Understanding Anxiety and Depression in CFS Recovery: It’s All Temporary
Introduction: A Common Struggle in Recovery
Hey, guys, Miguel here from CFS Recovery. In today’s video, I’m going to be talking about something that comes up a lot for those of us with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): feelings of anxiety and depression.
Now, I’m going to be honest with you, I might get some pushback on this topic — but I’m going to make a bold statement:
Feelings of anxiety and depression are part of the recovery process when dealing with a hypersensitive nervous system.
Before you get upset, let me explain why I say this, and how reframing your mindset can drastically shift your recovery.
Why Anxiety and Depression Are Common, Not Permanent
When we’re living with CFS, especially when it’s at its worst, it’s easy to identify with emotions like anxiety and depression. I used to feel these emotions too — intensely. I was bedridden, stuck, unable to move, and definitely not able to enjoy life. During those times, I thought to myself, “I am anxious. I am depressed.”
But here’s the thing:
It’s temporary.
Feelings of anxiety and depression don’t define who you are. These emotions are simply reactions to a body in stress. Your nervous system is overactive, and that’s why those emotions seem overwhelming. They’re not permanent traits. They’re responses to your body’s struggles and recovery.
The Power of Words: From “I Am” to “I Have Feelings”
The way we label our emotions is crucial. If you find yourself saying, “I am anxious,” or “I am depressed,” you’re attaching your identity to those emotions. Instead, try saying, “I have feelings of anxiety” or “I have feelings of depression.”
Why does this matter?
Because labels are limiting. When you say, “I am anxious,” you’re accepting that anxiety is part of who you are. When you say, “I have feelings of anxiety,” you’re reminding yourself that this is just a temporary state, not your permanent reality.
The Rollercoaster of Emotions in CFS Recovery
During my recovery, I went through many phases of both anxiety and depression. It makes sense, right? When you can’t function the way you used to, when your body is in constant pain, and when you don’t know when you’re going to feel better, of course, you’re going to have those feelings.
But I realized something important:
These feelings don’t define me, and they don’t control my recovery.
We all experience emotions that come and go. They’re like waves — some days, you feel on top of the world; other days, you feel like you can’t go on. And that’s okay.
What’s crucial is that you don’t identify with those waves. You observe them. You let them pass through you. You allow yourself to feel, but you don’t let the feeling consume you.
You’re Not Alone in This
When I was at my worst, I’d wake up and think, “Why did I wake up today?”
The pain, the fatigue, the hopelessness — it was all too much to handle. But here’s the truth I had to learn: Feelings are temporary.
The good news?
You can absolutely change how you react to these emotions. By shifting how you respond, you can ease the intensity of these emotions. You’re not broken. You’re healing. And healing is a process — not a straight line.
The Role of Neuroplasticity in Recovery
I’ll say this again: Neuroplasticity is the key.
The brain is adaptable. The circuitry in your brain is rewire-able, and it can be retrained to respond differently to anxiety and depression.
When I asked my doctor if people could recover from anxiety and depression through neuroplastic approaches, he said, “Absolutely. I’ve seen it many times.”
The Mind-Body Connection
Feelings of anxiety and depression are often amplified by physical symptoms. When your body is in a constant state of “fight or flight,” your nervous system is running in overdrive. This makes everything feel worse — your thoughts, your emotions, your reactions.
But the key to recovery is learning how to calm the nervous system. The more you focus on relaxing your body and managing your emotional responses, the easier it will be to let go of those overwhelming feelings.
Taking Control of Your Recovery
It’s incredibly important not to identify with anxiety and depression. When you do, you’re giving those feelings power over you. Instead, take control of your emotions. You can change your response to them, just like you can change how you approach recovery.
When you feel that anxiety creeping in, acknowledge it. Observe it. Know it’s not permanent, and remember that you have the power to shift your mindset and your physical state.
When to Seek Extra Support
While I truly believe in the power of neuroplasticity and self-regulation, there are times when extra support is needed. If you’re feeling deeply overwhelmed, or your symptoms are consistently intense, it’s okay to seek professional help. Whether it’s a therapist, counselor, or doctor, getting that extra help can support your journey.
Recovery is Possible — But It’s a Journey
If you’re stuck in a phase of anxiety and depression, don’t think you’ll stay there forever. You can get better. It’s not about eliminating these feelings; it’s about learning how to manage them so they don’t control your life.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
You don’t have to go through this alone. If you feel stuck or need extra help, consider applying for the Recovery Academy. It’s a space where you’ll get support, guidance, and a roadmap to move forward.
There’s a community of people who get what you’re going through, and we’re here to help each other. The most important thing to remember:
You are just one mind shift away from living a life with thriving health.
Don’t forget to check out the Recovery Academy for more support.