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It is incredibly challenging living with a disabling chronic illness like ME/CFS as it significantly reduces our options and the quality of our life. It is natural that we would grieve the losses and find it difficult to cope with at times, especially if we are very unwell and not receiving much support. There are services and strategies that will help you to cope. Mental Wellbeing It is incredibly challenging living with a disabling chronic illness like ME/CFS as it significantly reduces our options and the quality of our life. It is natural that we would grieve the losses and find it difficult to cope with at times, especially if we are very unwell and not receiving much support. Find and develop strategies that help you cope: Schedule in activities that you enjoy or that help you feel connected to others. Stress will worsen any illness, and ME/CFS is no exception, so look for ways to minimise stressors. Allocate time for friendships with people who understand and care. Explore practices like mindfulness and self-compassion (see Strategies section below). Talk to your doctor about accessing counselling or other mental health services (see section below). Consider coming along to our in-person and online meetings , or joining our Facebook support group , to connect you with people who understand about life with chronic illness. We offer some suggestions for accessing counselling and developing strategies below. There are a range of mental health helplines and support services available in New Zealand and many of them are free. Give yourself permission to use them if you need to. The Mental Health Foundation of NZ provides a list of support options here . Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor. The Health Info website provides information about 'Getting help for a mental health issue' from Health NZ. This describes some of the mental health supports available in the South Island, including those available through your GP. To see a counsellor privately, you may be eligible for financial support to cover the fees from Work and Income, even if you are already receiving a Disability Allowance (see section below). Accessing mental wellbeing support Questions to ask a prospective therapist It is appropriate to ask a prospective service or therapist some questions before you start working with them, or during the first session. Consider asking: Ask what they understand about ME/CFS, or the chronic illnesses you have, to confirm that it matches current international guidance e.g. are they aware of the ME/CFS guidance on Health Info , from NICE (UK) or CDC (USA)? Are they familiar with the impacts of living with an invisible chronic illness which changes daily life and has no approved treatment? Describe what you are wanting support with and ask them to confirm they have relevant experience and interest in supporting you. You may have identified that you want support with issues, such as stress and uncertainty, adjustment, stigma, hopelessness, sleep problems, relationship challenges, grief and loss, identity, parenting, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Confirm what the funding arrangements are for the therapy. Confirm that the therapy can be offered in a format that meets the severity of your illness e.g. telehealth, phone, their office, your home, text. Wellbeing services through your medical centre Many General Practice clinics now have Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs), Health Coaches and Support Workers through the Access and Choice programme . These team members are available to deliver a wide range of mental wellbeing support and tools, without long waits and often on the same day, and the services are free. Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) are experienced mental health clinicians who work with people of all ages and their whānau. They may have a degree in psychology, psychotherapy, mental health nursing, social work, occupational therapy or be a DAPAANZ registered counsellor. HIPs help people with any issues impacting on their health and wellbeing. Sessions are brief (15-30 minutes), normally in-person, and focus on what is important to you, today. At your first session you will get some strategies and a plan. There are no limits to how often you can see the HIP. Talk to your GP or ring your medical centre to find out the best way to get seen by a HIP who has an understanding of ME/CFS and life with chronic illness. View the Map of practices in Canterbury that have a HIP available. Other Brief Intervention Talking Therapy (BITT) options are also usually available. Ask your medical centre to refer you for free short-term support with your mental wellbeing. BITT therapists are registered mental health professionals and telehealth options may be available. Counselling by telehealth with Pūawaitanga If you are wanting to try some talk therapy, you may want to consider the short-term counselling offered via telehealth by Pūawaitanga. It is free for people over 18 who are on a Work & Income benefit or who hold a Community Services Card. If you don’t meet the criteria for free services, you can also pay to access the service. The sessions are offered through phone or video call between 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. There is no waitlist and first appointment is usually within five days. The number of sessions is flexible, depending on need. Pūawaitanga have confirmed they have