Mental Health and Endometriosis

 Mental health and Endometriosis go hand in hand. Endometriosis as we know, is a chronic illness that causes severe pain and can impact your daily life.

So what is the mental health aspect of it?

Anxiety - constant fear of flare ups, worrying about doctors appointments, wondering what’s wrong, waiting for answers. The list goes on and on. Endometriosis can cause severe anxiety in patients over time. It can be mental or show physical symptoms. Every person is different. Anxiety can become crippling and many may start to stay home or have a fear of leaving their home. Patience is key and reassurance. Come up with a plan, bring items to help with flare ups and anxiety. Do what you can and take each day as it comes.

Depression - being in constant pain, extreme fatigue, waiting for answers, not knowing anything, feeling dismissed by doctors, feeling unheard, missing life, being alone. Again, the list goes on and on. Individuals who suffer from endometriosis generally battle depression as well. It can take 5-10 years of unknown and pain before you’ll receive a diagnosis. Then managing and living with the illness is a whole other issue. Depression can become so dark and scary. But it can be beaten. Ask family or friends for help. Make a simple task list to complete and do it slowly. Give yourself small goals. Try new things. Go outside! 

Pain takes a huge toll on your body. It physically and mentally exhausts you. Your brain begins to fog and performing simple tasks become a huge obstacle. 

Not wanting to be a burden on the people you love become isolating. A lot of the time, they don’t understand or know what you are going through. EndoWarriors are actors. We plaster a smile on our face to keep everyone else happy. Truth be told, most people think we are being dramatic or there isn’t anything they can do to help. We have to ride it out.

It is so important to take care of your mental health and have a support team you can turn too. There are groups on Facebook, blogs, creators on Tik Tok, family and friends. Reach out. Ask questions. Explain what is happening to you and what you need from them. There is no shame in leaving after an hour at a birthday party, or taking a nap during a family dinner. Do what you need to do so that you can start to have your life back.

If your ever in crisis, please reach out to a mental health support line or a hospital.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency line.

You are not alone, keep fighting.