Endometriosis - Depression and Anxiety

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Depression and Anxiety

Depression

Depression is 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.

Depression is more than feeling sad or blue. It involves more persistent and intense negative thoughts and feelings. Depression changes the way we think, feel and behave.

Many women with endometriosis experience depression. This can be for a variety of reasons including:

Initial misdiagnosis / a long journey to diagnosis
Coming to terms with the diagnosis
Lifestyle restrictions
Dealing with chronic pain and other symptoms
Hormonal treatments which can effect mood and emotional wellbeing
Unsuccessful treatments and having recurrences that require further treatments
Dealing with the possibility of infertility
Lack of support / understanding
Financial problems e.g. taking time off work, treatments, surgery

Anxiety

Anxiety involves extreme feelings of fear and worry that can lead to a loss of confidence that makes decision making difficult, and can lead to withdrawal and avoidance of people and places.

Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:

A racing heart or palpitations
Rapid breathing
Sweating
Dizziness

Psychological symptoms may include:

Worry
Restlessness
Over thinking
Agitation
Avoidance of others, or of going out

Coping with depression and anxiety

The effects of depression and anxiety can be completely overwhelming. Fortunately however, there are strategies you can learn to help manage the symptoms on a daily basis.

Some ways that may assist include:

Plan your day. Set achievable tasks so that each day something is achieved - no matter how small. Give yourself credit for even the smallest achievement.
Note what you are doing, not what you aren't.
Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
Stay focused in the present - take one day at a time (or one minute at a time!).
Do some physical activity. Exercise stimulates natural endorphins (feel good hormones) in the brain to help improve mood and has been shown to be highly effective in managing depression.
Eat well throughout the day to help balance mood. Eliminate/minimise caffeine and foods that provide no nutritional value.
Spend time with people who make you feel good. Individuals experiencing anxiety and/or depression often feel they don't want to ‘burden' others, when in fact, those around them may be happy to provide support.
Listen to music you enjoy, and do things that bring you joy.
Educate yourself about depression and anxiety and how to manage it.
Notice the things you do that improve your situation - do more of them. Stay away from things that you notice worsen thoughts and feelings.

When intense anxiety or depression is experienced over a length of time and interferes with daily life, then medical or psychological help is beneficial to assess the nature of the condition and how best to treat it.