Full Council Meeting

I had the opportunity to attend the full council meeting at the City Chambers as a deputation. I’m passionate about raising awareness of endometriosis and I believe it’s something all women should be aware of alongside other menstrual conditions like PMDD etc which can also be a very debilitating illness. Councillor Mary Campbell put forward a motion which covered all aspects of menstrual conditions and how there needs to be more awareness, support and most importantly training for GP’s etc. 

The motion above passed unanimously at full council and was supported by Vice Convenor of Education, Alison Dickie who gave a brilliant speech in support of the motion. I had the council chamber talking about menstruation and it was a conversation that needed to be had -  it’s ok to talk period. 1 in 10 suffer from Endometriosis, 3 to 8% have PMDD and sadly an estimated 15% of women will commit suicide. This is a huge problem and we talk about the need for early intervention and preventing issues from getting so bad to the point it affects day to day life. I carried on for years not knowing that what I was experiencing was actually abnormal and later after years of dismissal finding out I have Stage 4 Endometriosis. I do wonder if I was made aware of it sooner could I have got help at an earlier stage in hope it would stop it getting so bad? There’s nothing I can do now as my Endometriosis is severe and if my uterus was a person, I would, without hesitation, murder it and, after hearing all the evidence, years of pain and suffering, not a jury in the world would convict me. I know that through raising awareness and educating others hopefully this can help to prevent any other women from going through years of dismissal and debilitating pain. 

We need to make teenage girls aware and the best way to do this is through schools. When I was at school I don’t remember covering much about periods all you were told is this is were you can access sanitary products if you need them. It’s not about scaring girls but making them aware so that they’re able to distinguish between normal and what isn’t. I have met girls over Instagram who are at that stage when they know something is wrong and are fighting for the right to be listened to. They are being dismissed and told “this is all in your head” “having a baby will solve the problem” or sent away and made to feel like they’re crazy. It gets to the point when you google your symptoms and just want an answer. I have been in that position before and know just how much of an effect it can have and it’s frustrating because it feels like your back to square one. If girls could have access to that information and be signposted to where they can get help and support that would make such a difference. Support is so important as these types of conditions can have a detrimental effect on mental health. It’s showing that in any situation it’s ok to talk about problems and it’s ok not to be ok. I’m lucky to have supportive people around me and a support group I go to and meet other ladies in similar situations which does help a lot. 

If anyone ever needs support it’s ok to reach out, you’re not alone in this. 

Breathing Space - 0800838587

Samaritans- 116 123

Endometriosis UK - Charity