Abandoned, dismissed and gaslighted: there is no excuse for the way ME sufferers have been betrayed (The Guardian, 24 September 2026)

Summary

In this Guardian article, George Monbiot argues that people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) have been systematically neglected, disbelieved and harmed by healthcare systems despite the severe, life-limiting nature of the condition.

In the UK, an estimated 400,000 people live with the condition. It affects women far more than men, by a ratio of about 4:1, according to a study in England. The number of people with long Covid, some of whom meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, was estimated in 2024 at 2 million in England and Scotland.

Drawing on hundreds of patient testimonies, he describes experiences of being dismissed and denied support: “I’ve just been completely abandoned”; “a 10-year waiting list for treatment”; “we’ve given up seeking medical support”; “stuck in limbo”; “I just felt utterly unheard, invalidated”.

Further reading on the hub:

• Exploring the barriers that impact access to NHS care for people with ME and Long Covid

• Improving healthcare services for people with ME and Long Covid: Patients share their challenges, and the actions needed