counsellors who have experience offering support for long term health concerns, and that this can be requested in the referral. Self-refer through their website www.puawaitanga.nz or call 0800 782 999. Ask to be assigned with one of their trained professionals who is familiar with the impacts and grief of chronic illness. Counselling for under 25s with Gumboot Friday Gumboot Friday provides two free counselling sessions for anyone aged 25 and under who needs the support of a qualified practitioner, including counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists, and art therapists. You can search their directory and select up to three counsellors who you’d be willing to talk to and then send them a message. Sessions can be face to face, online or by phone. “Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help – it’s just a conversation.” Counselling from Anxiety NZ Anxiety New Zealand offers a range of accessible mental health services including a low-cost online counselling service for young people (11+) and adults who are navigating mild to moderate mental health challenges. This counselling offers a safe and supportive space to explore personal challenges, build resilience, and achieve positive goals and emotional wellbeing. It's there for you if you are experiencing anxiety, grief, life transitions, or stress. (It's not limited to only supporting people experiencing anxiety.) If you are on a low-income you may be able to access the counselling for free. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday, including after hours. Are you feeling stressed or anxious now? Anxiety NZ also offers a free 24/7 helpline ... "Here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call" on 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 438). Aoake te Rā Aoake te Rā , also known as the Bereaved by Suicide Service, is a free service that gives 6 to 10 free sessions to support individuals and whānau to navigate life after suicide loss, whether recent or a long time ago. If you have lost someone to suicide, it may be impacting your physical health as well. Experienced therapists can support you to honour the grief and to explore finding a place for it. Private Counselling and Psychologists You can find a counsellor through the directory from the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC ). You can search for counsellors in your region and what they specialise in e.g. chronic illness, chronic fatigue syndrome. Most counsellors can offer telehealth sessions. You may have to pay part or all the cost. Health Psychologists seek to help people cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of adjusting to living with chronic physical health problems, and to foster hope for the future. Search the NZ Psychological Society directory or use a search engine to find the websites of psychologists. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) Some employers offer employee assistance programmes (EAP) to their employees and this may also be available to family members. An EAP is a confidential service that your employer pays for to give employees access to qualified, registered and experienced professionals. An EAP therapist can help you talk through issues affecting your wellbeing. Talk to your manager or human resources representative about whether your employer offers an EAP. Funding from Work and Income You may be eligible to apply to have the costs of ongoing mental health support covered by the Disability Allowance (DA) or the Temporary Additional Support (TAS) allowance from Work and Income. You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for the DA, but you and your partner cannot earn more than set income limits. The TAS has both income and asset tests and needs to be applied for every 3 months. Further Information About Services The Family Services Directory from MSD also lists a range of mental health services. Additional resources from the Mental Health Foundation of NZ include: Support for Myself is a list of resources including strategies for recovery. Accessing Mental Health Services covers finding a GP, community mental health services, how to find a therapist or professional, and finding a therapist privately, and community support groups. Developing strategies for mental wellbeing Reasons for prioritising self-care strategies Looking after our mental wellbeing often helps our symptoms to stablise and our health to improve. Low mood can sometimes be part of post-exertional malaise (PEM), so if the PEM episodes can be reduced, your mood may improve as your symptoms become more stable. Use our guidance for Activity Management to pace as well as possible given your circumstances. With ME/CFS and Long Covid, our autonomic nervous system might become dysfunctional, or dysregulated. This autonomic system includes our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and parasympathetic nervous system (calm/rest/digest). Your body may have trouble moving into the rest state, which can make your body feel that it is in danger or anxious. Along with our tips at the top of this page, it can be really helpful using mindfulness, breathing, gentle stretches or relaxation techniques during each day to calm down your nervous system. Self-directed Online Courses and Resources There are many courses and online resources that you can explore at your own pace. A selection of courses... Free courses and resources for New Zealanders covering anxiety, depression, and more www.justathought.co.nz/courses