Endo & depression

[Hobi]

Hey everyone, I hope you're all having a nice weekend. Does anyone really struggle with feeling like your life has been so drastically hindered/changed by endo and pain that you feel a bit lost? And if so, what were some things that helped you stay positive and cope?

[goldenretriever14]

Heyy! All the time!! The pain makes me feel so down, unmotivated and depressed. I really struggle some days - some days get better but I completely get where you are coming from. I find that self care really helps - having a nice bath, doing a facemask, laying in bed if I need to. Some days I just let myself be and watch tv all day even when I have stuff to do because if I don't I simply lose function. Just know that not every day will always be bad, you will have good days too but be kind to yourself on those days that are tough and know that you're not alone 🥰 xx

[Hobi in reply to goldenretriever14]

Thank you!! It's just difficult to come to terms with the fact that I'm going to spend the rest of my life in pain and I won't be able to enjoy some things anymore. I love cycling and I'm in too much pain to walk sometimes let alone cycle. It's just frustrating and being newly diagnosed I'm finding it difficult to find the positives at the moment xx

[Knina in reply to Hobi]

Hang in there. You just recently has been diagnosed, so now you know what it is. You will find your way how to deal with that disease and how to adjust to it. Maybe you will find meds that work for you. Anti-inflamatory diet helps me. I feel better and have more energy. I have Mirena also. It helps with pain, but I still struggle even with that. I am in pain right now that came from nowhere. Frustrating because I had plans to plant flowers:)) Not sure if I will be able to tackle it today. It is a learning process to accept this lifestyle and rest. And just do not do anything.....Spoil yourself when you can, so when bad time comes, you feel ok. Sometimes, crying helps If you are not in very bad pain, find a book that you can read and enjoy. Maybe listen to audio-book.

[Hidden]

Hi Hobi,When I asked my GP about pain management for endo, he prescribed Duloxetine for me (60mg/day). Interestingly, the dose for pain management is the same for treating depression.

I'm hoping for a super bonus pack out of this one with some pain relief and maybe a break from what might be depression from pain. 😉

I know that's not really the kind of answer you were looking for, but sometimes, nice surprises like that pop up.

Also, grapes are delicious. I heartily recommend grapes to feel better. 😉 I know I have a weird sense of humour - I can't help it.

On the more serious side, it helps to talk with a supportive friend about this stuff. It's a lot to carry alone.

Sending you good thoughts. 🌿🌼🌿

[ReturningTern]

Hi. I just kept taking the painkillers and concentrated on living life to the full. Mini targets of achievement kept me going. I went wheat, dairy and caffeine free which i think also helped plus I started running / worked on making my life more active. Due to my own experiences and others, someone close to me wrote a whole Doctoral thesis on Endo and depression if you're interested xx leicester.figshare.com/arti...

[Mheulgio in reply to ReturningTern]

Oh thanks for the paper link. I’m definitely going to read that!

[Mheulgio]

I’m sorry you are struggling mentally. I think most woman would agree with you that enduring endo has a huge impact on our mental well being. You become unrecognisable as yourself and at times powerless to do a damn thing about it. Personally I’d always struggled with ‘low’ periods in life but found good coping mechanisms. But with the endo I couldn’t do any of those coping strategies! Like all of the ladies above small achievements and narrowing down my goals from ‘life’ goals to day to day goals helped me feel less ‘useless’ and more accomplished. I also realised that no matter how I felt I could at the very least I can lay down and breathe mindfully. Even that in itself can feel positive.

I’m in a medical menopause just now awaiting a hysterectomy and that injection in itself causes severe depression. So after a life time of avoiding anti depressants I decided to seek help. It’s been a game changer and had made the last 4 months a lot better (it has its own side effects but when weighed up they are manageable). So don’t be afraid of looking for further medical help.

Definitely someone to share your experience with helps too! This forum is amazing for sure! I hope you can find some peace. X

[USgalwthendo]

Yep. Every day I struggle with aspects of endo. The biggest struggle was infertility. I was really lost after that. As Mheulgio mentions with antidepressants I too avoided them for years but now that I decided to try them I wish I hadn’t waited so long. Helps me be more “me”. The me I used to be before endo. That is a huge blessing. I still have pain and actually it’s gotten worse over time but I no longer feel so destroyed by it all. I have hope. Yesterday I cleaned my whole garage. Today my joints hurt but at least I can still do things occasionally although with more effort. I haven’t been snowboarding in 6 years but that is my goal next winter. I may not be able to stay out for hours on the hill but if I can go and enjoy myself for an hour even I will be happy. Hang in there it’s all new for you and it’s ok to allow yourself plenty of time to adjust. Just want you to know it’s manageable. And life can be good. Different yes. But still good. Best wishes to you.