How to cheer up?

Hi, my wonderful penpals! 🙂

I have a question...

What do you do to cheer up or feel emotionally ok again in the endometriosis marathon?

I don't want to be a downer, but I've hit an emotional "bump" today. I'm tired from things - family issues and endo discomfort and stress awaiting MRI scan and potential surgery.

So, I'm just plain sad, can't concentrate - basically obsessing about endo and everything negative, still sore, and generally moping and feeling sorry for myself.

But, I can't switch off these feelings. Normally, I would just carry on and think about other things. This weirdly feels like an emotional "mini crisis", and it's hard to try to put it back into perspective. My mind is making a really big deal about this. My eyes have decided that it's crying time, and I can't turn it off. 😉 Do you know what I mean?

So, any suggestions welcome! At this point, I would go for an amulet from a good witch that would "keep away negative thoughts". Maybe that would be a good arts and crafts project. 😉

Ideas? 🌿🌼🌿

[Pacman12]

Hi there 👋, firstly I am sorry you are having a tough day, but good on you for spotting it and thinking about what you can do that might help 😊. Can you get out for a short walk at all? Or sit outside in the fresh air (it’s def a bit “fresher” than yesterday where I am though!)? I find that super helpful sometimes..... xx

[Hidden in reply to Pacman12]

Thanks Pacman. I'll try to go outside at lunchtime & see if it helps. 🌿🌻🌿

[Aquaria]

Hi June!

I’m sorry to hear about how you are feeling, there is no worse place to be when you are going through what you are with endo involved too.

This might sound stupid, but whenever I begin to experience the deep sadness that comes with Endo, I watch RuPauls Drag Race. The amount of joy I see on that show really does allow me to forget (even for a short while) all that’s going on in the real world. I binge watch it & laugh for hours!

Might not be your thing & I totally get that it’s not for everyone! But hopefully it can bring a little bit of joy to you too!

[Hidden in reply to Aquaria]

Thanks Aquaria - I think a bit of light entertainment (or maybe even comedy) would be nice. That's an excellent idea.

[TennisAM]

Hi,

I've tried the following which all works:

- talk to friends (especially those that are funny/lighthearted)

- art - painting, clay is great, anything mindful

- watch my favourite comedian on YouTube

- moderate exercise

- write down how I'm feeling, sometimes it's eases once it's down on paper

- observe the mood but don't engage with it. This helps to show its just a feeling, neither good or bad.

- the vagus nerve is very important for mood. Singing, laughing, dancing, deep breathing, exercise and many other things stimulate the vagus nerve. There are even exercises that you can do such as massaging the nerve.

- eat something healthy that makes you happy

- turmeric is clinically proven to improve mood, there are studies that shows its as effective as some antidepressants.

Hope that helps

[Hidden in reply to TennisAM]

Thanks TennisAM

[Moonglo]

Hope you’re feeling better today. Sometimes you just have shitty days, and it doesn’t hurt to indulge in a good cry once in a while, or to comfort yourself with nice food or trash TV while under a cozy blanket.

And I just spotted this on my FB feed. Quite apt!

[Hidden]

Thanks Moonglo, things are starting to look "up" today. After work yesterday, I dragged myself out for the last of the sunshine & went for a little walk up the hill. 5 weeks after the lap, my muscles are creaky and inclined to try to cramp across my abdomen, so it was good to move around a bit. I think now that I'm healed after the lap, I could start some very slow easy yoga to "clear out the cobwebs". I also had a little read online about pain management for endometriosis. Sounds like the amitriptyline that I've just started is really helpful for a lot of women with pelvic pain, so that's a hopeful gem of news for me.

The random element to all of this, I think, is the hormones from the Mirena & mini pill, and the tiredness that can come from being sore for a long time. It honestly makes the "downs" feel larger than life. It's pretty disconcerting!

But hey, it's a new day.

How are you doing over there?

🥦🍅🥦