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Counselling on chronic fatigue

Do you feel exhausted all the time? If you have myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) it's really important to make the right use of the energy you have available. We'll help you live within your limits and improve your quality of life by making sure you don't overdo it.

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The advantages for you

  • You'll learn to make better use of your energy and avoid overexerting yourself.
  • You'll learn to manage your energy by consciously pacing yourself. Pacing means recognising and respecting your energy limits.
  • The CSS Health Coaches will provide you with valuable information about assessments, diagnoses and who to turn to for help.
  • Brief overview or long-term support: You decide, together with the person counselling you, what makes most sense – by phone or online.

ME and CFS counselling at a glance

First consultation for free

The first consultation with our Health Coaches is free of charge for all persons insured with CSS.

Expert advice

You'll receive advice from experts on sleep, mental health, exercise, nutrition & patient care.

Integrated knowledge

We draw on the knowledge and experience of the Altea Long COVID Network.

Holistic

We also take your environment, your work, your family and your social life into consideration.

How ME and CFS counselling works

Do you feel physically and mentally exhausted all the time? Does even the slightest effort set you back or make your symptoms worse?

Then speak to a CSS Health Coach about your situation. Together, we'll find ways to help you manage your everyday life better.

Tailored to you and at your own pace

Pacing is an important part of the counselling: You'll learn to recognise and respect your own energy limits. That will help you avoid relapses and give you more stability. You set the pace and we accompany you, step by step.

Time required

The first session usually lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. We'll discuss your questions, current situation and potential next steps.

Any further counselling is adapted to your wishes – depending on how long and how often you would like support. Sessions take place over the phone or online, making it easy and convenient for you to take part.

Book an appointment online

Are you interested in receiving one-to-one advice or coaching from our CSS Health Coaches? Then book your appointment directly online.

Frequently asked questions

The offer is designed for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or similar complaints arising after an infection such as long COVID. You can ask for advice even if you only suspect you might be affected or if you're a relative of someone who is.

ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) are often referred to simultaneously as they are very similar in nature. The term ME places the focus more on the physical symptoms, such as strong muscle pain, and on neurological problems, while the term CFS emphasises the persistent, extreme exhaustion. Today, the two overlapping conditions are usually paired together and labelled as ME/CFS.

No. Our Health Coaches are no substitute for a medical examination or diagnosis. They provide easy-to-understand information about ME and CFS, and point out potential next steps. This gives you a better idea of where you stand and enables you to have a more constructive conversation with your doctor.

Long-term counselling makes sense if you have long-lasting limitations, experience difficulty in coping with everyday activities or have questions about navigating the healthcare system. In situations like these, long-term support can be particularly helpful.

No. Our Health Coaches do not issue commitments to provide cover, with the exception of certain CSS offers or a second opinion.

No. Counselling is no substitute for a medical diagnosis. It merely provides initial guidance. You still need to see a doctor to get a proper assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Altea informs patients, relatives and medical professionals about all aspects of long COVID. Altea puts those affected in touch with the right points of contact and offers them a protected platform for exchange in the Community Forum.

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