Jennifer Brea is working on her PhD at Harvard and about to marry the love of her life when she’s struck down by a mysterious fever that leaves her bedridden. When doctors tell her “it’s all in her head,” she turns her camera on herself to document her devastating symptoms. Searching for answers, Jennifer discovers a hidden world of millions confined to their homes and bedrooms by ME, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Together, Jen and her new husband, Omar, must find a way to build a life and fight for a cure.
Many of you will know one of our Directors Sarah Reed has suffered with #ME for much of her adult life. We are passionate about raising awareness of the issue and the consequences for patients.
For too long people were tole, like Jennifer Brea in this film, that it’s all in the head.
Because people find themselves often bed bound or too fatigued to get out and about normally they become invisible and hidden from society. They are the #MillionsMissing.
That’s why we gave pro bono support from our work at SajeImpact to help the #MEACtion UK to fight the NICE guidelines which were not fit for purpose. We were delighted with the help of MPS, Peers and campaigners that by 2021 the guidelines were reviewed and updated despite the rear-guard action of a small number of dangerous academics who still want to label this as ‘in the head’.
We were delighted to be at the launch of this film in the UK at he Sheffield Film festival. But we have another special bond as Director Sarah Reed makes 2 second appearance - giving us the ability to say one of us have appeared in an Oscar nominated film/documentary!
Whilst the film is a few years old now it remains relevant.
We know Long Covid shares many similarities and so the #ME commnnity are able to share their years of research and experience.
If you need to know more these resources are really helpful.
Stop. Rest. Pace
I am a long time advocate for maintaining levels of activity so when I say you should follow these guidelines I mean it. Too many sports people and fitness experts on social media and elsewhere love this idea that you can always ‘push on/ through’ You CAN’T. I have seen the consequences of ignoring your body and that’s why we fought so hard against the previous NICE guidelines and want people to understand the importance of PACE
Most importantly, people who experience post-exertional malaise or PEM — worsened symptoms after physical and cognitive exertion — should be advised to rest and pace their activity.
Unfortunately, many people with Long COVID are being encouraged to exercise and get back to work.
Take action today!
Help spread the word to those with Long COVID to Stop, Rest, and Pace.
UNREST Film on Youtube