Free and paid content from Breathworks, including mindfulness for chronic illness www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk/listing/category/self-guided-courses Other resources... The NZ Health App library from Healthify , highlights apps for mental health and wellbeing, mindfulness, and more. Some apps are free, others have a cost. Search our library catalogue for books that might support your mental wellbeing. We can post books out to you at not cost. Self-Compassion Self-compassion is a vital practice that can help us to reduce stress and increase our ability to enjoy what we can in difficult circumstances. Self-compassion is treating ourselves with the same care, kindness and concern that we would give a friend, when they are in pain or difficulty. It involves exploring soothing touch and soft vocalisation which release oxytocin and endorphins and help to reduce cortisol and relieve pain. Self-compassion also involves setting appropriate boundaries to protect our property, our time, or our emotional, mental and physical well-being. Kate Brandram-Adams, from Mindfulness North Canterbury, presented a workshop for us on this topic. Watch the recording here . For more information: Dr Kristin Neff website: www.self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices Mindfulness Mindfulness is a practice that can help us to cope with the impacts of living with a chronic illness such as ME/CFS. It may enable us to notice changes to our symptoms sooner and give us an opportunity to bring a more compassionate response, rather than pushing through. It can also be useful for taking our attention away from our symptoms and may help to calm our autonomic nervous system (ANS). Di Robertson, a mindfulness mentor, has previously led a presentation and practice session for us. Watch this on YouTube. For more information: Mindfulness on Healthify healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/m/mindfulness Mindfulness Apps: www.headspace.com www.insighttimer.com Mindfulness Training App: www.themindfulnessapp.com Courses: MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ) Finding Resilience Elizabeth Hamilton, a social worker and counsellor, has talked to us about finding resilience when debilitating illness brings many changes to our lives, along with loss, and grief. Being aware of our circle of control and approaches for living through and with loss and grief can make a difference. We invite you to watch the recording of Elizabeth's session on YouTube. Te Whare Tapa Whā Te Whare Tapa Whā is a wellbeing model developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984. The model describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui/meeting house with four walls. These walls represent taha wairua/spiritual wellbeing, taha hinengaro/mental and emotional wellbeing, taha tinana/physical wellbeing and taha whānau/family and social wellbeing. Our connection with the whenua/land forms the foundation. When all these areas are in balance, we thrive. When one or more of these is out of balance our wellbeing is impacted. Occupational Therapist Sarah Phipps led a presentation and workshop for us and highlighted some specific strategies for people with ME/CFS, including finding ways to live with loss. You can watch the presentation on our YouTube channel.

We are looking for another part time Work and Income Advocate to join our team. < Back Work and Income Advocate Vacancy 22 Apr 2026 We are looking for another part time Work and Income Advocate to join our team. We are looking for another part time Work and Income Advocate to join our team. Could you help us to make a difference for people with ME/CFS and long COVID? Or do you know someone who might? ____________________________ About #MECFS : ME/CFS is a serious long-term illness. People living with ME/CFS experience a fluctuating severity of symptoms and are severely impacted in the activities of daily living. Appropriate clinical support and guidance for self-management can improve symptoms and quality of life. ____________________________ About Us: ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast Charitable Trust is a growing community health organisation and charity. We focus on improving the lives of people living with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis / #ChronicFatigueSyndrome and #longCOVID and their whānau, by providing information, validation, clinical support, connection, practical support and advocacy. We also provide educational opportunities and guidance about ME/CFS for health professionals. We deliver our services in Canterbury and the West Coast of New Zealand. Visit our website www.mecfscanterbury.nz to find out more. ____________________________ For details about the vacancy: ✦ Ad on TradeMe - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/healthcare/community-social-services/canterbury/christchurch-city/part-time/listing/5895976604 ✦ Closing Date: 8am Wednesday 6th May 2026 Previous Next

