What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up

You've tried everything you can think of, but no relief seems to be in sight. Diet change, surgeries, medicines, supplements. You have tried it all, and they just aren't working, and you question why over and over.

Blood work is normal. Your scans are normal. You start to lose hope that answers and relief will ever find their way to you.

I know this because this is exactly where I am in my journey.

Finding inner strength

I've tried it all, and I just can't seem to shake my extreme symptoms. There are so many days that I am not sure if I can take much more.

As soon as I get to that dark place, I think about how far I have come and how much I have already been through. The fight I have already put up, and all the people I feel I need to be here to help them through, triggers me to keep going.

The challenges in navigating endometriosis

It isn't as simple as that. Dealing with endometriosis takes a lot of work. Sometimes it's work that we may not feel in the mood to put in.

I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect when it comes to handling my illnesses and staying strong all the time. But I will also be the first to say I try. No matter how hard it may be.

Over these last few months, that is exactly what I have been doing. Trying to cope with my illness instead of just giving up.

Five things that keep me going in tough times

Seeking out support

I have been working with a licensed therapist these last few months, which is great. But parts of me have felt like I needed more. So I connected with a mindset coach.

Honestly, I think working with her has been the most helpful for me. Your mindset can take hold of so much and make you think and feel things that are not true. I am learning how to shake those thoughts, replace those thoughts, and be more kind to myself.

Accepting my life right now as it is

I don't mean accepting my pain and just living with it. I mean accepting endometriosis is a part of my life now.

These struggles are a part of my life. Hanging on to what my life was like before endometriosis isn't going to heal me.

Are there things I wish my life could be like right now? Yes, of course. Those wishes could come true. However, this is the season of life I am in, and it is up to me to make it the best I can.

Meditation, tapping, affirmations

I don't use these tools as a sense for healing my endometriosis. I use it to heal my thoughts, returning me to the bright light and out of the dark tunnel.

Finding good things in my life everyday

Sometimes I do this in the morning, at night, or mid-day when I have a hard time. I remind myself that the beautiful things in my life always trump the hardships I am going through.

It doesn't make them feel less stressed, but it does help remind me why I want to keep going.

Share my story at that moment

Many times when I am having a hard time sharing my story or my hard moment on social media, it usually comes with positive feedback and a very helpful audience of people reminding me of how strong I am or that I am not alone.

On that note, I want you to know that you are not alone either. What are some coping mechanisms that help you when you are feeling like giving up?