Understanding *post exertional malaise* (PEM) is key to understanding myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. This video explains what PEM is, especially for those who know someone with **me/cfs**. The video also touches on how **energy conservation** and **pacing** can help manage symptoms.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 What is post-exertional malaise (PEM)?
01:07 Triggers of post-exertional malaise
01:48 Delayed onset of PEM symptoms
02:30 How long does PEM last?
02:51 Example of PEM
03:46 Why PEM is injury
04:25 What is pacing and why is it important?
5:20 Two ways to modify your expectations of someone with ME/CFS

This video offers a personal and detailed explanation of post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a hallmark symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). You'll learn how even minor physical, mental, emotional, or sensory activities can cause delayed and lasting harm in people with ME. I explain why PEM is better described as injury, not just symptom flare-up, and how its unpredictable, invisible nature leads to misunderstanding from others.

Using real-life examples, I describe how PEM feels, what triggers it, how long it lasts, and why pacing is essential for people with ME to avoid deterioration. If you know someone with ME/CFS, this video will help you better understand how to support them by adjusting your expectations with empathy and respect.

Whether you're a friend, family member, doctor, or simply trying to understand this misunderstood illness, this video will help you better understand those with ME/CFS.

Attributions:
Photo of Whitney Dafoe from:
Dafoe, W. (2021). Extremely Severe ME/CFS—A Personal Account. Healthcare, 9(5), 504. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050504

Clip from Unrest (2017), directed by Jennifer Brea.
Watch the full film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOpyLTyVxco