Resources
Complex chronic diseases such as ME/CFS, FM and SALD do not have a known cure. In many cases, the causes of these diseases are unknown. Complex chronic diseases are complex because:
- The factors involved in causing these conditions are not well understood
- The symptoms and effects of any CCD can vary greatly among people with the same condition
- The longer duration of a CCD can lead to other health complications. These can include physical problems such as weakness, fatigue and difficulty with daily activities (functionality)
- Any long-term illness can impair relationships, education and career goals, and affect a person’s mental health
With all of these conditions, there are no blood or other laboratory tests to confirm a diagnosis. They are diagnosed based on symptoms described by the patient and medical assessment.
Each person with a CCD will experience their disease in a unique way, with symptoms that may or may not exactly match the most common descriptions.
The most helpful approach to treatment will identify patients’ needs according to their symptoms and day to day functionality.
Even if you have had a CCD for a long time, there are steps you can take to feel better and gradually improve your condition. Having your CCD diagnosed as early as possible will help with a better and more rapid recovery.
For patients
For health care professionals
News & events
February 2026
- What: CCDP Introduction to Sleep Management for Chronic Illness
- Who: Jennifer (Occupational Therapist) and Sandy (Physiotherapist)
- When: 1:30-3 p.m.
- Where: Zoom
Register for the session.
Research invitation
General information about the study: My name is María Jesús Muñoz Yánez. I am a physiotherapist from Chile and currently a PhD candidate in American Studies at the University of Santiago, Chile. As part of my doctoral research, I am conducting a study focused on chronic pain in women, with special attention to fibromyalgia, a syndrome that predominantly affects women and is often misunderstood or insufficiently addressed by traditional healthcare systems.
About the research: This research follows a qualitative approach with a gender perspective, aiming to give voice to women diagnosed with fibromyalgia in three different sociocultural contexts: Canada, Uruguay and Chile.
Through interviews, the study seeks to understand how cultural, social, and economic factors influence the experience of pain, as well as the processes of diagnosis and care.
Who can participate?
- Women with a medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia
- Citizens or residents of Canada
- Whether currently in treatment or not
What does participation involve?
- A semi – structured interview lasting approximately 45 minutes
- Interviews can be conducted online or in person. For in person interviews, a group of at least five women is required in order to plan trip and coordinate the location
Thank you for considering participating.
Your voice is essential to help make chronic pain visible through a critical, human, and transformative lens.
Please feel free to contact me through the channels below, I'll get back to you as soon as you reach out so we can coordinate.
WhatsApp: +569 42309830
Email: maria.munoz.y@usach.cl
November 2025
What: Navigating the Holidays with Chronic Illness
Who: Hosted by CCDP occupational therapist, physio and dietitian
When: Tuesday, Nov 4th, 2025 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Topics covered will include:
- Pacing
- Nutrition
- Caring for your emotional well being
- Q&A
This is a community event and all are welcome.
October 2025
What: Disability Tax Credit (DTC) & Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Live Webinar
Who: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC
When: Tuesday, Oct 7th, 2025 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Info session will cover:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Q & A
This is a community event and all are welcome!
September 2025
What: Neurodiversity & Pacing
Who: Hosted by the CCDP
When: Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
This event is hosted by Sandy (physiotherapist) and Jen (occupational therapist)
The session will cover:
- Sensory regulation
- Pacing strategies
- Supportive equipment
- Time for Q&A
Presentation slides (PDF)This is a community event and all are welcome!
August 2025
What: Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D) Live Webinar
Who: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC
When: Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Info session will cover:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Q & A
This is a community event and all are welcome!
July 2025
What: Supporting the Nervous System - Gentle Techniques for Balance and Grounding
Who: Hosted by social workers Laura & Kym
When: Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, from 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Join us to learn some basics of the nervous system and practice some techniques to help ground and bring our systems into balance.
Presentation slides (PPT)
This is a community event and all are welcome!
June 2025
What: Persons with Disability (PWD) Zoom webinar
Who: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC
When: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, from 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Info session will cover:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Q & A
This is a community event and all are welcome!
May 2025
What: Preparing for summer with pacingWho: Hosted by the CCDP
When: Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
This event is hosted by Sandy (PT) and Jen (OT)
Info session will cover:
- Pacing for travel, hot weather and attending events
- Time for Q&A
Slides (PDF)
April 2025
What: Disability Tax Credit (DTC) & Registered Disability Savings Program (RDSP) Zoom webinarWho: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC
When: Monday, April 7th, 2025, from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Zoom
Info session will cover:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Q & A
March 2025
Who: People with Complex Chronic IllnessWhat: Connect with Michelle & Sam (dietitians) to answer your questions on strategies related to food & nutrition and chronic illness.
When: Tuesday March 11, 2025 from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Why: To refresh your knowledge.
In this session, Michelle and Sam (dietitians) will be on hand to answer your questions about food and nutrition related to chronic illness. Relevant* topics include: food sensitivities related to GI distress, foods + supplements to reduce inflammation, and adaptive cooking strategies for individuals living with pain & fatigue. There will be ample time for Q7A, so please bring your questions. We look forward to you joining us!
February 2025
What: Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D) Zoom webinarWho: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC
When: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Info session will cover:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Q & A
December 2024
What: Persons with Disability (PWD) Zoom webinarWho: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC
When: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Info session will cover:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Q & A
November 2024
What: Webinar on How to Help Manage the Holidays while Living with Chronic IllnessWho: Hosted by the CCDP occupational therapist, dietitian and social worker
When: Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Info session will cover strategies to:
- Manage energy levels
- Eat well
- Take care of self
- Q & A
