After the COVID-19 outbreak, awareness surrounding Chronic Illnesses has risen dramatically, particularly due to the long-term effects of the illness, commonly referred to as "Long Covid." According to the NHS website, Long Covid is a new condition that is still being studied, including symptoms such as:

  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • feeling short of breath
  • problems with your memory and concentration ("brain fog")
  • heart palpitations
  • dizziness
  • joint pain and muscle aches

Many of these symptoms overlap with the chronic illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) more typically referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). In an interview Penny Weatherill, living local to Halesowen, we find out what life is like with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and some advice on how to cope with Chronic Illnesses.

Penny, born in Birmingham, UK, was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2010 and she states that after contacting the NHS due to "extreme exhaustion and feeling unwell mentally and physically," and after informing her GP, "it took 5 months to diagnose me, but it was not knowing what was wrong that was the most difficult." Highlighting the importance of being able to access the support you need and the power you have in knowing what is wrong.

But what is life like with Chronic Fatigue? Penny Weatherill underlines how difficult living with a chronic illness, including how even the smallest things like "brushing my teeth, keeping clean and having a shower," can sometimes be "really difficult," and that you suffer with symptoms such as  "tiredness, a mental fog so you can't always remember things, and you can suffer with depression and bouts of feeling really stressed and anxious, and also muscle and joint aches and pains."

Finally, some advice given is to "pace yourself and stop beating yourself up," an important thing to remember regardless of your chronic illness, because pushing yourself too hard will exasperate your symptoms. Also, Penny advises, "find your way to switch off," by finding a low-energy hobby that helps you to relax and recover such as:

  • knitting
  • reading
  • watching TV
  • puzzles
  • yoga

And also that "It is important to reach out and ask for help if you're struggling," something everyone needs to remember, whether it's about your physical or mental health, because there's always support available such as with the NHS or incredible charities such as Mind, Fibromyalgia Action UK, Samaritans, The ME association and Pain UK.

Overall, Penny Weatherill is "grateful" that "Long COVID has rose awareness around Chronic ilnessess" but that she wishes "it was understood sooner," a sentiment that many others must share. In addition, remember help is always there, and that sometimes a conversation can go a long way.