Endometriosis: 'It wasn't until I became a mother that I realised my period pain was the same level as labour pain'

""[After] years of holding pain, you become really tight in yourself...you hold yourself tight and you don't want to take up space.""

Living with severe pain for years before receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis can lead to significant mental health challenges. Ellen Walsh Kerley experienced intense pain for 20 years, which affected her self-esteem and overall mental well-being. The emotional toll of managing chronic pain and advocating for treatment can create feelings of tightness and reluctance to take up space in life. Expert advice is also provided to address these mental health concerns.

Read at Independent