Introductory Course
A seven-week course taken by thousands of people since 1998, this online class teaches practical skills for managing ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Course focuses on learning how to pace as an alternative to push and crash.
Offered quarterly and conducted via secure online classroom, the class is a structured discussion group. It is led by trained volunteer moderators, all of whom have ME/CFS and/or FM. Class offers the opportunity to meet and share support with others who have ME/CFS and FM.
Our classes are available to anyone with internet access and can communicate in written English. Time zones and locations are not issues.
Classes do not meet at a certain time. A lesson is posted at the beginning of each week. Participants read and respond when they are able throughout the week. Responses are posted in a discussion forum type format. One can choose to receive email notifications when new responses are posted or as a daily digest of responses. This discussion is "public" (within the group), but private messages are also possible with the moderator and/or other class members who choose to participate in private messaging. EMail addresses are not shared amongst group members.
Cost & Registration
The course fee is $20. You can buy the course alone or a course & book 'bundle' that includes a copy of our self-help book Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income students.
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Click here for instructions to register by mail instead of online:
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Schedule
The course is offered four times a year: January, April, July, and October. For starting dates of upcoming classes, see the Schedule page.
Topics
The course focuses on learning how to pace as a way to lower symptoms, create a more stable and predictable life, and facilitate improvement.
Other topics include:
- Minimizing relapses
- Managing fatigue, pain, sleep and cognitive problems ("fog")
- Managing stress
- Managing feelings such as worry, frustration, depression and loss
- Improving relationships and building support
Course Details
- 7 weeks long
- Groups of about 15 to 18 people each
- Led by trained peer volunteers (people with ME/CFS and/or fibromyalgia)
- Taught via secure online classroom. There is no need to download any software, you will be provided with instructions and support, if necessary.
- After course, can join alumni discussion group and/or take Living Your Plan course.
For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Shipping Note for Paperback Book:
In order to offer the book at the most affordable price possible, we utilize a print on demand service that does not allow for tracking. Most orders arrives within 2-3 weeks of purchase, but due to COVID-19, shipping delays are possible. If you do not receive your book within that time frame please contact progadmin@cfsselfhelp.org for assistance.
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