Endometriosis : How to cope with family and friends

17 Mar, 2019 - 00:03 0 Views
Endometriosis : How to cope with family and friends

The Sunday News

Tine Mataz

Hello readers! I hope you all doing great and know a lot more about endometriosis now. 

We know now what the condition is, how it can be diagnosed and how we can treat it. But how do we deal with it when we know later? 

How do we get friends and family to understand the disease and how to get them to support us?

I have had endometriosis for 11 years now and it’s been a tough journey. Besides the pain, endometriosis is a real epidemic because of its emotional effects. 

Because of cultural aspects period pain and menstrual related issues are taboo topics and many women suffer in silence because of this. Many people do not even know endometriosis or will never even hear the word in their lifetime. 

Many women struggle with getting family and friends to believe that their pain is real, and that “it’s not just period pain”. 

One of the best ways to deal with this is to believe yourself. Believe that you deserve to be heard, and that even though some people may not believe you, your pain is real and should be attended to. You have to be your own advocate.

Another way to cope is to share resources with family and friends. There are lots of articles online and those can really help you and your significant other, or other family members with how to cope. Sometimes when it’s too close to home people don’t really believe you because of familiarity. 

However, when they read other stories, it reinforces what you have already told them. I have written a book called Turning Pain into Power: the Journey of an Endometriosis warrior which is also a good place to start teaching family members about this illness.

Another way to cope with loved ones during this journey is to talk to them about how you are feeling as well as hear from them how this diagnosis has affected you as a family. 

Many women who suffer from endo struggle in romantic relationships and these same tips can apply in such a relationship. 

Put it all on the table. Talk about things that may or may not happen. Talk about expectations. Counselling can help as well. 

The truth is the people around us may not completely understand what endometriosis is but try your best to teach them and make them understand. 

Look for a support group: there are so many online ones on Facebook. Don’t suffer alone. 

Sometimes after doing all of this, people may not believe your pain and it’s okay, lean on those who do believe you and support you. You matter and your truth matters. Until next week, stay safe and remember to spread light and love.

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