How you can help your loved ones understand Endometriosis

Too often, family and friends cannot understand the impact endometriosis has on your body. Since they are unable to see the endometriosis, it can be difficult for them to understand just how devastating endometriosis can be, not just physically but emotionally as well.

Helping your loved ones have at least some understanding of endometriosis can allow them to be supportive of you. Here are seven tips you can use to help your family and friends learn to understand a bit about what you are going through and how they can be supportive.

1. Educate.

The first step for helping your loved ones understand is educating them about what endometriosis is.

2. Don’t assume.

Though the information about endometriosis may be familiar to you, don’t assume your family and friends understand even the basics.

3. Be open.

While you should not whine and complain or make your situation be the topic of all conversations, do be open and honest about how endometriosis is affecting you.

4. Keep talking.

It can be easy to want to avoid talking about endometriosis, to not want to deal with the questions and looks, and to just want to withdraw and be quiet. But talking is the way to help your loved ones be part of what you are going through. If you are silent and withdrawn, they are left out and can’t learn more so they can help.

5. Ask for help.

Stating exactly what you need and how your loved ones can help is a way to help them understand what you are going through and be supportive.

6. Support groups.

You can benefit from joining a local support group, but friends and family members may also find it helpful to attend meetings with you.

7. Re-evaluate.

No matter how hard you try or how long you have been friends, some people are not going to understand endometriosis or how it affects you. If you find you have those in your life who are negative and unsupportive, re-evaluate whether or not you need them as part of your inner circle.

Read the full article 7 Steps for Helping Loved Ones Understand Edometriosis.   Browse through the HysterSisters Endometriosis Articles which provide more information about endometriosis.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: 6 Tips for Coping with Emotions after Hysterectomy.