Sick and Tired: An Intimate History of Fatigue

Medicine has finally recognized fatigue as a legitimate medical condition, but it has been underdiagnosed, undertreated, and ignored by scholars in the social sciences and humanities. Emily K. Abel offers the first history of fatigue, which reveals how the limits of medicine and the American cultural emphasis on productivity intersect to stigmatize those with fatigue. Without an agreed-upon approach to confirm the problem through medical diagnosis, it is difficult to convince others that it is real.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 206 pages
\n Publication date: 30 April 2021
\n Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
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Medicine has finally acknowledged the existence of fatigue, a condition that has been overlooked, misdiagnosed, and undertreated in recent articles on various diseases. Scholars in the social sciences and humanities have also neglected this phenomenon, leading to a limited understanding of what it means to live with fatigue, especially considering its diverse symptoms and causes. In her groundbreaking work, Emily K. Abel offers the first comprehensive history of fatigue, combining meticulous research with her personal experiences as a cancer survivor. Through her insightful analysis, Abel uncovers how the boundaries of medicine and the American cultural emphasis on productivity intersect to stigmatize individuals who experience fatigue. Without a standardized medical diagnosis to confirm the problem, it becomes challenging to persuade others that fatigue is a legitimate condition. When fatigue impairs our ability to work, society often perceives us as burdens or even inferior.

In her engaging and informative style, Abel provides a synthetic history of fatigue, illuminating how it has been ignored or misunderstood not only by medical professionals but also by American society as a whole. She sheds light on the historical roots of fatigue, exploring its prevalence in various cultures and time periods. Abel also delves into the scientific understanding of fatigue, examining the biological mechanisms behind it and the challenges in diagnosing and treating the condition.

Furthermore, Abel explores the societal implications of fatigue, highlighting how it affects individuals' lives, relationships, and careers. She discusses the stigma associated with fatigue, the lack of support and understanding from employers and colleagues, and the emotional toll it takes on patients. Abel offers practical strategies for managing fatigue, including self-care practices, lifestyle modifications, and seeking appropriate medical treatment.

Through her work, Abel aims to raise awareness about fatigue and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate its marginalization. She encourages healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to prioritize the study and treatment of fatigue, recognizing its significance as a health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

In conclusion, Emily K. Abel's groundbreaking book offers a vital contribution to the understanding and awareness of fatigue. By combining personal experiences with rigorous research, Abel provides a comprehensive history of this condition that has been overlooked and misunderstood. Through her engaging and informative style, she challenges societal norms and encourages a deeper understanding of fatigue as a health condition that requires attention and support. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand and navigate the challenges of living with fatigue.

\n Weight: 342g\n
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781469663340\n \n