ME/Chronic fatigue syndrome: The mysterious illness trapping people in their bodies

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a neurological disease. But misinformation from decades ago, which claimed it was psychological has resulted in stigma that still impacts the care of patients today. “Someone who is so physically unwell is being treated so poorly, as if they can just snap out of it,” says Dr Anna Brooks, a ME and Long Covid researcher. “I don't think I can think of another condition that would be treated this this way. It just blows my mind.” It’s estimated 65,000 New Zealanders have the disease – with Long Covid driving ME rates 15 times higher than before the pandemic. Re: News journalist Zoe Madden-Smith looks into the controversy around the mysterious illness.