How to cope :/

[Peyten]

I don’t want to sound depressing but how are you all coping with endometriosis I’m really struggling right now and getting very depressed I’m 21 and can’t do anything right now I feel as thought everything is getting worse month by month please someone give me help I’ve changed my diet i take no end of tables I try everything people say to do :/

[princessk09]

Hey, I’m struggling atm and I’m 19. Seeing everyone going out partying can make me feel awful as I can’t drink and the pain or fatigue prevents me from going out.

I don’t have a support system behind me so you should talk to someone you trust whether that’s your parents, friends etc. My parents don’t understand so they just shout at me all the time when I feel down or in pain.

I use an app called headspace, it’s really good for just relaxing and clearing your head.

Stay strong ❤️ and I’m always here if you need to talk xxxx

[El_mai]

I don’t really have much advice on this but I totally understand how you feel! I’m 20 and it can be so so frustrating to be in so much pain and unable to do what everyone else our age can do especially when you have a condition such as endo that most people probably won’t know that you have and even then, a lot of people don’t understand.

I get it, completely.

It’s tough, but hang on in there because out here is a network of ladies in exactly the same situation who are also just hanging on in there!

[Niamhy]

Hi

I’m 24 I completely understand how you feel. All my friends are out every weekend even tho I’m invited I can’t go because of the pain & all the symptoms that come with it. I’m on a lot of tablets & I still have to take other pain killers on top of that but it still doesn’t help the pain. I still haven’t found anything that actually takes the pain away. I don’t know if it affects other people’s sleeping but it has completely messed mine up.

If you need to talk just msg me & sorry I can’t be more help xx

[Catness]

Hey Peyten,

I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling. I was diagnosed at 21, I’m 27 now, and the truth is I haven’t found an answer and I still struggle with this disease 😔 I am in a very fortunate position where I have a good support network though.

Do you have a proactive plan for treatment/ management? By this I mean are you on any hormonal medication or awaiting a lap. Sometimes knowing something is being ‘done’ can make me feel a whole lot better. For instance you could ask your GP to refer you to the pain management team? Or if you’re not happy with how your case is currently being handled ask your GP to refer you to an accredited endo centre : bsge.org.uk/centre/

Also I found the website ‘endo resolved’ to really be quite informative about holistically trying to manage some of the endo symptoms.

I see a psychologist every week or every other week to help as my mental health took a nose-dive as my health declined. I have found her to be really excellent and I’m not sure what I would do without her. If this was something you were interested in perhaps it’s worth exploring?

Do you have a group of friends you can talk to about this? Or have you considered going to the Endo UK meet ups in your area? This may be a great way to talk to people who will understand exactly what you’re going through without having to jump through hoops trying to explain yourself. I think you can find the info on the meet ups on the Endo U.K. website ☺️

Do you have a hobby or something that has nothing to do with endo that you do for fun? It struck me the other week I literally do nothing apart from my masters and deal with endo 🙈. I’ve just started guitar lessons to try and find enjoyment in something outside of all that!

I also deleted Facebook off my phone as I was constantly comparing my life to my peers who were all doing these great things (although trying to remember that what you see online is a curated version of the high points in someone’s life). I keep the messenger app to stay in touch with people and only follow instagram people who make me feel better about my situation, not worse. I do think social media for people who are unwell can be both a blessing and a curse!

Really hoping you feel a bit better soon xxx