Like most other diseases, there isn’t only a physical aspect to having endometriosis. There’s also a mental and emotional aspect as well.

 

        For instance, take Brooke. Brooke has endometriosis, and experiences extremely painful periods. She often has to cancel plans, like missing her soccer games, or not making it to a friend’s birthday party that she was looking forward to. Over time, Brooke blames herself for not being “strong” enough to endure the pain and feels like she’s letting the people in her life down. Even though Brooke’s endometriosis is out of her control, she’s still frustrated and disappointed in herself for not living her life the way she wants to.

 

        However, Brooke’s experience is not uncommon. Women and girls who also suffer from endometriosis have to miss out on a lot of important events and moments because of their intense pain and symptoms. Just like Brooke, those who struggle with endometriosis are more likely to have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health conditions. People with endometriosis may experience anxiety and stress for the coming period, when the intense pain caused by endometriosis comes back.

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What can you do?

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        If you have endo, you can find yourself a support system. That could be made of family, friends, people who you trust and those who care for you. Make sure to show yourself compassion and respect. The pain is real, and it’s not your fault.

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        Or if you have a loved one who is going through endometriosis or another difficult disease, make sure to offer your support. Listen to them and show them empathy. A little bit of understanding can go a long way. 

 

        Currently, researchers are exploring how bettering endometriosis patients’ mental symptoms can also improve their physical symptoms. 

 

        Whether you or someone else has endometriosis, showing them compassion, understanding, and advocacy can help create a better path forward.

 

Difficult words:

 

Anxiety: Pronounced “ann-ZAI-eh-tee.” Definition: Intense, excessive, and continuing worries about everyday things and situations.

 

Endometriosis: Pronounced “En-do-ME-TREE-o-sis.” Definition: A disease commonly found in women and girls of reproductive age, learn more here.

 

Panic Attacks: Definition: A short amount of time where someone experiences intense fear and anxiety.

 

PTSD: Stands for “post-traumatic stress disorder.” Definition: A condition where someone struggles to recover from a terrifying event or trauma that causes anxiety, depressed mood, and other emotional and physical reactions.