International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day

International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day is a worldwide holiday dedicated to raising awareness about the disease. In medicine, it is often referred to by the abbreviations M.E./C.F.S. Essentially, chronic fatigue syndrome is a neurological condition that contributes to the deterioration of the nervous system. As a result, individuals experience constant fatigue that cannot be alleviated by normal rest. The day is observed annually on May 12.

History

The history of International M.E./C.F.S. Awareness Day dates back to 1993. It was created by T. Hennessy, who was inspired after studying B. Hyde’s book on myalgic encephalomyelitis, where the condition was described through the experiences of a character suffering from it. Hennessy discovered that this woman was born on May 12, and he chose this date to commemorate the awareness day.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a long-term condition marked by extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve even with rest. Symptoms can appear after even minor physical or mental exertion, such as going for a run, solving math problems, or getting into a brief argument. The overall clinical picture may include feelings of depression, anxiety, nausea, and more. Depending on which part of the nervous system is affected, the symptoms may vary. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown.

Interesting Facts

• Sometimes, chronic fatigue caused by this illness can last for months.
• The first complete description of the disease in the United States appeared in 1988.
• The disease is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 40 and 60. The majority of patients are women.

How to Celebrate

Take some time on this day to learn more about M.E./C.F.S. Get some much-needed rest and relaxation with minimal stress, and maximize your enjoyment by indulging in your favorite hobbies or spending time with friends.

Spread awareness about the holiday on social media. Ask others if they have experienced this condition, and if so, how they manage their symptoms.

When is International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in 2025?

International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day is observed on May 12 each year.

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