Does endometriosis influence emotional wellbeing? 

Endometriosis can take its toll not only physically - but emotional wellbeing can be affected as well.  Living with endometriosis can be extremely frustrating, especially if the path to diagnosis is a long one. Dealing with chronic pain, fertility problems and lifestyle restrictions can have a serious effect on a woman's emotional wellbeing.

What are some of the emotions and feelings women may experience?

At different times and in no particular order, women with endometriosis may experience feelings of:

• Frustration
• Sadness
• Depression
• Anger
• Loss of control
• Low self esteem
• Isolation or loneliness
• Being overwhelmed
• Stress
• Mood swings

It can be very helpful to identify whether you are experiencing any of these emotions or feelings. Once we become aware of our feelings then we are better placed to be able to do something about them. This is an important thing to do as emotional distress can affect our ability to cope with everyday life as well as having endometriosis, and it may also make the physical symptoms of endometriosis worse.

What can you do?

There is no single solution or method for coping with endometriosis. Every woman's experience is individual and different people deal with emotional issues in different ways. What is important is that you find ways to cope that are effective for you and seek help where needed. It may be helpful to look at the many different areas of your life and identify which areas are causing you distress along with the endometriosis.

Resources

Stress

Some women, especially in the lead up to diagnosis and immediately after a diagnosis, find dealing with the symptoms and treatment of endometriosis a particularly stressful experience. They may have known that something was wrong, often for a very long time and this whole process can be exhausting.

Relationships

Quality relationships play a big role in providing us with support, enjoyment, intimacy and understanding.

Depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety are a serious and common illness that affects one in five Australians at some time in their lives. People with depression can find it hard to function each day, both physically and mentally.

Body image

Body image is the way we think, feel and relate to our body. From childhood through to adolescence and on to adulthood, body image may change.  

Sex and intimacy

Low libido is a very sensitive issue and often occurs in a setting of stress, tiredness, illness, relationship difficulties, or depression.

Fertility

Endometriosis can have an affect on a woman's fertility, and this information may lead to a mixture of emotions.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain that is constantly present and or is feared, can influence wellbeing and our ability to cope with everyday life. It is vital that the source of the pain is investigated and treatments sought as a first line of attack. It can also be helpful to seek alternative ways of coping such as relaxation, cognitive methods (ways that help with negative thinking) and lifestyle changes to help deal with chronic pain.

Ways of coping

Finding different ways to effectively deal with the stress and strain of living with endometriosis can have a positive influence on health and wellbeing.

Seeking help

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Knowing when to seek help is important and can be a positive step in understanding and coping with endometriosis.

Content Updated March 28, 2010