Find out if you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

In today's world, where the pace of life is faster than ever and social and professional pressures are constantly increasing, more and more people experience chronic exhaustion. It's not just the simple feeling of fatigue after a challenging day, but a deep, persistent feeling of exhaustion that doesn't subside even after a long rest. This may be a sign of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, this condition still raises many questions and controversies.

In this article, we will focus on how to recognize the first symptoms of CFS, what its causes are, and most importantly, how we can effectively help those struggling with this debilitating condition.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Symptoms

If, like most of us, you're subjected to long-term stress, you've undoubtedly noticed a significant decline in your well-being. If you also experience (especially after intense physical activity) some or most of the following symptoms:

• extreme feeling of fatigue
• dizziness
• muscle pain
• sleep disorders
• lack of appetite
• memory and concentration disorders
• sore throat
• joint pain
• abdominal pain, diarrhea or bloating

…then it's likely that you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) – a condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent these days. The symptoms of the disease should certainly not be ignored, as it not only leads to a permanent decline in quality of life and satisfaction, but also poses the risk of purely somatic complications.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be effectively treated

People with chronic fatigue syndrome may have different symptoms, so it is important to combine psychological therapy with medical treatment and pharmacological support in the treatment of CFS.

Psychological support plays a key role in treating this syndrome. Combined with traditional medical treatment, it creates a sufficiently effective process. Combining therapeutic interventions (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients cope with negative thinking, social isolation, and depression) with effective stress management training, a psychodiet, and appropriate physical activity can provide a solid foundation for limiting and, consequently, significantly reducing the effects of the disease.

Resistance to stress and the environment

There is a close connection between our Individual Psychophysical Resilience (IPR) and our susceptibility and potential development of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. IPR is undoubtedly shaped by our genes, but innate and acquired patterns of responding to stressful situations and the effectiveness of our communication with our environment in understanding interpersonal relationships remain crucial. Other elements responsible for IPR characteristics include an appropriate diet (i.e., one adapted to our metabolic characteristics) and appropriate, regular physical activity .

CFS Treatment

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome requires a holistic approach to the patient, as well as the experience gained over many years of practice. This formed the genesis of the "ODPORNI-PLUS" program.

The aim of the Program is to support the CFS treatment process through practical, individual recommendations for effective, health-promoting habits in the areas of a person's life that are most important for building psychophysical resilience.

The four key areas for developing an appropriate individual level of psychophysical resilience are:

• Stress management/stress reduction/relaxation skills
• Psychodiets
• Physical activity
• Relationships with others / effective communication in difficult situations / mental / psychological difficulties

"RESISTANT PLUS" PROGRAM

WHAT BENEFITS WILL THE PATIENT - PARTICIPANT RECEIVE?

• Increasing the psychophysical resistance of the body , which will have a positive impact on both the immune system and the mental performance.
• Reducing the level of stress / counteracting its harmful accumulation and, as a result, better coping with difficult situations, both in professional and personal life / improving the quality of sleep.
• Increased sense of individual well-being /life energy level and overall body performance.
• Lowering the biological age of the Participant – this may occur in the long term, provided that the Participant remains consistent in implementing the individual recommendations expressed in the IPBO (Individual Resilience Building Plan).
• Greater efficiency in both professional and personal life.
• Reducing the risk of burnout syndrome.

HOW DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS / IN WHAT TIME PERSPECTIVE / WHAT TOOLS DO WE USE

the Individual Resilience Building Plan (IRP) prepared for each IPBO participant , along with the associated IRP (Individual Resilience Index), calculated using software algorithms at monthly intervals. The IRP comprises four components:

• IPAS – Individual Anti-Stress Plan
• IPDT – Individual Diet Plan
• IPAR – Individual Physical Activity Plan
• IPSK – Individual Plan for Effective Communication with Others/Building and Maintaining Good Relationships

The essence of the program is to develop appropriate health-promoting habits and behaviors in patients, and the basis for achieving this goal is a multi-month collaboration. Results will be monitored throughout the program's implementation.

Public awareness and understanding of the significant impact CFS has on the daily functioning of those affected are increasing. Our goal is not only to educate but also to provide real solutions and support for those who struggle with chronic fatigue every day.

You can complete the program through a series of consultations at the psychological counseling center, led by psychologist Krzysztof Suski at CM LUXMED, ul. Koncertowa 4D in Lublin.

Krzysztof J. Suski, M.A

Clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, coach and mentor.

A graduate of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Warsaw and numerous postgraduate courses and training programs in Poland, the USA, and the EU, he is a health psychologist. He is the creator of the 'Odporni-Plus' program, which supports the treatment of psychosomatic illnesses. He is also a psychodietician and a business trainer specializing in soft skills and personal effectiveness.

In his work, he utilizes methods and techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. He has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and task forces. He has practiced in Poland and abroad (USA, UK). He is the author of textbooks, articles, and training programs.

Provides consultations in Polish and English.