Management approaches for ME/CFS include identifying the most problematic symptom first and exploring options for improvements, along with implementing pacing and activity management.​ We have collated some information for you. Managing Specific Symptoms We aim to collate information here to help you manage your ME/CFS and the specific symptoms that may be present, particularly as our team deliver presentations on these topics. DISCLAIMER: MECFS Canterbury does not provide recommendations for any treatments for your particular situation on this website. Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace the qualified medical advice that is necessary for each individual. Please discuss any lifestyle and treatment changes with your doctor first. MECFS Canterbury does not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken by readers of any content or for any error or omission in connection with an article or content published on this website. Overview of ME/CFS and its Management We invite you to watch our presentation about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management on our YouTube channel. This presentation covers: What we know about ME/CFS The diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS Impacts and severity spectrum Key management principles and approaches How to make a meaningful life Management approaches include identifying the most problematic symptom first and exploring options for improvements, along with implementing pacing and activity management. There is also a pdf of the slide deck available. Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) Orthostatic Inolerance (OI) is an umbrella term for several conditions in which symptoms are worsened by assuming and maintaining an upright posture. When someone with OI stands up or sits for too long, they may experience symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, spatial disorientation, feeling faint, sweating, headaches, nausea and palpitations. Many symptoms improve with lying down, although some take hours or days to resolve. People with ME/CFS may have low OI, or meet the criteria for the more severe Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH). Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes, a Tilt Table or NASA Lean test, and assessments such as Hours of Upright Activity (HUA). OI symptoms is one of the most treatable symptoms associated with ME/CFS and it is usually possible to increase functional capacity through the following management approaches: Increase blood volume by drinking water and consuming more sodium (if safe for you to do so). Provide mechanical support by using compression garments and postural counter manoeuvres (movement that moves the blood up the legs to the heart). Make lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding overheating, alcohol, large meals. Introduce movement or gentle exercise done in a lying down or recumbent position first. We invite you to watch our talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management on our YouTube channel. A pdf of the slide deck is also available. Further Reading Clinical Care Guide from Bateman Horne Centre, USA, a 98 page document published 2025. This covers the basics and common co-morbidities. Clinical Primer from IACFSME (International [Clinician] Association for CFS/ME), 2014. Particularly Section 5 Management and Treatment. Advice from ME Association UK, who are strongly evidence-based. They provide general guidance and leaflets covering various supplements, therapies and medications https://meassociation.org.uk/free-literature-downloads/ Visit our Links page for more information.

As we approach World ME Day on 12th May, ANZMES have released a powerful national press statement < Back World ME Day - Press Statement from ANZMES 6 May 2026 As we approach World ME Day on 12th May, ANZMES have released a powerful national press statement As we approach World ME Day on 12 th May, ANZMES have released a powerful national press statement calling for people with ME/CFS to be taken seriously, in healthcare, in policy and in everyday life. This year’s theme “Take ME Seriously” reflects what our community has been saying for decades: ME/CFS is a complex, multi-system illness that requires recognition, accurate diagnosis and appropriate support. Thousands of New Zealanders are living with ME/CFS, many are facing barriers to care, understanding and support. This campaign is a call to change that to ensure people with ME/CFS are believed, supported and given access to the care they need. We encourage our community to take a moment to read and share this important release and join us in raising awareness this World ME Day. https://anzmes.org.nz/world-me-day/take-me-seriously-2026/ #TakeMESeriously #WorldMEDay #MECFS #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #EducateME Previous Next

A big thank you to the librarians at Tūranga, the central Christchurch City Libraries Library, for helping us to profile ME/CFS for this World ME Day. < Back Check out our display at Tūranga Library for World ME Day 26 Apr 2026 A big thank you to the librarians at Tūranga, the central Christchurch City Libraries Library, for helping us to profile ME/CFS for this World ME Day. Visit the display in front of the lifts on the third floor to check out our information posters and some of the books that the library has that may be of interest to those with ME/CFS and living with chronic illness. The display is scheduled to run from Friday, 1st May to Sunday, 17th May. World ME Day falls on Tuesday, 12th May, but the whole of May is a time to raise awareness. The Tūranga library is located at 60 Cathedral Square, Central Christchurch. There are two mobility carparks directly outside. Free Zines Our stand has a couple of free zines by Hazel Camp at hazyhappiness.com for you to read and take away. The Things You Don’t See: Invisible Illness – life with severe ME/CFS Kind Reminders – Non-toxic positivity for when things suck a lot Our own Zine 