When patients or family members are diagnosed with the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS/CFIDS/ME) or Fibromyalgia (FM), the illness will require that they come to terms with their situation and seek ways to effectively cope with changes and new limits the illnesses may demand. People will also realize that few others will  be able to relate to them as well as someone else who has walked down the same path.

The following articles were written by individuals who are living with the challenges of CFS/CFIDS/ME or FM. The articles are applicable to all of these illnesses or similar chronic illness requiring sensible lifestyle changes.

Self-Care Strategies
An extensive guide on things one can do to help manage chronic illness, physically and emotionally.
Editorial comment This article has been updated to reflect the impact of technology advances since the article was first published.

Intimacy and love, in sickness and in health
An article discussing the physical and emotional ramifications of CFS/CFIDS/ME and FM on intimacy and relationships.

The CFIDS Initiation - A Primer for New Patients
Practical ways to take charge and let go of fear and frustrations.

CFIDS Self-Care: The Basics
An article which focuses on how to learn about one's "new" limits and energy expenditure.

Rest, Pacing, and Stress: What Every ME/CFS Patient Should Know
Helpful advice to patients on how to pace their activities to use and preserve their energy to stave-off relapses and promote recovery.

Recovering from CFIDS
A personal account about the trial and error process many patients go through.

A View from Outside: How to Help a Person with CFIDS (PWC)
Much needed advice for family members and friends.

Look in the Resource Library for more articles on Coping.

A potpourri of inspirational stories and writings

Perspective on Friendship

Steps to Happiness

Right Now, Somebody, Somewhere

The Joy Box

The Water Bearer

What is Strength