Personal relationships and intimacy

Discussing intimacy for those with ELCs can be challenging, but it’s an important topic that deserves attention. Personal relationships are crucial and should be openly talked about.

A diagnosis of an ELC can influence one’s self-image and body perception, impacting relationships and feelings of closeness with others.

For many, intimate relationships and sex are significant parts of life, fostering connection and providing meaning and purpose.

Illness can change how someone feels about sex and intimacy, affecting their relationships and self-perception. Open communication can help navigate these changes.

Desires for sex and intimacy may fluctuate with illness progression, and it’s important to acknowledge and adapt to these evolving feelings.

Navigating day-to-day lives with an energy limiting condition can have an impact on relationships. Feelings of guilt, stress and frustration and how people with ELC’s think about themselves affects how they relate to each other. Every-One have produced a couple of podcasts, hosted on Podbean, about this subject. They are both listed below:

• Relationships and dealing with the everyday
• Getting close

More information is available on the following websites:

• Personal Relationships: Intimacy and ME/CFS - (ME Association)
• Chronic Illness and Relationships - (Psychology Today)