Living with ME or Long COVID brings an enormous psychological burden. The illness can cut us off from work, friends and the life we used to lead, and the isolation that follows is hard to bear. On top of that, ME is largely unrecognised, heavily stigmatised and too often dismissed by the very doctors and healthcare workers we turn to for help. It is no wonder that many of us find it hard to cope at times.
Looking after your emotional wellbeing doesn’t mean ME is “all in your head” – it is a physical illness. But carrying its weight alone is hard, and there is absolutely no shame in seeking support to live with this burden. The people and organisations below understand. And our own members are here for each other too, at our meet-ups and in our Facebook group.
ME helplines
ME Association: ME Connect
The ME Association’s support line, staffed by people who understand ME/CFS and Long COVID. They will believe you without judgement and offer emotional support as well as information.
Freephone: 0808 801 0484
Monday to Friday 10am–5pm (Thursdays until 9pm), Saturday 10am–12 noon
The ME Association also offers Time to Talk, a listening service with its chaplain, and ME Connected, an online community on Discord. Details of all three are on the ME Connect page.
Action for ME: Information and Support team
Support and information from someone who understands ME.
Phone: 0117 927 9551
Email: infosupport@actionforme.org.uk
Action for ME contact page
Counselling from therapists who understand chronic illness
Chronic Living Therapy
A therapy directory listing therapists who understand the knock-on impacts (emotional, social) of being chronically ill and help you to manage and cope with that. They also understand the stigma and gaslighting that many patients with ME or Long Covid are subject to.
Browse the directory and contact a counsellor – online and phone appointments are often offered when you don’t live close enough or can’t get to an in-person appointment due to your health.
If you are struggling to cope
Samaritans
Samaritans will listen, without judging or telling you what to do, whatever you’re going through. You can call them any time, day or night.
Call free: 116 123 (from any phone, 24 hours a day)
Other ways to contact Samaritans
If your life or someone else’s is in immediate danger, call 999.
