MainStay
The Fatigue Factor
Issue 4: July 2007 Page 1
Issue 4: July 2007 Page 1
For many people managing their fatigue factor
is a battle. In this issue Sammi shares some of
her frustrations associated with fatigue. We´ve
then listed some of the strategies we have adopted
over the years for dealing with the fatigue factor.
Here´s Sammi.
Regards
Mark Horton
Fatigue is one of those insidious factors of an MS diagnosis, which can vary significantly from one individual to the next. In my case, the impact of fatigue was somewhat insignificant in years gone by.
My definition of ´fatigue´ revolves predominantly around key words for me – slow, disjointed, inhibiting, weariness both mentally and emotionally, exhaustion and disruption.
... please excuse me, I need to lie down and close my eyes...
However these days, impact on self of fatigue – personal frustration at being unable to complete everyday tasks in allotted/imposed (often unrealistically given the circumstances) time frames; as with fatigue as part of MS, rigid deadlines unfortunately tend to fall by the way. There are some who credit me for being a complete lazy ass, for many times they see me as ´resting´. Unbeknown to some this is not taken by choice.
... please excuse me, I need to lie down and close my eyes...
Employment is another topic of significance as we as a society link our sense of worthiness to our field of employment. It follows that fatigue can seriously undermine a contributing sense of self – who will employ a person requiring erratic breaks from an employment scenario???
... please excuse me, I need to lie down and close my eyes...
Becoming realistic about the possibilities for a person
dealing with the often hidden factors of fatigue
becomes paramount. "But you look so good!!!????"
"Yes well thank you, but I feel like crap..."
Achievable goals can happen over a longer timeframe. Reminding self of personal strengths and attributes (we all have them!) is crucial not to forget.
Each day is a new day, with new possibilities and new decisions; better here than 6 feet under.
Being kind to me is a fairly constant struggle too, as my frustrations and sadness about loss can become overwhelming at times. However, ´one day at a time´ keeps coming back to me.
Mark is the executive director of Mark Horton & Associates Pty Ltd where he is a leading keynote speaker specialising in personal and professional change, corporate and life coach as well the author of his best selling book: Power to Choose. Challenge to Change.