The mind and body connection in Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)
For a long time, people with chronic fatigue syndrome have been caught in the
middle of a painful misunderstanding. On one side, there was the dismissive idea
that “It’s all in your head.” On the other, the fear that acknowledging emotions or
stress makes the illness less real. Neither is true.
Chronic Fatigue syndrome is real, physical and life-altering- and at the same time it
is deeply connected to how the nervous system, immune system, and stress
physiology interact. Understanding the mind-body connection is not about blame. It’s
about compassion, clarity, and opening the door to real healing. If you are reading
this and have CFS believe me none of this is your fault. On my pathway to recovery I
remember trying desperately hard to piece together the puzzle to make it make
sense.
A NERVOUS SYSTEM STUCK IN SURVIVAL
Many researchers and clinicians now understand CFS as a condition of nervous
system dysregulation. When the nervous system perceives ongoing threat – whether
physical, emotional, or environmental- it prioritises survival over repair.
This can look like:
- Chronic fight or flight activation
- Or oscillation between adrenaline and collapse
- Inability to fully rest even when laying down (tired but wired state)
Over time this constant survival mode affects:
- Energy production in the cells
- Immune system function
- Hormonal balance
- Sleep quality and digestion
The body isn’t lazy or malfunctioning. It is exhausted from being under perceived
threat for too long. As humans we aren’t designed to remain in such a heightened
state which is not only long term energetically depleting, but it also interferes with the
other systems of the body which is why we see so many symptoms occurring. The
nervous system then switches from fight/flight to shutdown/freeze also known as
Dorsal vagal. Where you notice feelings of numbness, exhaustion, collapse. Perhaps
disconnection from body or emotions and often withdrawal and avoidance.
Body cues in this state include:
- Heavy limbs
- Low energy
- Slowed digestion (heart burn, IBS type symptoms etc)
The hidden role of early stress
For many people with CFS (though not everyone) there is a history of long-term
emotional or relational stress such as:
- Growing up needing to be “good”, quiet, or emotionally strong
- Feeling responsible for other people’s feelings
- Living with unpredictability, criticism, or emotional absence
- Suppressing anger, grief, or needs to stay connected
- Perfectionism and people pleasing
These patterns train the nervous system to stay alert. Even when life becomes
objectively safer, the body may still be living as if in danger is just around the corner.
Over years this constant internal pressure can contribute to burnout at a biological
level. CFS is often not a sudden collapse- it is the final stage of long term over
functioning.
My biggest breakthrough came when I stopped focusing on the latest symptom (at
one point I had 27 symptoms from limb paralysis to acid reflux etc) and started to
learn about nervous system regulation and how to use my brain to work for me. This
is what I teach in my 12 week program ‘Reset and R.I.S.E’.
If you are ready to experience a calmed nervous system, reduced anxiety and flare
ups. To reclaim your life and energy, get in touch. I’d be honoured to support you on
this path of healing, you are not alone.