What's happened
Recent discussions surrounding chronic illnesses, particularly ME/CFS, have intensified following the tragic death of Maeve Boothby O'Neill and comedian Miranda Hart's revelations about her health struggles. These events highlight ongoing issues in medical understanding and treatment of these conditions, prompting calls for better awareness and care.
Why it matters
What the papers say
George Monbiot in The Guardian discusses the tragic case of Maeve Boothby O'Neill, emphasizing the 'culture of disbelief' in the healthcare system regarding ME/CFS. He notes that Maeve's death reflects a broader issue affecting many patients. In contrast, Ellie Muir from The Independent highlights Miranda Hart's personal journey with chronic illness, noting the backlash she faced for her comments on stress and illness. Muir emphasizes Hart's clarification that she does not claim to have found a cure, but rather shares her experiences to help others understand their conditions better.
How we got here
Maeve Boothby O'Neill's death in 2021 due to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has sparked renewed scrutiny of the medical community's treatment of chronic illnesses. Comedian Miranda Hart's recent autobiography further emphasizes the need for better understanding of these conditions.
More on these topics
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Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling chronic illness. People with ME/CFS experience profound fatigue that does not go away with rest, sleep issues, and problems with memory or concentration. Further common symptoms...