Living with a Condition That Doesn’t Go Away
Chronic health conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more than medical diagnoses. They can affect how you feel about your body, your relationships, your plans for the future, and your day-to-day mental health.
When symptoms are unpredictable, when pain or fatigue forces you to cancel plans, or when you face ongoing medical appointments, the emotional strain can build up over time. You may feel frustrated, unheard, or dismissed by others — especially if your symptoms are not visible.
The Emotional Impact of Endometriosis, PCOS, and Other Long-Term Conditions
Many women with chronic conditions experience:
- Anxiety or low mood linked to ongoing symptoms
- Frustration with delays in diagnosis or lack of understanding from healthcare professionals
- Strain on relationships due to changes in energy, intimacy, or fertility concerns
- Fear about the future and how symptoms may progress
- Social withdrawal when symptoms make participation difficult
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2023) reports that women wait an average of 8 years for an endometriosis diagnosis, which can take a significant toll on mental health.
The Cycle of Symptoms and Stress
Physical symptoms can trigger emotional distress, and emotional distress can make symptoms harder to manage. This cycle is exhausting, and it can leave you feeling trapped in a pattern of pain, worry, and isolation. Counselling can help break this cycle by addressing the emotional side of living with a long-term condition.
How Counselling Can Help
In counselling, you have a space to talk openly about the challenges of living with your condition — without having to minimise or justify your experience. We can work together to:
Support your mental health alongside any medical treatment you are receiving
Process feelings of frustration, grief, or anger
Build coping strategies for flare-ups and unpredictable symptoms
Develop ways to maintain relationships and social connections
Explore your identity beyond your condition
Why Choose Hope Therapy & Counselling Services
- UK-based counsellors with experience supporting women with chronic health conditions
- Flexible appointments online, by phone, or in person
- A free 15-minute consultation so you can start without pressure
- A confidential, understanding environment where your experiences are taken seriously
FAQs – Counselling for Chronic Health Conditions
Q: Will counselling replace medical treatment?
No. Counselling supports your mental and emotional wellbeing alongside medical care.
Q: Can you help me cope with the anxiety I feel before medical appointments?
Yes. We can work on techniques to reduce anxiety and help you prepare for appointments.
Q: What if my condition makes it hard to attend sessions?
We offer flexible online and phone sessions so you can access support even during flare-ups.
Q: Can counselling help if I feel my condition is affecting my relationships?
Yes. We can explore ways to communicate your needs and feelings with partners, family, and friends.
Q: Do I have to talk only about my health condition in sessions?
No. Your condition is part of your life, but we can also explore other areas that affect your wellbeing.