'Five ways to support mental wellbeing for ME/CFS' is also available. Book Recommendations The Library has books that may be of interest on shelf 616 – Diseases. The call number for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is 616.0478 . Books on Long COVID are included in the Pneumonia Covid Dewey code 616.2414 . There are books on living with long term chronic illness in 616.044 and elsewhere. Books we recommend from the Christchurch City Libraries collection include: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/M.E. - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management by Rosamund Vallings Classic Pacing for A Better Life With ME by Ingebjørg Midsem Dahl Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalitis - It's Mitochondria, Not Hypochondria by Sarah Myhill Lighting up A Hidden World CFS and ME by Valerie Free A Still Life - A Memoir by Josie George The Puzzle Solver - A Scientist's Desperate Quest to Cure the Illness That Stole His Son by Tracie White Audio Books we recommend from the Christchurch City Libraries collection include: Waiting for Superman - One Family's Struggle to Survive and Cure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Tracie White Breath - The New Science of A Lost Art by James Nestor The Long Covid Handbook by Gez Medinger The Yin and Yang of Self-compassion - Cultivating Kindness and Strength in the Face of Difficulty by Kristin Neff eBooks we recommend from the Christchurch City Libraries collection include: How to Be Sick A Buddhist-inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard Long Covid - Expert Advice, From Diagnosis to Treatment and Recovery : A Practical Guide for Those Affected, Their Loved Ones, and Medical Professionals by Steven Faux Our own Library MECFS Canterbury also has our own library of books that can be borrowed by our members. If you can’t get to our office or to one of our meetings, we can post these out to you along with a post-paid return bag. View the catalogue online . . Posters for our library display for World ME Day Check out our posters here. Previous Next

Feeling creative and got some extra spoons? Turn them into something that speaks for our community with our Crash Wear Design Competition. We’re looking for ME/CFS or Long Covid themed designs for our Crash Wear merch, something that captures the lived experience of ME/CFS and Long Covid. < Back The 2026 Crash Wear Design Competition 10 Apr 2026 Feeling creative and got some extra spoons? Turn them into something that speaks for our community with our Crash Wear Design Competition. We’re looking for ME/CFS or Long Covid themed designs for our Crash Wear merch, something that captures the lived experience of ME/CFS and Long Covid. Three winning designs will be featured on ME/CFS Canterbury “Crash wear” merchandise and the winners will receive one crash wear item of their choosing featuring their design. Entries close Saturday, 31st May 2026, and winners will be announced on Friday 12th June 2026. Check out the current Crash Wear range at https://mecfscanterbury.digitees.co.nz Conditions of Entry Eligibility: Entry is open to members, caregivers, and family/whānau of people living with ME/CFS or Long COVID in the Canterbury and West Coast regions. Entry Period: Entries open upon announcement and close at 11:59pm, 31 May 2026 (NZST) Number of Entries: You may submit as many designs as your energy allows, no pressure to overdo it. Original Work: All submissions must be the entrant’s original work and must not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights. Design Requirements: Designs should reflect themes relevant to ME/CFS and/or Long COVID. Artwork must be suitable for printing on merchandise e.g. clothing, accessories. Colours do not need to be limited to the existing colour palette of our Crash Wear (blue and white). Final files may be requested in a high-resolution format if shortlisted. We will also accept draft entries from people who have a good idea but not the skills or tools to create high quality art. If your design is the winner, we can arrange for the artwork to be done. Use of Entries: ME/CFS Canterbury may display submitted designs (with credit) on social media for promotional purposes related to the competition, unless the entrant requests otherwise. Selection of Winners: Entries will be reviewed and three winning designs selected by a panel of ME/CFS Canterbury staff, volunteers, and members. W inners will be announced on Friday 12th June 2026 on https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/news-1 and by email. Prize: The three winning designs will be featured on ME/CFS Canterbury “Crash wear” merchandise and the winners will receive one crash wear item of their choosing featuring their design. The item of clothing or accessory can be selected from the range available from Digitees. View the selection at https://www.digitees.co.nz/create. Artist Credit & Rights: Artists will be credited wherever reasonably possible. If your design is selected as a winner, the rights to the design are transferred to ME/CFS Canterbury for use in promotional, fundraising, and merchandising purposes. Content Guidelines: Designs must not include offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate material. ME/CFS Canterbury reserves the right to exclude any entry that does not align with its values. Changes & Decisions: ME/CFS Canterbury reserves the right to amend these conditions or cancel the competition if necessary. All decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into. Submit Your Entry Submit here Feel free to email us on info@mecfscanterbury.nz if you have any questions. Previous Next

