Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is not a trend. It’s a serious, life-altering illness—and it’s time we speak up
Living with ME: What It’s Really Like
I’ve lived with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) since 2012. It’s a complex, multi-system illness that affects millions worldwide. Far from just being “tired,” ME is characterised by:
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Debilitating fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
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Chronic pain in muscles and joints
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Cognitive dysfunction (also known as “brain fog”)
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Post-exertional malaise – a worsening of symptoms after even minimal physical or mental effort
This illness has changed every part of my life, and yet, awareness and understanding remain heartbreakingly low.
Dragons’ Den, Ear Seeds & Misinformation
Recently, on a popular episode of BBC’s Dragons’ Den, a product called ear seeds was presented as a potential “cure” for ME. As someone who lives with this illness every day, and as part of the ME community, I was outraged.
💬 Let’s be clear: There is currently no cure for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
Presenting any product—especially something not backed by scientific evidence—as a cure is not just misleading, it’s dangerous. It can:
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Encourage false hope
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Undermine scientific research
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Spread misinformation to millions
Why This Matters: The Real Impact of Health Misinformation
The Dragons’ Den incident has highlighted a much bigger issue: how misinformation about chronic illness spreads so easily in mainstream media.
This cannot happen again.
Here’s what we need to push for:
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Increased research funding into ME to help uncover causes and treatments
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Better education for healthcare professionals about ME and other invisible illnesses
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Responsible media representation, especially on large platforms with public trust
We Deserve Better: Let’s Change the Narrative
Too often, people with invisible illnesses like ME are dismissed, misunderstood, or ignored. That’s why I speak up—because our stories matter.
🎥 I spoke about this on my YouTube channel:
👉 Watch the video here
Every view, share, and like helps raise awareness and calls for change. You can help just by spreading the word.
Need Support or Someone to Talk To?
If you’re living with ME and feeling isolated, please don’t suffer in silence.
💌 Reach out to me here – you’re not alone.
Stay Connected & Join the Movement
Let’s keep fighting for awareness, funding, and respect.
🔗 Connect with me:
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Instagram: @alishawhittam
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Twitter: @alishawhittam
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Facebook: Alisha J Whittam
🫶 Support my mission to raise awareness of life with chronic illness and disability:
🌐 Visit alishawhittam.com
Trusted Sources for ME/CFS Information
Love Always
Alisha ❤️
