Thanks for responding Jen, Silver, Darkeyes, Fuzzy and Wants2fly !

(((((((((((((hugs to all))))))))))))))

Silver - I live in Norfolk, you weren't far off .

W2F - I could go on for ages about M.E. but I will try to do it as brief as poss (don't want to bore anyone ).

This is how it is for me, but because its a 'syndrome' (aka Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) it has lots of different symptoms and not everyone has them all.

Some ppl believe it has nothing to do with depression/the mind, and others (inc myself) feel it is related.

It can come on after a shock to the system (mine did) or after a virus. My main symptom is physical and mental exhaustion - not sleepiness, more 'in the bone and muscle'. Anything I do, from having a wash in the morning to posting on the forum, depletes the small amount of energy I have each day.

I have always got aching head, neck and back which fluctuates in pain each day. When I have had what I call a busy day (2 hours out of the house, for example) the symtoms get worse a day or so after. So balancing activities is what I have to do all the time.

I can't work, or socialise because of it. And in its turn it mixes in with my depression and can make that worse.

What a bundle of fun it is ! hmmm

The only 'cure' is rest, pacing yourself, counselling and antidepressants. I may always be like this now, or I may get better. No-one can say. Thats the hardest bit, not knowing.

Anyway, thanks for listening and I hope it will explain a bit about why I can't be here as much as I would like to.

Bye for now, take care, Poppet