The need for mental health support for people with Endometriosis

The frustrations of repeatedly asking for help from your medical team and being denied, shamed, and sometimes blamed for pain can lead to depression, self-doubt, and shame. It is a story that is all too familiar for those with Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is intimately linked with Endometriosis. It takes an average of 7 years for diagnosis of  Endometriosis. The delays in diagnosis of Endometriosis often result in people suffering without explanation of their pain, but worse with messaging that their pain is “in their head,” or that endometriosis doesn’t cause the symptoms they are experiencing.

In fact, various metanalyses have shown that those with Endometriosis often resort to self-harm, suicide or otherwise. Add to this the hormonal therapies and contraceptives that are usually prescribed as a relief from symptoms of Endometriosis have a potential negative effects on the functioning of the brain and moods. The pressure this brings on the person suffering from the medical condition and those around them is immense.

This means there is a greater need for mental health support for people with Endometriosis. For many, it is support groups, online or offline. But we must shed our inhibitions on approaching a mental health professional if needed. 

A good mental health provider can help process your experiences and frustrations around your Endometriosis. They can teach you relaxation techniques and communication techniques that can help you deal with the disease.

Any good Endometriosis surgeon knows that healing begins in the mind first. If that is won, the treatment is won.