The Chrysalis Effect - M.E, CFS, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid and Adrenals

11/10/2025

This time last weekend we were battling against high winds here in the UK. Or were we?
Battling against something, like an illness or heavy winds, facing things head on is sometimes necessary, but it can take an extreme amount of energy. Being in that fight mode for extended lengths of time can play havoc with the nervous system. On the other hand, giving up and being swept away by the wind is also not a pleasant place to be, leaving you feeling out of control and perhaps taking you to where you may not want to be.
But what if there was another way? What if we used the wind to our advantage. What if it took us to places we wanted to go? What if we used it to lift us up, bring us joy and help us to dance -just like leaves or a kite dancing in the wind.

I experienced a real life example of this metaphor last weekend due to the wind.
I run children's activities in the woods. The wind made me fearful in case the trees posed a risk to the children. My mind started to go into overdrive, thinking of all the worst case scenario's. This was exactly what was meant to happen, because of course the safety of the children is the most important thing. I could have panicked and cancelled the session the moment that the wind started to blow. This is just like the bodies natural survival mechanism in flight mode. But I took a pause. I thought about what I could do to ensure we were all safe. I looked at the weather forecast and saw that the winds were due to pass before my session started. We went down to base camp and checked to see if there was any damage. We inspected the trees and cut down any lose or dead branches. We had a contingency plan if the winds continued. We arrived onsite on Monday morning to see beautiful confetti, comprised of oak leaves, acorns and sycamore keys. The sun was shining and the children were in awe when they arrived onsite and had the best time playing in this new carpet.

So the moral is to always take a pause, examine your thoughts and the facts before we want to stop doing something through fear. Is there something we can do to change our response and perspective? Can we do things in a different way. What might be the benefits of proceeding with something?

10/10/2025

"Write down positive affirmations and read them on a regular basis. The act of writing will imprint these thoughts on your brain and have a long-lasting effect."

10/10/2025

Today is world mental health day. Here at The Chrysalis Effect, we whole heartedly support this day and peoples mental health. Did you know that statistically, people with chronic exhaustive conditions are more likely to also have mental health problems? Elaine Wilkins founded The Chrysalis Effect following the su***de of someone she knew with ME. From that day on, she was determined to do something to help people with these conditions and The Chrysalis Effect was born. We know that trauma can lead to poor mental health and also to chronic exhaustive conditions. Now, we are a trauma informed organisation, meaning that all our practitioners have a significant amount of training to ensure that we provide the highest quality service for our members. We also have specialist mental health practitioners/professionals who can help you alongside the traditional pathway.
So today our thoughts are with anyone affected by mental health in any way.
With warm wishes from
The Chrysalis Effect Team

10/10/2025

Today is world mental health day. Here at The Chrysalis Effect, we whole heatedly support this day and peoples mental health. Did you know that statistically, people with chronic exhaustive conditions are statistically more likely to also have mental health problems? Elaine Wilkins founded The Chrysalis Effect following the su***de of someone she knew with ME. From that day on, she was determined to do something to help people with these conditions and The Chrysalis Effect was born. We know that trauma can lead to poor mental health and also to chronic exhaustive conditions. Now, we are a trauma informed organisation, meaning that all our practitioners have a significant amount of training to ensure that we provide the highest quality service for our members. We also have specialist mental health practitioners/professionals who can help you alongside the traditional pathway.
So today our thoughts are with anyone affected by mental health in any way.
With warm wishes from
The Chrysalis Effect Team

09/10/2025

As adults and people pleasers, we sometimes take our responsibilities very seriously. We can be focused on productivity or the job of fighting our illness over looking after ourselves or having fun. This can sometimes lead to resentment, which can be a heavy energy drainer. As an Occupational Therapist, I promote what is known as as Occupational Balance in order to be healthy. When we have a healthy balance of work, selfcare and play, we can gain a renewed sense of energy. It can be a bit like recharging your battery. Small bursts are good, even 5 minutes can be beneficial. Play doesn't have to be energetic. The main reason for play should not be competition, but doing it for the fun of it, without overly identifying with a desired outcome. It can be gentle and calm, it can be part of your rest schedule. As adults, giving ourselves permission to play can be a great form of self care and reinforce thoughts of worthiness. The more we practice experiencing pleasure, the more healthy our brains and thoughts will be. It is such a good investment both for ourselves and how we interact with others.
Here are some of my ideas for play but I would love to know yours?
-experiment with watercolour, not to make a picture, but focus on mark making, how the water and paint mix and flow. These could become backdrops for future art work.
-take photos of things in your garden or house that inspire you. You could have a theme such as seasonality, colour. Spend time looking and become aware of what you notice
-Spend 5 minutes sitting, with no planned task. Notice what you see, smell, hear and feel. Is this what you expected or were there any new experiences?
-stroke or play with a pet
-Have a laugh.
-put some music on, listen to it undisturbed. Do whatever you feel is right, sing, move, listen.
-make a new healthy meal -try to experiment and not use a recipe.

