Chronic pain and stress: How does it affect the mental health of women with endometriosis, and how can you help yourself?

Endometriosis and pain

Endometriosis Endometriosis is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease. All of this contributes to the complexity of its treatment. Treatment must address not only the body but also the mind. Numerous scientific studies indicate that a chronic illness associated with pain, frequent doctor visits, and surgeries is synonymous with chronic stress, which significantly impacts our mental health and overall well-being. Even if we're in remission, we still have the fear that it could return at any time. Endometriosis falls into this category.

Endometriosis and mental state

Diagnostics Federica Facchin, Giussy Barbara, Emanuela Saita, Paola Mosconi, Anna Roberto, Luigi Fedele, and Paolo Vercellini at the Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, FondazioneIRCCS Ca' Granda, have demonstrated a link between inflammatory disease and mood disorders. In the case of endometriosis, significant correlations have been found between immunopathogenetic factors, which result in an unbalanced production of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-2, and IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines and the severity of mood changes in women, including anxiety and a general deterioration of mental health. Peripheral immuno-alterations can stimulate the central nervous system and trigger the so-called "sickness response," which includes behavioral changes such as:
– depression-like behavior,
- tiredness,
– hypophagia (limited food intake),
– disturbances in appetite, sleep or sexual habits,
– ahedonia (reduced ability or even inability to feel any pleasure or joy),
- sadness,
which may negatively impact social and intimate relationships. The psychoneuroimmunological nature of the disease may exacerbate symptoms In women, this is associated with impaired cognition, which can lead to symptoms of depression and distress, as well as acute chronic stress. Depression and anxiety can negatively impact the immune system, leading to the development of malignant inflammation, such as occurs with cancer.

Remember that endometriosis spreads through the body in the same way as cancer. Many women with endometriosis suffer alone. Due to a lack of understanding of the disease by society, and often by loved ones, we are left to cope alone.

Even though we sometimes think we're strong, illness wreaks havoc not only on our bodies but also on our minds. We don't have to be ashamed of this. These are natural psychological phenomena. If you feel lonely, sad, angry, anxious, fearful, or discouraged, let yourself be helped. Try to find psychological help or psychotherapeutic.

On our website, you'll find consultations with therapists who will help you navigate the difficult journey of your illness. Perhaps you're about to undergo surgery and feeling anxious? This is also a time when our therapists will help soothe your fears. Sometimes, talking to family or friends doesn't bring relief or a sense of understanding. That's why it's worth seeking the services of professionals.

Source:

Federica Facchin, Giussy Barbara, Emanuela Saita, Paola Mosconi, Anna Roberto, Luigi Fedele and Paolo Vercellini (2015). The impact of endometriosis on quality of life and mental health: pelvic pain makes a difference. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol, 2015; 36 (4): 135–141.