International Awareness Day is part of Awareness week stretching from May 11- 17.

According to one local sufferer of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Ainslie Eccleston, many people suffering terribly from these illnesses actually look quite well.

“Many people affected by ME/CFS, FM and MCS suffer silently, confined to their homes, many are bedridden, some are more active but sadly, often very misunderstood and living a fraction of the life they dream of,” Mrs Eccleston said.

She has been ill for nine years.

“All are courageously working toward better health and wellbeing while often experiencing regular set-backs and severe relapses."

“ME/CFS is a very real, debilitating chronic illness that affects multiple body systems, especially energy production, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, cardiac, respiratory and immune system dysfunction along with gut dysbiosis and motility dysfunction, challenging cognitive symptoms such as profound confusion, disorientation, vertigo, terrible memory problems and  sensory overload, sensitivity to light, sound, smell, multiple food allergies and chemical sensitivities, sleep disturbance and insomnia, chronic pain and debilitating fatigue and exhaustion, to name but a few.”

“These diseases can go on for years or even decades, often becoming life-long and are extremely challenging to manage or recover from." 

“Nevertheless, some people do find ways to recover and go on to living a healthy fulfilling life again. If you know someone with ME/CFS, FM or MCS, please reach out to them, be a friend and lend a hand. If that someone is you, don’t give up.''

Mrs Eccleston said sufferers should contact their local ME/CFS, FM & MCS Support Group or The CFS

Health Centre, for example, to learn ways to begin to manage and gradually regain some control over their health and connect with others on similar recovery paths in a safe environment that is positive, encouraging, hopeful and inspirational, coupled with a sound program that provides a good foundation of the core fundamental, practical elements of recovery.

“A friend has painted an entire exhibit of her journey through ME/CFS so far, which so beautifully captures her journey, and is one many people with ME/CFS can relate to."

Averyl Ritchie's 13 piece exhibit, along with poetry and writings from other courageous people with ME/CFS will be on display at Green Poppy Cafe, Addison St Shellharbour throughout Awareness Week.  Members of the public are encouraged to drop in for a cuppa and view the collection.  Information on the illnesses, brochures and contact details of support groups and recovery programs will also be available.  

Ainslie encourages those with an interest in the illnesses and who are able, to come for morning tea at 11am at Green Poppy Cafe on Awareness Day Tuesday, May 12. 

Averyl and Ainslie became friends through an online recovery program run by The CFS Health Centre, Australia.  Many of the contributions have been shared by the participants of this program who say it has helped them turn their health and lives around.  See www.cfshealth.com

The Wollongong ME/CFS/FM Support Group also have a Display at Corrimal District Library from 11-23 May. .Information will be available there and at all branch libraries from Helensburgh to Gerringong, and other venues across the Illawarra. The group's website is www.mecfsfmwollongong.org

Or visit the national body - Emerge Australia, at www.emerge.org.au