ABOUT THIS EPISODE
For those living with pelvic pain, or any type of chronic pain, their experience is not simply a physical one. Pain impacts the mental health and wellbeing of someone, sometimes as much or even more so than it does to their physical body. For some, this can lead to social isolation from friends and family, difficulty engaging in intimate relationships and worsening of their overall health and wellbeing.
Clinical and Health Psychologist, Megan de Souza is our guest on this episode and will explore how pelvic pain can impact mental health, the impact of the nervous system on pain and where someone can seek support to ensure they feel empowered, connected and supported.
Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing.
Hosts and Guests
- Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
- Megan de Souza - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/healthcare-service/camberwell-3124-vic/dr-megan-de-souza/clinical-psychology/9bb7a608-f673-45f8-9e1d-1d506be41073
Megan’s recommendations
- Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright
- Curable app – free trial period, creates a personalised recovery program https://apps.apple.com/au/app/curable-chronic-pain-relief/id1325784379
- Insight Timer app – free to use the basic version https://apps.apple.com/au/app/insight-timer-meditate-sleep/id337472899
- Mindfulness app – free trial period, includes programs on pain and chronic illness, sleep, and yoga nidra course https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mindfulness-com-meditation-app/id1466046486
Key resources
- Endo Help - https://endohelp.com.au/
- Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/
- QENDO - https://www.qendo.org.au/
Gender-affirming services and resources
Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to:
- Endometriosis Coalition - https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis
- Endometriosis WA - https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/
- Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
