Reality of ME. How would you get this across (briefly) using words or graphics?

[Mij]

I find the confusion/feeling overwhelmed also difficult to describe

I find this very difficult to deal with as well, but thankfully I live alone. When my sister visits for 2-3 weeks every year is when I'm reminded that I can not follow a recipe or cook and talk at the same time. Thankfully I recover from cognitive energy deficit much quick than physical energy deficit, but it still leaves me feeling nauseous/unwell.

 

[DokaGirl]

I can relate to all that has been said. I like the description it feels like a flu/being hungover/after running a marathon. @arewenearlythereyet used this one. I heartily agree.

I often feel like I'm slogging through glue, both mentally, and physically.

ME never leaves; it's like an extremely unwanted guest. Normally joyful times, times of celebration, of holiday, this terrible unwanted, unwelcome thing is still there.
The debilitating symptoms don't take time off; they're never on holiday.

 

[Forestvon]

This cartoon is a pretty good way of communicating the less severe end of ME https://laurachamberlain.co.uk/2016/06/24/a-printable-version-of-the-me-adventures-comic/

I show it to carers etc and say this girl is not severely affected and can do far more than I can but look how it has effected her.

 

[NelliePledge]

I show it to carers etc and say this girl is not severely affected and can do far more than I can but look how it has effected her.

Yes and this is what she manages on a good day

 

[Sean]

I can’t remember ever feeling this level of dysfunction before I got ill, so I don’t have a good way to describe it.

Nothing I had experienced in my 20 years of life before I got sick compares to having ME.

I like the description it feels like a flu/being hungover/after running a marathon.

I often feel like I'm slogging through glue, both mentally, and physically.

These two, plus the one I quoted in my first comment, are my favourites.

 

[mango]

I can relate to all that has been said. I like the description it feels like a flu/being hungover/after running a marathon. @arewenearlythereyet used this one. I heartily agree.

Ditto. And/or, like a never-ending flu + concussion.