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Tine Mataz
ENDOMETRIOSIS affects one in 10 women, almost 200 million women. All these women have families and friends who will be affected by this disease too. This week we will touch on how to support someone with endometriosis. It is a question I get asked quite often.
1 Do your research:
It absolutely means the world to someone with endometriosis when a loved one goes the extra mile and googles what endometriosis is. Approaching them with something you may have read shows a great amount of support and concern.
2 Ask them what you can do for them:
Sometimes people who are going through chronic pain feel guilty for having to be so dependent and feel bad for asking for help. When you offer them help, you are doing an amazing thing.
3 Acknowledge that what they were able to do yesterday or a few hours ago may not be what they are able to do today:
You need to understand that the body can flare at any time. Pain tolerance and levels are up and down. Please be understanding.
4 Just because they do not look sick to you does not mean they are not sick:
Pain levels differ daily. Yesterday may have been a 10. Today may be a five. The bottom line is that they are in pain. Believe them.
5 Understand chronic fatigue:
Women with endometriosis can experience grinding fatigue. If you see them sleeping longer than usual, complaining about fatigue or needing to take many naps, understand that their body is going through a lot so they truly need the rest.
6 Accept that there may be some really hard days and that they may let you down:
Please do not make them feel guilty for that. Their biggest wish is to be energetic, vibrant and reliable.
7 Offer to go with them to doctor appointments or even pick up a prescription for them:
This shows you care and just relieves them of some of the burdens they carry. Moreover it makes them feel supported .
8 Reach out to them:
Sometimes people who are going through pain can isolate themselves or become distant. If you feel that they are not okay, please do reach out to them and suggest they seek professional help if you think it is necessary. Offer to just be a listening ear.
9 Offer to attend any endometriosis events with them that may be available in your community.
10 Get some help yourself:
When people we love and care about are going through a hard time especially with their health, it can affect us. Please seek help or counselling if you find it is also emotionally affecting you. You cannot be strong for them if you are not emotionally okay.
I hope this article has shed some light and will help you all who have loved ones with endometriosis. Remember endometriosis is your common enemy.
Don’t allow it to separate you, but instead make you closer.
You may contact me on +263778026402. I am here for you.
derick.khumalo