Friday, July 14, 2006

CFIDS/Fibromyalgia Self-Help, San Francisco

Our Philosophy

CFIDS and fibromyalgia are long-term illnesses that impose limits and bring uncertainty. Often they create isolation, frustration and a sense of helplessness. Even though a small number of patients recover and many improve, there is no cure for either illness and medical help is often quite limited. Therefore, we believe it is productive to explore what patients can do to help themselves.

Our program is based on other scientifically-proven self-management programs for chronic illness. In our groups, we aim to combine support with tools for managing chronic illness. Support means we attempt to create a safe environment in which people feel accepted, understood and respected. We believe that exchanging ideas with others who share a similar condition can be a powerful way to counteract the isolation of chronic illness, and can inspire and console. Tools means we aim to have a problem-solving orientation focused on a set of ideas and techniques that form a structured program of self-management. We believe that there are many things patients can do to improve their quality of life. We focus sharing practical solutions to common problems of chronic illness.

In the course, you will learn a comprehensive framework for understanding your illness, and receive many ideas from us and fellow participants about illness management. The framework and tools are designed to help you create an individualized and flexible plan for managing your illness.

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