This is the most helpful book I have read about coping psychologically with CFS. I read the first six pages with tears running down my cheeks. What a relief it was to finally grasp why people who are well cannot understand!

It discusses chronic invisible illness as distinct from acute and visible illness. Sufferers of acute and visible illness automatically receive understanding and empathy from others. Conversely, sufferers of chronic illness - especially invisible chronic illness - are met with scepticism and intolerance. Reading the book has helped me comprehend why this happens and to be more accepting of other people's inability to understand my illness.

The book is not just about CFS. We have a lot in common with people living with lupus erythematosus, endometriosis, HIV, multiple sclerosis and other invisible chronic illnesses. The writers really do understand what it is like to live with a chronic illness. Both the authors are psychologists in private practice in America. Mary Siegel has multiple sclerosis.

There are chapters titled:

• The Psychological Consequences of Invisible Chronic Illness (ICI)
• Irrational Thinking and ICI
• Living Your Story
• Coping with ICI in the Family

The book is about how to become aware of the attitude you have towards your illness and the way you talk to yourself about it. Its about how to have a realistic view of your illness and the limits it places on you, thereby maximising your quality of life. And it's about communication - how to communicate better with your family, friends, employer and doctor. These people would also find the book very helpful.

This is the only book I've come across which deals in any depth with coping psychologically with CFS, particularly with grief. I found this book more relevant than Mal McKissock's Coping with Grief which deals mainly with death and grief. I would be interested to know of further reading about grief and chronic illness if anyone has any suggestions.

I borrowed the book from Northcote Library and was so impressed I obtained my own copy from Standish Prideaux & Pye (medical and scientific booksellers) in Carlton, phone 347 7699. It is quite expensive at $42.95 plus $6 postage, but well worth the cost for the psychological health it provides. I think I got more for my money than I did for the dollars I spent on acupuncture and Vitamin C.

Reprinted from Emerge, March 1995.