Support for Moderate, Severe & Very Severe ME/CFS
Specialist Support
Communication When Words Are Difficult
Use only what is manageable. You do not need to read this page all at once.
Very short version
Yes/no questions, one-word answers and short scripts can carry most conversations. Someone else can speak for you.
A little more, if it is useful today:
- Yes or no is a complete answer. You can ask others to put questions that way: “Would a visitor help today — yes or no?”
- One word can be enough: “rest”, “water”, “food”, “later”, “enough”.
- A thumbs up or down, a hand squeeze, or pointing can be a full answer when speaking is too much.
- Short scripts to share: “I can’t talk for long today.” · “Please ask me one thing at a time.” · “Please don’t mind if I close my eyes.”
- Another person can speak on your behalf and read from a short note you have prepared, in person or by phone.
- “I need quiet now” is a complete message. Not communicating is allowed.