Not all disabilities are visible. Most HR professionals are well aware of this but it bears repeating today, when large swathes of the population are contending with health challenges that, at first glance, are invisible to the naked eye.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) / chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one such condition. ME/CFS affects around 250,000 people in the UK and over one million people in the USA – more than the number with HIV or multiple sclerosis. This life changing condition can cause extreme tiredness and problems with thinking, memory and concentration, among other symptoms.
Historically, ME/CFS has not always been recognised by the medical profession, leading to those suffering with the condition to experience negative stigma. However, that is changing. In the last month, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), issued
new guidelines on ME/CFS, with an aim to improve awareness and understanding of the condition. The new guidelines will help medical professionals more accurately diagnose the condition, devise improved care and treatment plans, and will provide advice for people diagnosed with ME/CFS to manage their symptoms, find information and access care.
