation and sense of worth and my physical health was rapidly deteriorating with my inability to exercise. 

Having now completed 8 months of Occupational Therapy and implementing the changes advised by the therapists I am now managing my energy levels a lot better. I am planning ahead for social events which means I can rest beforehand and recover after which is allowing me to get out and about more and interact with people again. My work life balance is more suitable for my needs and over all I am now leading a balanced quality life whilst managing my condition. I know feel more in control of my condition, although I can’t fully stop the flare ups, I feel I am more prepared and have things in place for when they do arise. I feel being able to accept my condition and plan around it certainly helps in keeping flare ups to a minimum.