@PandaDarling - CFS/ME can exacerbate any other condition, of course including mental health issues. It (CFS/ME) is an extremely difficult illness to cope with - it robs us of so much - jobs, friends, physical activity, a social life - there are lots of times I wonder what's the point. One thing that keeps me going is the belief that there is an answer. I do believe our bodies have the ability to heal so when I feel well enough, I read a lot and do research and try new things. And I have made some progress, primarily over the last 10 years. So I keep thinking, there's got to be an answer. I don't rely on doctors. Some of them can help a little, but most progress I have made is due to either reading about something here or on similar sites, or my own research.
Anyways, when I'm able to detach from the emotional side of CFS/ME, my brain, which loves puzzles, looks at it as a puzzle to be solved. I'm also extremely fortunate that I don't have the cognitive issues many have with this illness.
But I also find it very difficult to cope much of the time, and just have to wait it out when I feel like that. I read a lot of mystery novels.
It does help coming to this board and reading about others' experience - to know I'm not alone with this hellish disease. And meditation, when I feel well enough to do it, is enormously helpful. It calms down my brain and I start to feel like I am more than just a body with an illness.
Best wishes -