Today, I am going to do some doodling and play with my grandson. How about you?
Have a great day, whatever you decide
Warm wishes
Sally and The Chrysalis Effect team

07/10/2025

I'm Elaine and I founded The Chrysalis Effect after my own challenging experience of developing M.E. in 2000. I couldn't find the help I needed after my diagnosis, despite multiple referrals and tests. I was pretty much left to lay in a bed. The only tangible thing I was offered was an ‘Experts Patients Course, which gave a strong message that I had to learn to live with a chronic illness.
I had been a busy mum of 2 teenagers and worked full time before losing my health so dramatically. I Just could not and would not accept a future in which my health, and the things I loved doing had been written off. It took me over 6 years of trial and error to regain my health.
Once recovered. I went back to my career in education and training. So grateful to be well again.
Life had other plans for me. Learning of the tragic su***de of a 34 year old M.E. sufferer who could not face another day of her illness, I knew I had to do something to help others realise that regaining energy levels to work, socialise and exercise again was possible and The Chrysalis Effect was born.
The Chrysalis Effect is the leading provider of online and immediately accessible recovery focused pathway for those suffering with the symptoms of fatigue related illness and their families. These include ME, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. It is also an ILM and FHT Accredited Training Provider for practitioners and therapists treating patients and clients. It has created a warm, positive and caring community dedicated to education and action transforming recovery outcomes worldwide.
For more information subscribe to our page, or visit www.thechrysaliseffect.co.uk

07/10/2025

I'm Elaine and I founded The Chrysalis Effect after my own challenging experience of developing M.E. in 2000. I couldn't find the help I needed after my diagnosis, despite multiple referrals and tests. I was pretty much left to lay in a bed. The only tangible thing I was offered was an ‘Experts Patients Course, which gave a strong message that I had to learn to live with a chronic illness.

I had been a busy mum of 2 teenagers and worked full time before losing my health so dramatically. I Just could not and would not accept a future in which my health, and the things I loved doing had been written off. It took me over 6 years of trial and error to regain my health.

Once recovered. I went back to my career in education and training. So grateful to be well again.

Life had other plans for me. Learning of the tragic su***de of a 34 year old M.E. sufferer who could not face another day of her illness, I knew I had to do something to help others realise that regaining energy levels to work, socialise and exercise again was possible and The Chrysalis Effect was born.

The Chrysalis Effect is the leading provider of online and immediately accessible recovery focused pathway for those suffering with the symptoms of fatigue related illness and their families. These include ME, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. It is also an ILM and FHT Accredited Training Provider for practitioners and therapists treating patients and clients. It has created a warm, positive and caring community dedicated to education and action transforming recovery outcomes worldwide.

For more information subscribe to our page, or visit www.thechrysaliseffect.co.uk

06/10/2025

Lets welcome the week with thinking about how we can improve our wellbeing. Small habits can add up to big changes.
What will you do this week?
Have a good one
With warm wishes from The Chrysalis Effect team

06/10/2025

If you are struggling to access nature, this week may be able to help. BBC'S NATURE CONNECTION week. Includes meditative and mindful broadcasts and Dr Xand and Chris talking on the restorative effects of nature.
Nature has been instrumental in my own recovery from long covid. At first I could only watch it or sit in the garden. But gradually, I was able to get to my allotment and sit, hearing nature envelop me, feeling the soil in my hands and the air on my skin, the scents, the tastes of homegrown food. Being in nature has a profound effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Having those sensory experiences and seeing the colour green can help to regulate the nervous system.
We know that it can be difficult to access nature when you are unwell. Sometimes the bright light and the noise can be too overwhelming when you have conditions like ME, CFS, Long covid, Fibromyalgia. However, help is at hand here at The Chrysalis Effect. We have a dedicated private members outdoors for wellbeing page, where hints, tips and inspiration can be found.
If you are interested in joining us, visit www,thechrysaliseffect.co.uk
With warm wishes,
The Chrysalis Effect team

We’re encouraging you to get outside and connect with nature, as part of BBC’s Nature Week

05/10/2025

If you are struggling to access nature, next week may be able to help. BBC'S NATURE CONNECTION week. Includes medatative and mindful broadcasts and Dr Xand and Chris talking on the restorative effects of nature. Coincides with mental health week.

We’re encouraging you to get outside and connect with nature, as part of BBC’s Nature Week

04/10/2025

Sometimes improved health and wellbeing is not about doing more, its about doing less. Autumn is the perfect time to let go of things that do not help you. They could be little things like limiting your screen time to big things such as changing unhelpful thinking patterns or behaviour.
Consider what you would like to let go of and let us know in the chat. Your ideas could help someone else today.

If you need help and support in this, then why not consider becoming part of The Chrysalis Effect Program, where you will find all the tools, ideas, inspiration and community to assist you on your way back to improved health

visit www.thechrysaliseffect.co.uk

03/10/2025

Do you know anyone who has Long Covid, ME, CFS or Fibromyalgia?
Please could you share this post or encourage them to visit www.thechrysaliseffect.co.uk.
The Chrysalis Effect Program is a long running and highly respected program and has been used within the NHS. It is a different approach to the medical model, as it is holistic, systemic in nature following a bio-psychosocial approach.
In fact, I was referred to the Chrysalis Program myself via the NHS trust that I worked for after contracting Long Covid in April 2020, whilst working as an OT on a mental health covid ward. I was put on the free trial and completed the 9 month program. It was something to cling onto as a ray of hope during the worst times of my illness, when I was in bed and could not dress myself without having to lie down for an hour afterwards. I looked forward to receiving the weekly content in my inbox, filled with hints, tips, inspiration, things to listen to like mediations, recovery stories and little wellbeing exercises. It really helped me to understand what was going on in my body, to learn that I could no longer ignore this or power through. The regular peer support and online meet ups really helped me feel that I was not alone. I was also supported by a Chrysalis Effect mentor, coach and practitioner, who helped me to develop and work towards goals, helping me to see things I had not considered before, despite my specialist knowledge on health and wellbeing.
I was gradually able to change my focus and mindset and start to rebuild my life, health and wellbeing.
The Chrysalis Effect program has changed my life and my professional practice and I am so greatful.
If you would like to know more about The Chrysalis Effect Program, visit www.thechrysaliseffect.co.uk

The Chrysalis Effect offers an established step-by-step programme to help support sufferers of M.E. / CFS and Fibromyalgia on their journey to regain health and wellbeing. More than 2,5000 people in 24 countries have accessed the programme which has significant attention and endorsement from medical...