Telling other people about your M.E. isn't always easy and there is no right or wrong way to go about it. Everyone is different and we all have our own ways of coping. The important thing is to make sure you feel ok with the way you tell others and, just importantly, who you tell.
Some people may need to know - your teachers will for sure. If you then go through a bad patch your teacher will then know why you need the time off or why your homework is being handed in late.
It's harder when people don't necessarily need to know, but may notice you are struggling and not know why. They may ask you 'what's wrong' or they may ask other people instead of asking you. These people may be worth telling to clear up misunderstandings and help you to stay in control.
It's natural to want to be treated like everyone else, but pretending you are ok and trying to keep up with others when you are unwell is not a good idea. Telling others can stop you from being misunderstood.
Some people may worry that it's something you can catch like the measles. Obviously it isn't! Some people may have wrongly heard that people with M.E. are just a bit tired or lazy. Because the illness fluctuates people might not understand why you may be able to do more on one day and less on another. They may be puzzled as to why you look quite healthy. They may not understand why you are unable to think clearly or concentrate. They may not understand why you are not able to do the things they do.
Remember that you can do a lot to change people's attitudes and help them to understand how the illness affects you by giving them information on M.E. A good start is to show your friends this website. If it's an adult you may want to get them to visit www.afme.org.uk.
Visit Reality Bytes for more info on how other young people cope with telling others.
Information produced July 2003
Updated June 2004
