the actual disease is called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, aka Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Here is a link to the article: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a12779054/what-is-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
CFS is a poorly understood disease that doctors don’t take very seriously; often they tell you that it’s all in your head or that you have depression. It is more prominent in DFAB people but we don’t know why.
The diagnosis process is one of ruling everything else out so it’s really hard, time intensive and costly to get a formal diagnosis.
Other co-morbid things that often pop up with CFS: fibromyalgia, IBS, and migraines.
I totally understand that this tweet is just a joke and that it’s Not That Deep but it does downplay the fight hundreds of thousands of people wage every day to get their doctors to listen to them, take them seriously, and actively do research. The woman featured in the screencap, Jen Brea, made a documentary called Unrest about her experience with CFS, and is one of the leaders of the movement to make medical professionals take us seriously & to raise awareness. Unrest is currently on Netflix, if you’re interested in watching it.
Disability & chronic illness activism doesn’t get a lot of recognition or support from able bodied people so it would be cool if everyone could pitch in and at least signal boost articles like this or educate themselves and their friends and families instead of making jokes like this. Thanks 👋🏻
gracieabrams
tangentwithtanner
areudirty
kianamaiart
