how do you deal with the bad days?

[ar1497]

hi all, diagnosed with endo last November after a laparoscopy after about 14 years of symptoms and pain. Even though I’m glad to have the clarity about what the issue is as the uncertainty was awful, some days I just feel so sad and down that this is my future. I still have a lot of pain and especially during my flare ups I can’t see the wood through the trees.

How do you help pick yourself back up mentally when you’re having a bad day? I don’t mean physically with painkillers/ hot water bottles etc, but the mental side. It’s quite hard to stay positive and optimistic sometimes and even though everyone in my life is supportive, I don’t know anyone else with endo and it feels very lonely sometimes.

[Bk27]

Hey lovely, after visiting the gp for 8 years I’ve finally been referred and am waiting for that. At the minute on the bad days i tell myself what a win it is if i can go to work or just do something, even something small, you convince yourself that youre beating the pain and take it as a win but on the really bad days just remember you need a rest that day and let yourself feel it but make sure to get out and do something when youre feeling better. Its also really helpful if you have someone around you who you can tell when youre having a bad day and just let yourself be sad. I would do some washing or something, its a smaller task which makes you feel like youve done something and distract you. Hopefully this helps a little but i can definitely relate xx

[Sunset-lady]

I didn't know it was endometriosis until last year. Heat has always helped me so i have a fur electric blanket from Lakeland. Staying on top of pain meds and eating the right stuff so as not to aggravate an already difficult situation. I never touch alcohol now and if I do I'm in agony. Eating small regular meals. Walking (which is hard but does help). It is hard but it does pass. Be kind to yourself x

[KittyTherapy]

Hi, sorry your feeling this way, Endo is so complex and the impact is has is seemingly endless for us. I'm thankful for this forum, there are so many experts through experience and lots of advice to be shared. I am no stranger to depression + anxiety, i take prescription medication to help and have had several blocks of talking therapies (some better than others).

I try to accept the good and the bad now - I try to not dwell on the bad days too much much but sometimes it's really hard. I try to not compare myself to others and find practising self kindness and gratitude has helped me personally.

If you are feeling low or anxious consistently then please speak with your GP as there are things that can help. Don't suffer in silence. Look after yourself x

[endowarrior12]

I find your post so relatable and I’m just so sorry you’re feeling this too. I’ve really found this community helps me feel less alone in it all. I’m lucky to have a loving and supportive family but sometimes I worry they’ll get fed up of me being unwell and sore all the time. What helps me a lot is taking a day at a time, and if I’m having a bad flare up or low day I just let myself have it and think tomorrow might be better. I also watch my comfort shows on Netflix, and rest as much as I can. Just remind yourself how strong we are to live with this awful disease. Allow yourself to have the bad days, and as I said earlier just take a day at a time. Everyone is so different but those are a few of my coping mechanisms so I hope some of them help too. Well done for posting and thank you for such a relatable post 💛

[Leahgal]

Hi there.

Maybe think about how to remain positive or find a positive everyday. Journalling is a great tool to get things out and I also try walking every day helps.

There are endo support groups, maybe you could meet someone near you who could provide some peer support and understands what you are going through?

Try and get through the bad days and enjoy the good. X