Women’s Health and Pelvic Health: The Connection to Mental Health
Women’s Health and Pelvic Health: The Connection to Mental Health
Did you know that most women will experience some sort of pelvic health related concern or disorder during their lifetime. Why is it important to talk about women’s health related struggles including pelvic health? Because we need to normalize the conversation so that we don’t have to suffer alone and in silence.
Pelvic pain and chronic pain can not only impact you physically, but it can also severely impact your mental health and wellbeing. Living with chronic pelvic pain can prevent you from doing the things you enjoy, especially if it requires physical movement which then takes a toll on you mentally. What’s even more frustrating, can be also having to battle the medical and healthcare system. Women are often dismissed by healthcare practioners and are frequently told to seek counselling or even given medication to try and help deal with the pain.
How does it pelvic pain affect your mental health?
Studies have reported that chronic pelvic pain and disorders are associated with higher mental health related disorders such as depression, anxiety and even substance abuse. Pelvic pain can also lead to challenges in relationships, especially in relation to being physically intimate with your partner as women often engage in avoidant behaviours, often resulting in strain on the relationship.
While it can be frustrating and often debilitating dealing with pelvic pain, there are a few strategies to help to try to manage it.
-Seek out a pelvic health physiotherapist: Many therapists have received specialized training in this area & can help to treat pain & develop a specialized treatment program for you.
-Practice mindfulness: It’s been proven to help reduce the symptoms of pain. Many pelvic health physiotherapists strongly recommend this because practicing deep breathing can help to relax tense muscles in the pelvic floor region which helps with increased blood flow and can potentially reduce pain.
-Be aware of stress: Stress can significantly increase pain in the pelvic floor region, leading your body to tense up if it thinks it’s under threat or attack.
-More your body: It’s important to move your body with even with some small or light exercises such as walking, yoga or simple stretches. Not only can yoga help with decreasing stress, but it helps to relax your body, calm & regulate your nervous system, but also it can also help to reduce pain.
Interested in learning more about supports available for managing your journey with pelvic health, pelvic pain and supporting your mental health, contact Mallery @Serenityandsoulhealing.com to book your session & get started on your healing journey.
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