Mental Health with a Chronic Illness

Depression. What a big scary word that infests your every thought. I have been clinically dignosed with depression since I was eleven. How can you even diagnose a child with depression you ask? Years of abuse and mental truama, that's how.

I have been able to control my depression with medications, but sometimes the meds don't help. That's because there is no such thing as a magic pill. You have to do the work and work with your coping mechanisms. When my symptoms of Endometrosis started to appear late August 2020, I noticed my depression coming back. Nothing I could do could make my mood even the slightest bit better somedays.

Being in constant pain while I was working felt inhumane. I was throwing up, having bowel movements, cramps, sweats, and all the wonderful symptoms Endometriosis brings. I fought from the beginning of the school year till Feburary for my Kindi's but made the choice to go on medical leave for my body, myself and my future family.

I always found that my employment status defined who I am. New conversations normally start off with, "What do you do?" or "Where do you work?". I almost feel embarrassed to say that I have been off work for three, going on four months. Now that I am off work, I am forced to find out who I really am other than a Kindi teacher.

I love being able to represent my job and what they stand for, but being out of commission and not being able to be with the kids everyday is really getting to me. I made amazing relationships with my Kindi's, and knowing I won't be able to see them until their in Grade One, hurts.

While I am off work my main focuses are - meditation, journaling, self-healing practices, reading self-growth books, our wedding, my blog and my Instagram @hello_endo.

Know your worth in life isn't defined on your employment status. You may do many wonderful things to contribute to society in other ways while you aren't working. Even if that is getting yourself better, because that is exactly what your world needs you to do right now.

- Sarah