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Have you felt exhausted for months and no amount of rest seems to help? Do you feel even more fatigued after physical, mental or emotional exertion? Fatigue may be a symptom of many different medical conditions, but it may just be chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). 

CFS, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), is a chronic condition that causes extreme tiredness for at least six months and does not ease with rest. Though you may experience many physical symptoms from CFS, it may also impact your mental health.

Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome
The cause of CFS is unknown. There are many theories of what could cause CFS, including psychological stress, a weakened immune system, hormonal imbalance, deficiencies of vitamins B2 and/or B12, and viral or bacterial infections. However, studies are inconclusive. CFS may even be genetic condition. Experts state that a combination of factors, or the end period of several different conditions, may cause CFS. 

CFS symptoms
CFS symptoms may fluctuate, and differ from person to person. Besides constantly feeling tired, the most common symptoms are: 

• extreme fatigue after physical, mental or emotional exertion, with a long recovery time
• unrefreshing sleep
• sleep disorders
• memory loss
• difficulty concentrating
• slow reaction time
• dizziness

CFS diagnosis
There are no specific tests available to diagnose CFS. As symptoms are similar to many other medical conditions, blood and urine tests may rule out other causes.

Your doctor may also ask you to keep track of your activities and symptoms, as well as refer you to a sleep specialist, neurologist and/or rheumatologist.

CFS and mental health
Fatigue is often a symptom of mental health conditions. Vice versa, you may experience depression, anxiety and/or social isolation if you’re diagnosed with CFS and need to adapt to a new lifestyle. CFS may also negatively affect your self-esteem. It becomes a vicious cycle because as you try to cope with your condition, emotional exertion leaves you feeling even more exhausted.

Treatment of CFS with mental health conditions 
There’s no cure for CFS, but the right treatment plan can help to relieve symptoms. Your doctor could, for example, prescribe antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medication if you’re struggling with your mental health. 

A counsellor or psychologist should also be able to advise on coping mechanisms. You could also join a CFS support group, and asking family and friends to support you.

Bestmed members have access to: 

• treatment in mental healthcare facilities, available across all options, up to 21 days per beneficiary per year, including electro-convulsive therapy and inpatient psychotherapy, or 15 contact sessions for out-patient psychotherapy per beneficiary per year.
• benefits for major depression as a non-Chronic Disease List benefit on Beat4, Pace1, Pace2, Pace3 and Pace4.
• emotional wellbeing resources, including Temp Wellness Webinars on mental health-related topics, via the Tempo wellness programme.

Bestmed has a national network of more than 21 300 healthcare providers and ancillaries. Login to the online Member Portal or Bestmed App to find your nearest healthcare provider.

References
Cafasso, J. 2021. Q fever. In: healthline. (Ed.: Dr C. White). Available [Online]: https://www.healthline.com/health/q-fever. 

Krause. L. 2021. Mycoplasma pneumonia infection. In: healthline. (Ed. Dr A. Cattamanchi). Available [Online]: https://www.healthline.com/health/mycoplasma-pneumonia.                        

Mayo Clinic. 2026. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Available [Online]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490. 

NHS. 2024. Overview: Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Available [Online]: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/. 

Pietrangelo, A. 2026. What is chronic fatigue syndrome? In: verywell health. (Ed. Dr A.C. Chandrasekaran). Available [Online]: https://www.verywellhealth.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-7374853. 

Sampson, S. (D.O.) 2023. CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). In: healthline. (Ed.: Dr M. Soliman). Available [Online]: https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.