New Delhi: Have you ever visited several doctors seeking answers for your chronic pain, only to be dismissed with “It’s all in your head”? This is frustrating, but for many people living with endometriosis, this is not just a one-off experience. For approximately 10% of women worldwide, endometriosis is a poorly understood and often dismissed health condition, and sadly, this lack of understanding and support extends beyond the healthcare system within our homes, workplaces, and communities. Although we prioritize the physical symptoms of endometriosis, which are primarily pain, we often overlook the emotional and psychological toll it takes.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Divya G Nallur, Clinician Director, Amaha, explained how endometriosis can affect mental health.
The Untaught Mental Health Impacts of Endometriosis
In addition to managing our physical pain, living with endometriosis means coping with mental and emotional strain that can often be just as debilitating. Here are five common mental health impacts of endometriosis:
- Chronic Anxiety: Endometriosis is inherently unpredictable, which means there are flare-ups, unexpected missed work, changes to plans – all of which create chronic welcomed by anticipatory anxiety. We may find ourselves wondering daily, “Will I be able to go to that meeting?” “Will I be seen in the ER again for emergency care?” and the cycle of unnecessary worry and dread continues.
- Depression and Low Mood: Gift of the gab – Persistent physical pain, failed treatments, and navigating the implications of a chronic illness can create depressive symptoms. The lack of understanding from others increases the sense of isolation and helplessness.
- Fertility-Related Distress: Many people with endometriosis also experience uncertainty around fertility. The emotional toll of infertility, or the fear of it, can be extensive and encompass grief, anger, and distress about identity, particularly when the fertility/j reproductive choices are challenged.
- Emotional Trauma Related to Dyspareunia: Pain with sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) has the potential to affect intimacy, self-esteem, and relationships with partners. Over time, dyspareunia can lead to emotional trauma, guilt, and avoidance, and can contribute to complexities in the relationship.
- Body Image and Identity Issues: “Endo belly”, abdominal discomfort, surgical scars, chronic hormonal fluctuations, and chronic illness itself can shape how people with endo see and feel about themselves. Chronic physical changes can impact your body image and self-confidence, and also may impact your identity and femininity.
The Importance of Mental Health Support
Though many are told to “cope” or “manage” on their own, the reality is that many will suffer in silence from mental pain. There are many ways to ease the emotional distress of a chronic illness, yet many live without realizing or utilizing these means. Because of the way endometriosis affects the physical self, the mental process of grieving, living with uncertainty, and experiencing fear is compounded. This impact on sleep, drive, attention, and ultimately self-worth may communicate a mind-body loop with the person.
There is no one specific level of pain that we “us” to receive support. If the condition affects how you function day-to-day or your overall emotional balance, you have permission to seek professional help. Psychotherapy could be particularly helpful to process the grief, uncertainty, and fear often experienced with a chronic illness. There are also mental health professionals who can provide support in specific moments (e.g., making a decision about surgery, navigating fertility, or experiencing strain in relationships).
Many people with endometriosis also experience uncertainty around fertility. The emotional toll of infertility, or the fear of it, can be extensive and encompass grief, anger, and distress about identity, particularly when the fertility/j reproductive choices are challenged. Mental Health Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
