International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about ME/CFS.

Every year on May 12, International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.) Awareness Day is observed. It is a day to support and recognise individuals with M.E./C.F.S. and other chronic immunological and neurological diseases by providing useful information and raising awareness. Thomas Hennessy, who likewise resided with M.E./C.F.S., devised the holiday. The 12th of May was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who many believe suffered from M.E./C.F.S. or fibromyalgia.

The background of International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day

In 1993, the first International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.) Awareness Day was observed. Thomas Hennessy chose May 12 as the date to observe International M.E./C.F.S. Awareness Day because it is Florence Nightingale’s birthday. She also exhibited symptoms of a condition resembling ME/CFS or fibromyalgia. Hennessy explained in a 2008 interview, “After reading Byron Hyde’s great book on the history of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, I decided to look up his hero’s birthday, and lo and behold, May 12 was Florence Nightingale’s birthday.” (…) I chose her birthdate, May 12th, as the date.”

The annual awareness campaign promotes awareness not only of M.E./C.F.S. but also of other chronic immunological and neurological diseases (C.I.N.D), including fibromyalgia, Gulf War syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, Addison’s, Alzheimer’s, and Lyme disease, among others. The goal of the campaign is to raise public awareness, educate people about the symptoms of the aforementioned diseases, and advocate for increased funding for research.

M.E./C.F.S. is a chronic, long-term disability characterised by unusually severe exhaustion following physical exertion. This fatigue is not alleviated by rest and occurs even after minor physical, mental, or emotional exertion that the individual was able to perform without difficulty before the onset of the illness. Other symptoms include joint pain, restless sleep, headaches, dizziness, nausea, depression, tension, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, difficulty concentrating, pain, and a deteriorating memory. This disease diminishes a person’s life quality and productivity. Chronic fatigue can sometimes last a lifetime. However, its precise cause is unknown.

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5 things you should know about ME/CFS.

Women are four times more likely than men to develop M.E./C.F.S.

People who are inactive and overweight are more likely to be affected by M.E./C.F.S.

84% to 91% of persons with M.E./C.F.S. are unaware of their condition.

M.E./C.F.S. has an average onset age of 33 years, but it can affect individuals who are significantly older or younger.

Numerous ME/CFS patients experience social isolation and depression.

INTERNATIONAL CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	May 12	Friday
2024	May 12	Sunday
2025	May 12	Monday
2026	May 12	Tuesday
2027	May 12	Wednesday