The 4th International Conference on ME/CFS, Long Covid and Gulf War Illness < Back ME CFS Canterbury Registered Nurses attend RID2025 11 Nov 2025 The 4th International Conference on ME/CFS, Long Covid and Gulf War Illness Our nurses Amanda Wyatt and Wendy Dragt are currently attending #RID2025 – Hosted by Griffith University NCNED it is the 4th International Conference on ME/CFS, Long Covid and Gulf War Illness in Tweed Heads, Australia. The program features leading researchers like Professor Nancy Klimas speaking about immune and viral factors in ME/CFS, Professor Maureen Hanson on plasma proteomics, Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik on TRPM3 ion channel dysfunction, and Professor Warren Tate talking about epigenetic mechanisms. Also presenting are Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch on ME/CFS and Long Covid epidemiology, Dr Jessica Maya on inflammatory subgroups, and Professor Pete Smith on autonomic and immune links plus many more. It’s an inspiring opportunity for our nurses to hear the latest biomedical research and clinical insights, and to connect with others working to improve care for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid. #myalgicencephalomyelitis #mecfs #LongCOVID   Previous Next

Thank you to the individuals and funders who have supported our journey since we became a charity in 1985. < Back It’s our 40th Ruby Anniversary! 31 Oct 2025 Thank you to the individuals and funders who have supported our journey since we became a charity in 1985. People often tell us that our charity is the only health service that has understood their life with debilitating chronic illness and provided appropriate clinical, lifestyle, social and other supports. I was overwhelmed, unsure where to start, and felt like no one really understood what I was going through. The support I received here changed that. You helped me feel seen and supported at a time when I was struggling to advocate for myself. A response in our 2025 Survey. We welcome donations to mark this occasion and to enable us to continue to support our vulnerable chronically ill community over our 41st year. Are you able to join our Ruby Crew ? In the last year alone... 277 people enrolled in our Registered Nurse Service to receive support for diagnosis, symptom management, and advocacy. 74 people supported by our advocates to explore the financial assistance available to them from Work and Income NZ. 45 group meetings held around our region to provide connections and education. 574 members: people receiving our updates or engaging with our services in some way. 631 subscribers of our newsletter, including professionals. 8 educational events and material delivered for professionals supporting our community. $0 received from the government’s health budget. We invite you to share this campaign to spread the word. Thank you! Ways to donate: Visit www.givealittle.co.nz/org/mecfs-group-canterbury-inc Use our donation form to pay by debit, credit card, or Google Pay www.mecfscanterbury.nz/donation-form Purchase something from our Crash Wear Merchandise range www.mecfscanterbury.digitees.co.nz Visit www.mecfscanterbury.nz/donate for other ways to contribute For more information about us visit www.mecfscanterbury.nz/how-we-help Link to Disclaimer: www.mecfscanterbury.nz/about-us/disclaimer Previous Next

We are delighted to announce that physiotherapists who have access to the Allied Healthways website provided by the CDHB now have appropriate advice available in the PhysioFITT guidance for ME/CFS. < Back New guidance from CDHB for physiotherapists 25 Jun 2021 We are delighted to announce that physiotherapists who have access to the Allied Healthways website provided by the CDHB now have appropriate advice available in the PhysioFITT guidance for ME/CFS. We are grateful to the clinical editors from the Canterbury District Health Board who have worked with us recently to provide up-to-date guidance about ME/CFS for physiotherapists working with the PhysioFITT programme. This new guidance is available on the CDHB's Allied Healthways online platform, and will help health professionals to be aware of current understanding of this debilitating illness, and the need to move away from prior advice that is no longer recommended. Under the PhysioFITT program, physiotherapists assess the clinical context of the patient and deliver a tailored assessment and activity plan appropriate to their health condition(s). Key points made for ME/CFS clients: Avoid exercise tests that may trigger post-exertional malaise (PEM). Check for Orthostatic Intolerance. Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) is not recommended for ME/CFS. Exercise should be used for physical maintenance (core strength, bone density and enjoyment) and be at a level to avoid post-exertional malaise (PEM). If PEM is experienced frequently, consider reducing rather than increasing activity in order to improve overall wellbeing. It may be more helpful to focus on daily activities than formal exercise. Make #movementforlife safe for #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome Previous Next

