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A comment on A Town for People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Parent comment

Re:A Town for People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by JoeyJoJoJunior on Tuesday September 03, 2019 @07:34PM (#20872470)
The problem is that we are terrible at dealing with cognitive dissonance.

When someone believes they have a disorder for many years/decades it becomes a part of their identity. Admitting they were wrong means that they needlessly caused suffering to themselves. It is embarrassing and emotionally painful.

They become instantly defensive, and hostile towards anyone offering alternative explanations.

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Re:A Town for People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by interpenetrate on Tuesday September 03, 2019 @07:50PM (#20872578)
indeed the syndrome can take on a life of its own (become part of their identity), and perhaps that's when it's at its most fragile. it's why after 10 years of suffering your pain could vanish immediately after learning it may serve a psychological purpose.

but i think for many neurotic people (and most of us are indeed neurotic) the syndrome (i use lacan's jouissance) serves its purpose just fine. so don't you dare take it from them.

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Re:A Town for People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by kirsebaer on Wednesday September 04, 2019 @07:53AM (#20876200)
Plus, they might then have to think about what is actually bothering them, and that could be very upsetting.
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