A ‘fast’ diagnosis (i.e. within one year) has been shown to significantly reduce recovery time*.
“Initial research suggested that a significant proportion of men might have more difficulty getting an official diagnosis than women,” explains Trish Taylor, Chair of Action for M.E. “We were interested in finding out why this might be the case – and to discover what other specific impacts this debilitating illness can have on quality of life and sense of masculinity."
“It’s a well-known fact that men are less likely than women to go to the doctor, hoping their problem will go away of its own accord. But with this illness that’s the worst thing you can do,” adds Trish. “Being a man with M.E. is not about soldiering on and pretending you’re not ill. It’s about getting informed, getting diagnosed and getting help.”
Our’s report reveals the terrible personal cost M.E. can have on men’s lives. A significant number of men (22.7%) lose their home after falling ill, over half go through a divorce or relationship breakdown, whilst many initially keep the illness secret from family or friends.
Of the men questioned most saw their income plummet as a result of the illness. Before their illness, less than 10% had an income under £10,000 a year. After developing M.E. that figure leapt to 64.2%.
The Action for M.E. report on Men & M.E. also shows:
We have recently published a booklet on Men & M.E., outlining the findings from our surveys and in-depth research. We hope it will encourage men to seek help earlier; and give men with M.E., their partners and their friends, a greater understanding of the illness.
How You Can Help
Ideas and information about how you can get involved in this year's campaign.
M.E. AWARENESS MONTH - MAY 2007
Action for M.E. launched the results of its survey on Men & M.E. at the beginning of May, and has so far gained both national and regional media coverage. It is, however, the 'grassroots' groups who make our campaigns a success, so we have put together a number of ways that people can get involved.
We initially chose the theme 'Men & M.E.' because last year’s major ‘More Than You Know’ survey indicated that men appeared to wait longer than women for an official diagnosis. Previous research has also shown a relationship between early diagnosis and the severity of the illness, so the sooner the illness is diagnosed, the less severe the symptoms of M.E. By focusing on the difficulties of one particular group, however, we hope to raise awareness of the impact of M.E. on all with this chronic illness.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
M.E. Awareness Month, which runs throughout May, is an excellent opportunity to raise funds as well as awareness. At Action for M.E. we have put together a portfolio of ideas and resources to support community fundraising.
Getting Publicity
We have produced an information pack to help you undertake publicity for M.E. Awareness Week, which consists of the following:
A Media Briefing - which details how best to contact your local media and get them interested in your story or any events you are planning for M.E. Awareness Week (and beyond).
Press Release 1 - Example 1 of a local group press release
Press Release 2 - Example 2 of a local group press release
Press Release 3 - Example of a photo call press release
Information about the estimated prevalence of M.E. by region
We also have a template press release on the survey results, to allow you to tailor the survey information for your local media.
Letter Writing
At Action for M.E. we are hugely grateful to the many members who take the trouble to write to newspapers and magazines in response to articles published on M.E. or developments in the news that affect people with M.E. Writing to the letters page of your local paper or to the health journalist is a really effective way of sharing your experience of M.E. with other people, and M.E. Awareness Month provides an excellent reason for journalists to publish letters or produce a story.
Many thanks to all of those who take the time to support us!
You can also get involved in the campaign by helping to fundraise in your local area.
Have your say
Please fill in our survey to let us know what you thought of this year's campaign. The feedback we receive will help to shape and improve future campaigns.
Endorsers
We would like to thank the following companies, organisations and charities for expressing their formal support of this year's campaign:
ACTION ON PAIN
THE ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS AND LECTURERS
BECTU
THE BRITISH HOME FOR INCURABLES
CARERS UK
COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS
CONTACT A FAMILY
COUNSEL & CARE
CROSSROADS CARING FOR CARERS
DEMOS
DIAL UK
DISABILITY ALLIANCE
DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION
FAMILY WELFARE ASSOCIATION
FIBROMYALGIA ASSOCIATION
GERRY SUTCLIFFE MP FOR BRADFORD SOUTH
JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION
NACODS
NUS
NATIONWIDE
NORTHWEST REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PAIN CONCERN
PRINCESS ROYAL TRUST FOR CARERS
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS
RADAR
ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE
SHAW TRUST
SOCIETY OF MERCHANT VENTURERS
URTU
*66% of those with M.E. for less than five years were diagnosed within 12 months, but for those who have had M.E. for ten years or more, just 38% were diagnosed within a year. (See Action for M.E’s ‘Facts and Figures’ booklet for more details.)
