Why is My Teenager So Tired?

The Fatigue Illnesses Meet Adolescence

The teens of today are under more stress than ever before. There is unprecedented competition to get into prestigious colleges and universities; jobs are scarce; dating and marriage are wrought with confusing messages, health risks and pitfalls. Stress-related illnesses are under-diagnosed in adolescents; drugs, alcohol and other forms of self-medication are rampant; depression, eating disorders and self-mutilation are shockingly common; and, things can still get worse.

 Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are increasingly common, stress-induced illnesses that are finding their way into the adolescent population at an alarming rate. They are both painful and debilitating conditions. To date we have developed neither effective diagnostic protocol nor any universally accepted or widely effective treatment for either condition. Teenagers suffering from fatigue illnesses have complex medical and developmental needs. Parents often feel confused by the teen's vague symptoms, lack of medical support and mixed bag of advice.

I am going to walk you step by step through the recovery process, from diagnosis to remission. Fibro can be treated, and your teen can go on to live a happy, healthy and productive life.

Warning! Do Your Homework!

Teenagers are the most techno-savvy among us. It is highly likely that a teenager who has been laid up for any period of time has done extensive research on Fibro and CFS. They have probably diagnosed themselves and mapped out a treatment plan. Do yourself a favor; stay current with the ever-changing pool of treatments and protocol.

As we all know, the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. Yes, there is a lot of information and it is just a click away. On the other hand, posting information is also that same click away. Do not believe everything you read. Start with this:

Fibromyalgia requires multi modal treatment. No one practitioner nor one drug or method is adequate! 

Stay clear of anyone who boasts they know what causes Fibro and knows just how to fix it. In your research you will likely come across anecdotes galore about who was magically cured by what and by whom. If there were in fact one treatment for everyone, you and I would not be on this page.

Next time: Diagnosis