Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long Covid are complex conditions influenced by biological and psychosocial stressors. Research highlights common personality traits in affected individuals, such as perfectionism and self-sacrifice, which may correlate with their vulnerability to illness. However, the relationship between personality and these conditions remains ambiguous according to a review of studies. The author emphasizes that rather than assigning blame, understanding these connections can foster a better approach to recovery and support for those affected by these debilitating illnesses.
Understanding, not blame. At this point, you may well feel uncomfortable with the idea that our personality traits could somehow contribute to something as life-altering and devastating as becoming unwell with a chronic illness.
A striking number of people affected by these conditions have traits such as perfectionism, people pleasing, hyper-responsibility, self-sacrifice, a high drive to achieve, and a strong aversion to letting other people down.
Although personality seems to play a role in CFS, it is difficult to draw general conclusions on the relation between personality and CFS.
However, as someone who has historically identified with all the traits listed above, and who has recovered from ME/CFS and long Covid, I have learned to be curious about this connection.
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