So many people ask, “What actually causes chronic fatigue syndrome?” The truth is… it’s rarely just one thing. For most people, it’s a combination — a viral infection like glandular fever or COVID, prolonged stress, environmental triggers, trauma, or even mold exposure. It’s often a perfect storm that pushes the body beyond what it can handle. Once other conditions are ruled out and symptoms persist for months, doctors may diagnose it as chronic fatigue syndrome. Every story is different — but r