Is he or she suffering from CFS/ME? In that case, I will tell you what works for me, having chonical fatigue syndrome myself. CFS/ME is very difficult to understand for most people. I don't know about your friend, but I have ups and downs and in many occasions you don't see it that I am ill. I can still work partially for example. But I always feel tired and have to keep a very close eye on my body and energy balance, and in my down periods I suffer not only from a strong fatigue but also from all kinds of other symptoms. What I find important is that my friends at least have some understanding of what I am going through. It's a very frustrating disease, because I have to hold back at any time, to prevent it from getting worse. This means that even in my good periods I have to take it very easy. What I find very frustrating is: - if people try to pursuade me to go out to a party or something like that, even though they know this is dangerous to me - People telling me just how incredibly great the band was that I couldn't see, but is one of my favorite bands of all times (bastards! ;-) ) - if people think I'm better (when I have a good period), so expect all kind of things from me - people asking me how it goes and then don't want to hear the answer (though I'm almost always positive, I am not a moaner!) - people telling me to just go to bed earlier, or that they are also sometimes very tired, and other well-meant advises like: 'Don't you just suffer from the lack of vitamine b12?' or: 'You just need to take some coffee, that will make you feel better' or: 'what you need is to eat more apples!' What I really do like: - if people still contact me and be there for me, instead of running away because I am ill - if my close friends read about this disease, at least a little bit, so they do understand also the other symptoms like brainfog and understand a bit more what is going on - people acting normal, but respecting the fact that I just can't live my life anymore like I used to - people understanding that this is a physical disease and not a psychological issue So, what I think you can do for your friend is to try to understand what he/she is going through, and be there for her/him. Just be normal like you would be to anyone, but at the same time respect the limitations your friend has. You don't have to be the saviour, just be a friend like you always was. If your friend feels really bad, it is great to feel that there is someone who will take the time to listen. And also be straight about how you feel yourself. Be open and honest and continue to have an equal relationship. If you feel really bad, give your friend the chance to be there for you too.