Patrick Ussher

Patrick Ussher is a writer, composer, and health communicator who has lived with ME/CFS for seven years. He runs the YouTube channel 'Understanding ME/CFS', where he explores the science of ME/CFS and Long Covid in accessible language and shares personal insights into treatment strategies he has tried. He is the author of the medical hypothesis 'The Myth of Primary Polydipsia', which argues against the concept of 'psychogenic water drinking' and suggests a biomedical basis for thirst in ME/CFS and related illnesses.

Patrick regularly gives talks to patient organizations such as The Irish ME Trust and has contributed essays to the ME/CFS blog Health Rising on a range of topics.

Outside of health advocacy, Patrick is the author of 'Stoicism and Western Buddhism: A Reflection on Two Philosophical Ways of Life', and the editor of the books 'Stoicism Today: Selected Writings' (Volumes One and Two). In 2018, he worked with Columba Press to republish his late mother’s book on coping with breast cancer, 'Following the Pink Ribbon Path'.

He holds a BA and MA in Classics from the University of Exeter and is also a composer of contemporary classical music, with tracks available on Spotify and the Artlist catalogue. Originally from Ireland, Patrick has lived in both Ireland and France during his illness.