mental health comorbidities
“As I am more extreme, I know what I can do to cope: self-harm.” -Patient
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“I think my bad mood is due to menstrual disorders, which always reminds me that I have PCOS. This makes me feel anxious.” -Patient
As multiple social determinants of health accumulate, the stress of the situation may worsen pre-existing mental health issues associated with PCOS. Research indicates that 27%-49% of women with PCOS have depression and 50% experience anxiety. This can often stem from certain symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles or infertility, but can also be due to negative body image common in patients.
“I am anxious about my body image, as my dress style is now limited. I no longer wear skirts or shorts, instead opting for loose pants or long skirts. This makes me feel inferior to others.” -Patient
Even worse, mental health issues are more prevalent for PCOS patients with low socioeconomic status and less education. If you are navigating overlapping barriers, mental health spirals can result in feelings of helplessness, de-incentivizing the trial of new treatment plans and lifestyle changes altogether.
In order to address such overwhelming feelings, it is important to acknowledge these burdens and seek help. Talking to friends, family and providers have been shown to improve such issues. For those with loved ones who have PCOS, being a safe space for them to feel comfortable enough opening up can make a bigger difference than you realize. Additionally, seeking mental health resources, like therapists and antidepressants may be another effective route to lighten the burdens that can result from a PCOS diagnosis.
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**HOTLINE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
**RESOURCE ON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN WOMEN:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health/index.shtml
**TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AND HELP RESOURCES:
https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions