"It started when I was off school with a bad sore throat. I felt
so tired. I found it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and
slept in the afternoon but then slept for hours at night.
I used to be really good at tennis and I was in nearly all the
top sets at school. I really wanted to get back to school because I
knew I was getting behind. My friends came round to see me after I
was ill, but I felt so tired that I could only see them for a short
time so they have now stopped ringing and coming round. I do miss
them but I feel too tired to contact them. If I do anything then I
need time to rest. The other day I went out to the shops with Mum
and Dad but then it took me three days to recover.
Over the last few years, I have had many different tests but
nothing was found.
My doctor suggested a referral to see a psychiatrist, but I
don't think I have a mental illness. It has also helped talking to
my school about starting to do some work at home. My mum and I were
very worried about doing any exercises, but the physiotherapist has
visited me at home and she understands my fear of getting worse. So
I agreed that she will help me with some gentle exercises.
I am also beginning to realise that I have been ill so long now
that perhaps it might help me and my family to talk to a therapist
about this. Our doctor will refer us for some counselling which
hopefully will be another way if supporting us all through this
long struggle to get better."