Cartoon about #ME

Inspired by those obsequious GPs who are writing to a Prof of genetics but not apologising to us. GRRRRRR

#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
@davetuller1.bsky.social
#ME
#PEM #LivesWeCannotLive
@meassociation.org.uk
@davidjoffe64.bsky.social
@nhsengland.bsky.social
@thelancet.com
@cgatist.bsky.social

The cartoon series is called ‘This Week in Disbelief’ There is a photo of Professor Chris Ponting The title says ‘Professor Chris Ponting proves #ME is organic AND has a working hypothesis” Wise cat is peeping in from the RHS to say ‘This is GREAT news!’ Beneath it are two boxes. In both an exhausted woman is talking to an exhausted man In Box One - The woman is saying “Apparently some GP's have even written to him to say they've changed their minds about it being psychological now! The man is saying “How nice. Will that get us clinics, proper advice for Families or treatments? In Box Two- The woman is replying “Nope. Govt & NHS are still doing nothing” The man is replying “Pass the painkillers while I go back to contemplating murder then” The cartoon maker is. @meownersclub.bsky.social

Inspired by those obsequious GPs who are writing to a Prof of genetics but not apologising to us. GRRRRRR

#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
@davetuller1.bsky.social
#ME
#PEM #LivesWeCannotLive
@meassociation.org.uk
@davidjoffe64.bsky.social
@nhsengland.bsky.social
@thelancet.com
@cgatist.bsky.social

How the Psychiatric Model of #ME works... This is a cartoon in 7 boxes which begins with an outline of the psychiatric attempts to take control of the illness known as z#ME In 1992 the Wessely School gave directions that in MCFS the first duty of the doctor is to avoid legitimisation of symptoms; in 1994, ME was described as merely "a belief"; in 1996 recommendations were made that no investigations should be periormed to contim the diagnosis, and in 1999 patents with ME/CFS were referred to as "the undeserving sick". Box one - a finger is pointing judgementally at a very confused person. Caption “You're told you don't deserve help” Box 2 - a miserable person is sitting on the floor with knees drawn up. Caption “Your experience is being denied” Box 3 - a person is crumpling under the pressure - caption “Your support network Is denigrated” Box 4 - a crumpled person is in a cage - caption “You can't leave your house” Box 5 - death is stalking your world - caption “You're afraid of dying but can't access healthcare” Box 6 - a person is screaming - caption “You cannot trust the people closest to you” Box 7 a Wise Cat is saying “Has anyone else noticed that the psychiatric model of #ME is really just a form of COERCIVE CONTROL?” The cartoon maker is #FanningTheFlames

Bait and switch AND coercive control. Grrrrr

#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
#ME #Chronicillness #LC
#PEM #POTS #LivesWeCannotLive
#MissingMillions
@meassociation.org.uk
@longcovidsupport.bsky.social
@davidjoffe64.bsky.social
@nhsengland.bsky.social
@thelancet.com
@rcgpt.bsky.social

This week we’re celebrating the work of other advocates, researchers and organisations.

Read this week's #ThereForME post to find out more about developments in research, Long Covid Awareness Day and a #ThereForME hiatus.

🔗 in next post 👇

UK #ThereForMe Guest post from Tessa Munt MP The Liberal Democrat MP for Wells and Mendip Hills in Somerset and current chair of the APPG on ME covers the case for change for people with ME/CFS, the need for government action, and how people can get involved.

#ThereForMe @thereforme.bsky.social Guest post from Tessa Munt MP @tessamunt.bsky.social

www.thereforme.uk/p/the-case-f...

Screenshot from Science for ME weekly update

#MEcfs #CFS #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome

The cartoon series is called - This Weekin Disbelief A man and woman are sitting opposite each other in armchairs - the man is Simon Wessely, the woman is asleep. The title says “TWO pathogens cause suffering in people with #ME...” The caption says “...the worst one isn't even a virus!” The cartoon maker is #FanningTheFlames

#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
@davetuller1.bsky.social
#ME #Chronicillness #LC
#PEM #POTS #LivesWeCannotLive
#MissingMillions
@meassociation.org.uk
@longcovidsupport.bsky.social
@davidjoffe64.bsky.social
@nhsengland.bsky.social
@thelancet.com
@rcgpt.bsky.social
@cgatist.bsky.social

It is heartening to know that we have an ally in this role who understands the decades of neglect faced by the #ME community.
I sincerely hope you can meet with @tessamunt.bsky.social very soon and that we will see a step change in government actions on #ME and Long Covid.
#ThereForME

💙🙌🏽 so needed. Humbled and proud to see this.

#bethechangeyouwishtoseeintheworld
#thereforME #fundtheplan #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis

"Those with ME have experienced years of being treated unjustly. Sometimes, it feels endless and irreversible. But remember this: getting things done in parliament starts with having MPs on your side." Tessa Munt MP. New #ThereForME Substack post.

