3 Things To Remember During Endometriosis Awareness Month

March, the month so many of us wait for all year. A month where it is all about endometriosis and bringing awareness to the word, to the illness, to what we deal with on a daily basis. We all know just how important it is to bring attention to this illness, so when March comes around, we want nothing more than to post information every single day.

When I was first diagnosed with endometriosis, that was the only thing I could talk about all March. But can I be honest with you for a second? As much as I know raising awareness is important, it can also become very exhausting. Somedays I have to remind myself to take a step back when it is feeling like too much. And you know you what, that is okay. I don't have to talk about endometriosis all the time. It took me a while to understand that. And I know so many others do feel the same way.

So here are a few things for you to try to remember during endometriosis awareness month. 

You don't have to share something every single day

It is absolutely ok to take a day or two off. Listen, I know you want to scream from the mountain tops every little thing about endometriosis, but if doing so is stressing you out, you are allowed  to talk about something else or stay off social media all together. There is no rule saying everything you talk about has to be endometriosis-related or that you need to be online, daily. But if that is something you want to do, and can handle, that is fine too.

Stop comparing yourself to other endometriosis awareness accounts

Each one of us warriors are unique. We all have a story to tell and knowledge to share. But sometimes, we may find ourselves comparing what we share, to other awareness accounts. Sometimes, we may compare ourselves to accounts that have been around for a while. We may feel like we aren't sharing enough, we aren't sharing good content, or that maybe we don't feel like we are truly helping the endometriosis community. Endo warrior, let me tell you this one thing, YOU and your account are just fine. Stop comparing it to others. No one is you. No one can tell your story like you can. It doesn't have to match other endometriosis accounts. You don't need to have the same infographics. You don't have to have the same amount of scars or surgeries. Even if you only shared your story once, that is enough. You are doing your very best. Always remember that.

Every month is Endometriosis Awareness Month

Yes, we may have a month that is specifically dedicated to us and this illness, but let me just say, every month is endometriosis month. Have you shared something about endometriosis in July? What about in December? I bet most of you answered yes to that. My point being, don't feel pressured into sharing everything you know about endometriosis, for the entire month of March. Once March is over, it doesn't mean we have to stop talking about it. We can share any month we want to, whenever we want to. In fact, I think it is super important to spread it out each month. This way it allows people time to really learn, read up on endometriosis, and maybe even find ways to get involved.

You are not a bad endo warrior for needing a break and time to rest

Sometimes, some of us tend to take breaks from social media during endometriosis awareness month. Not because we don't think raising awareness isn't important, but because the constant reminder of this illness may be triggering to some. I know for me personally, the constant talk about it sometimes, puts me in a dark place. Sometimes I have to back away from endometriosis groups or accounts and focus on other things in life. Guess what, that is absolutely ok. It doesn't make you a bad person or endo warrior, for needing to do that. I always tell everyone, "you do you." Our mental health comes before anything. Make sure you are focusing on that always, but especially during endometriosis awareness month. Make sure you are resting when needed and focusing on other things that make you happy as well.

While the month of March and raising awareness is so important, I just want you to remember, you don't have to do it all. I absolutely understand that for some, that is the only thing they want to do during this month. And that is SO great. Our community does need that. But if you are one of the many feeling burnt out and stressed, take a step back and do something other that makes you happy. You can share about endometriosis anytime you decide. Have you ever felt endometriosis month to be draining?