Being told you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) or Long Covid can feel overwhelming and isolating. < Back Find Support After an ME/CFS or Long Covid Diagnosis in Canterbury and the West Coast 21 Jun 2026 Being told you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) or Long Covid can feel overwhelming and isolating. You may be struggling to find people who truly understand what you are going through, or healthcare professionals who take your symptoms seriously. If you are based in Canterbury or the West Coast of New Zealand, you do not have to navigate this alone. A Community That Gets It ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast runs a free, private Facebook support group for people living with ME/CFS (also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Long Covid in the Canterbury and West Coast regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a space where you do not need to explain yourself. Members understand the reality of post-exertional malaise, the unpredictability of symptoms, and the frustration of conditions that are still poorly understood by many in the medical system. Join the group here: ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast Support Group on Facebook Who Is the Group For? The group is open to: People newly diagnosed with ME/CFS or Long Covid, or currently awaiting a diagnosis People who have been living with ME/CFS or Long Covid for years Carers and whanau supporting someone with either condition Whether you have mild symptoms or are severely affected, you are welcome. What to Expect This is a peer support space, not a medical advice forum. Members share experiences, practical tips, local resources, and simply the comfort of being understood. It is moderated to keep the space safe and respectful. About ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast is a community organisation supporting people affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Long Covid across the Canterbury and West Coast regions. We receive no government funding. So much of what we offer this community exists because of dedicated volunteers who show up alongside our small team. We provide information, advocacy, and peer connection to help people and their whanau feel less alone and better equipped to navigate life with these complex illnesses. Ready to Connect? If you are newly diagnosed, still seeking answers, or simply looking for people who get it, we would love to have you in the group. Join the ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast Support Group on Facebook Keywords: ME/CFS Canterbury, Long Covid Canterbury, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome New Zealand, ME/CFS support group NZ, Long Covid support New Zealand, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Canterbury, ME/CFS West Coast NZ, Long Covid West Coast NZ, CFS support Canterbury, ME/CFS diagnosis New Zealand, Long Covid diagnosis New Zealand Previous Next

Today we want to congratulate the team involved in the establishment of Dysautonomia New Zealand and their progress in becoming a registered charity.   < Back Dysautonomia New Zealand 16 Feb 2026 Today we want to congratulate the team involved in the establishment of Dysautonomia New Zealand and their progress in becoming a registered charity. Today we want to congratulate the team involved in the establishment of Dysautonomia New Zealand and their progress in becoming a registered charity. They hope to fill the gap in response to a clear and ongoing need for greater awareness, support, and understanding of dysautonomia in Aotearoa New Zealand. Visit their website https://www.dysautonomianz.co.nz and sign up to their newsletters or offer your support. ___________________ Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for conditions where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not function as it should. The ANS controls automatic body processes like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. When it malfunctions, everyday activities such as standing up, eating, or even concentrating can become challenging. Conditions include POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Orthostatic Hypotension, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and more. Previous Next

Support a Cause with Every Cup < Back ME/CFS Awareness Mugs for Blue Sunday 2026 20 Apr 2026 Support a Cause with Every Cup If you’ve been looking for a simple way to support ME/CFS Awareness this may, we’ve got something practical, meaningful and genuinely useful. Mugs designed with chronic illness life in mind. We’ve just launched 3 new ME/CFS themed mugs to our line of merch as part of our fundraising efforts for Blue Sunday on Sunday 17 May 2026 a much-loved event in ME/CFS awareness month. Why These Mugs Matter Living with ME/CFS often means adjusting to a slower pace of life. Small comforts like a warm drink can become part of a meaningful routine. These mugs are designed to reflect that reality with simple, relatable designs, gentle humour, and validation. Perfect for tea, coffee, or whatever gets you through the day. Order Early for Blue Sunday To make sure your mug arrives in time for Blue Sunday on 17 May we recommend ordering as soon as possible. All drinkware ordered in April and May will count toward our fundraising total and contributes directing to supporting people in Canterbury and the West Coast with ME/CFS and Long Covid. A Small Act That Adds Up Not everyone has the capacity to attend events or take part in large campaigns and that’s ok. This is a lower energy way to show support, start conversations, and be part of something meaningful. Get yours. Previous Next