We're delighted to share today's #ThereForME blog from friend of the campaign @tessamunt.bsky.social.

In her blog, Tessa lays out the case for change and how to get involved.

Link in next post 👇

UK #ThereForME “Six months since the publication of the Final Delivery Plan for ME” The UK government policy paper was published on 22 July 2025. In a blog post #ThereForME summarise developments since then: “What progress has been made? Are there signs the plan is making a difference? Today we’re taking a whistlestop tour of the latest developments in three priority areas.” Blog | Plan | Thread

(UK) “Six months since the publication of the Final Delivery Plan for ME” blog post by by #ThereForME @thereforme.bsky.social

Links:
www.thereforme.uk/p/campaign-u...

www.gov.uk/government/p...

Screenshot from latest Science for ME weekly update

#MEcfs #CFS #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis

Good write-up from #ThereForME on progress with the #MEDeliveryPlan

I agree. People with ME deserve so much better.

Campaign Update 30: 6 months on from the Final Delivery Plan. What progress has been made? We look at 3 priority areas: - Improving care for severe and very severe ME - Boosting education and training - Accelerating research New #ThereForME Substack post

Today's #ThereForME blog takes stock progress in key areas six months on from the publication of the Final Delivery Plan for ME.

We look at progress in terms of:

➡️ Improving care for severe and very severe ME
➡️ Boosting education and training
➡️ Accelerating research

The cartoon series is called This Week in Disbelief The image shows a sceptical doctor and a woman patient. The dr is saying “So, you think you're suffering from long covid or #ME?” The woman is replying “Nope, I'm pretty sure I'm suffering from your ignorance!” The cartoon maker is #FanningTheFlames

A cartoon for anyone who has been disbelieved, and how that disbelief affects the whole of our lives.

#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
@davetuller1.bsky.social
#ME #Chronicillness #LC
#PEM #POTS #LivesWeCannotLive
#MissingMillions
@meassociation.org.uk
@longcovidsupport.bsky.social

A picture of a young woman and man together smiling (Karen and James). Overlaid on the picture: "When I first came across CHC funding it felt like the perfect fit [...] Their initial assessment concluded he was eligible. Yet, one year on both our CHC application and subsequent appeal have been rejected." Karen Hargrave. New #ThereForME Substack post.

In this week's #ThereForME blog our co-founder @karenlhargrave.bsky.social writes about the challenges she and her husband James have faced accessing NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.

She explains why CHC funding for very severe ME is an issue that deserves attention.

🔗 in next post 👇

The cartoon series is called’This Week in Disbelief’ The title is ‘Fully Accessible Holiday Rentals’ There is a winding road and a house perched on the edge of a cliff. Access to the house is up a steep sand path littered with rocks. There is a single that says ‘no cars’ and a ramp to the house which is extremely steep and has a step at the bottom A man is standing at the bottom of the picture and saying “What do you mean "it's not wheelchair accessible?" We put in a ramp didn't we!” The cartoon maker is #FanningTheFlames

Trying to book an accessible holiday is marginally less difficult than trying to buy a new car and a new wheelchair at the same time!
#ThereForME
@davetuller1.bsky.social
#ME #Chronicillness #LC
#PEM
@meassociation.org.uk
@longcovidsupport.bsky.social
@davidjoffe64.bsky.social

The cartoon series is called ‘This Week in Disbelief. Wise Cat is sitting next to the heading There is one image - it is of a crumbling house sitting on a mountain of bodies. A dilapidated sign saying ‘Wessely School’ is hanging in midair The title says - “As the sun sets on the BPS model of #ME … it’s foundations are revealed” The cartoon maker is #FanningTheFlames

#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
@davetuller1.bsky.social
@cgatist.bsky.social
#ME #Chronicillness #LC
#PEM #POTS #LivesWeCannotLive
#MissingMillions
@meassociation.org.uk
@longcovidsupport.bsky.social
@davidjoffe64.bsky.social
@nhsengland.bsky.social
@thelancet.com
@rcgpt.bsky.social

The cartoon series is called ‘This Week in Disbelief. There is one image - it is of a crumbling house sitting on a mountain of bodies The title says - “As the sun sets on the BPS model of #ME…it’s foundations are revealed” The cartoon maker is #FanningTheFlames

Another week, another opportunity for psychiatry to recognise #ME as a serious post-viral illness

#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
@davetuller1.bsky.social
#ME #LongCovid #Lyme #POTS #PEM
@meassociation.org.uk
@longcovidsupport.bsky.social
@ashleydaltonmp.bsky.social
@davidjoffe64.bsky.social

Todays #ThereForME blog shares the latest updates from Westminster, as well as our favourite recent spots from the research world and wider community 👩‍🔬📝

Link in next post 👇

The cartoon series is called - This Week in Disbelief This is a comic strip in 3 boxes - Box one says- “People with #ME and #LC are learning consistently and fast...” In box 2 a sick person in bed is learning the complexities of many areas of science Box 3 says - “So the residual mystery is why so many doctors worldwide are not learning anything new at all” The cartoon maker is #FanningTheFlames

Yet another week of medical negligence looms into view promising confusion+despair for millions
#ThereForME
@theguardian.com
@davetuller1.bsky.social
@cgatist.bsky.social
#ME #LongCovid #POTS #PEM
@meassociation.org.uk
@longcovidsupport.bsky.social
#Justice4ME
@ashleydaltonmp.bsky.social

"Working with Action for ME on the Big Survey, I've been struck by the important role that large-scale, charity-led surveys like this can play in building a clearer picture of what life with ME is really like - and in providing the evidence that can drive change." Dr Katharine Cheston. New #ThereForME Substack post.

Our #ThereForME blog is back!

Today, Dr Katharine Cheston writes about her collaboration with @actionforme.bsky.social on the 2025 Big Survey.

Katharine explains why large-scale charity surveys are so important for ME research and treatment, and how you can get involved.

Link in next post 👇

Rosie is such a legend for everything she does for Alice and for being such a fierce advocate for people with ME.

As our final advent calendar star - thanks for being #ThereForME, Rosie! 🌟

Photo of a smiling lady wearing a Santa hat in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘24’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Rosie Barrett!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’.

Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “You are a carer for your sister, Alice, & you still find time to be an incredible advocate for her & the ME community. You have spoken on the news, you have started petitions & you have raised awareness of ME charities. Thank you ❤️” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.

December 24th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Rosie Barrett!

Rosie is a carer to her sister Alice and was featured this year by BBC Spotlight championing our #FundThePlan campaign. Nominated by Lauren. ✨

We had a small social media scheduling oops yesterday 🫣

So, better late than never - let’s show @binitakane.bsky.social some love! 💙

Thanks for being #ThereForME as a doc + patient advocate. We’re very proud to have you as an Ambassador, Binita! 👏👏

Photo of a smiling woman in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘21’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr Binita Kane!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’.

Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Your advocacy and care have made the world of difference to my experience of having ME, while your compassion and skill continue to improve the lives of so many people with ME and Long Covid. Thank you for all that you do for the community. Alexis.”

Bonus points if you noticed our post for Dec 21 was missing! Here it is now:

Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr @binitakane.bsky.social ! Binita is a private consultant w a special interest in ME & Long Covid, a #ThereForME Ambassador + fierce advocate for pwME.
Nom'ed by @alexisme.bsky.social. ✨

Jenny has done so much for the ME community and we’re so pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate everything she does.

Thanks for being #ThereForME, Jenny 👏 ⭐️

Photo of a smiling lady in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘23’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Jenny Wilson!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’.

Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “No one will believe the RESISTANCE; the quiet front, the charming little lady who goes nowhere, writes and speaks beautifully, belying a force of nature ten thousand hearts strong. Linking, doctoring, remembering, writing, saving hearts with ME.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.

December 23rd. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Jenny Wilson!

Jenny is a long-standing advocate for people with ME and plays a pivotal role organising Dr Weir’s ME clinic. Nominated by Phoebe. ✨

Some facts… the 72 LibDems are 11% of MPs but…

👉🏾 Have asked 43% PQs on ME
👉🏾 Constitute 23% of MPs in the APPG ME
👉🏾 ALL signed a letter to Wes Streeting
👉🏾 Secured the only debate on ME in this Parliament.

We were consistently there for #pwME.

Thanks #ThereForME for this acknowledgement.

Thank you Ed Davey and the @libdems.org.uk for being #ThereForME this year!

Your support has meant the world to us at @thereforme.bsky.social and for people with ME across the UK ⭐️💛

Photo of a smiling man wearing a pink shirt in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘22’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Sir Ed Davey & the Lib Dems!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’.

Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Thank you Ed Davey & the Lib Dems for being #ThereForME! We were overwhelmed, but not surprised, to see how quickly all 72 MPs signed Tessa Munt's letter on the Delivery Plan. Thank you, Sir Ed, for encouraging a supportive culture that has enabled the party to stand so firmly with people with ME.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.

December 22nd. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Sir Ed Davey & the Lib Dems @libdems.org.uk!

This year the LibDems have been key players championing the need for improved support for people with ME in parliament. Nominated by Jonah Weisz @weiszguy.bsky.social ✨

Thank you so much. #TheRedTreeandME is a huge team effort - a real privilege to be part of such a lovely team. Very grateful for the many red leaves from #ThereForME especially for all your support, advocacy & clear messaging that people with ME need an NHS that is #ThereForME.