DEARG Podcast Episode 22: Embracing Yoga for Endometriosis and Migraine Relief with Jane Whelan

Episode Overview

In this episode of the DEARG podcast, Kathleen sits down with Jane Whelan, a seasoned yoga instructor from Dublin, to discuss her personal journey and professional insights into managing endometriosis and migraine. Jane shares her experiences, from being diagnosed with endometriosis and migraine to finding solace and strength through yoga. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking holistic ways to manage chronic pain and improve their quality of life.

Jane’s Personal Journey:

- Diagnosed with endometriosis at 25.

- Early experiences with migraine and how it intersected with her endometriosis.

- Challenges faced during her time in the events industry and her subsequent health issues.

Professional Experience:

- Work with the Migraine Association of Ireland and the European Headache Alliance.

- Transition into yoga, starting her teacher training over 12 years ago.

Yoga as a Self-Management Tool:

- How yoga helped Jane manage her symptoms and pain from both endometriosis and migraine.

- Practical applications of yoga, including gentle movements, breath work, and relaxation techniques.

- The importance of having a variety of tools for day-to-day management of chronic conditions.

Challenges and Realisations:

- Jane's struggles with maintaining physical activity due to pain and how yoga provided a flexible solution.

- Realisations about the interconnectedness of stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.

- Using yoga to regain confidence and trust in her body’s abilities.

Practical Tips and Insights:

- Specific yoga practices that helped Jane during painful flare-ups and IVF cycles.

- The role of gentle movements and breathwork in managing chronic pain.

- Importance of finding what works for each individual and adapting practices accordingly.

Resources and Links

Migraine Association of Ireland: https://migraine.ie/

European Headache Alliance: https://www.emhalliance.org/

Jane Whelan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yogaformigraine/

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In this week's episode of the DEARG podcast, Kathleen welcomes Dearbhail Ormond, an advocate for endometriosis and adenomyosis awareness and the founder of the Frendo app and Frendo at Work program. Dearbhail shares her personal journey with endometriosis, which began with symptoms in her teens and led to an 18-year struggle for a diagnosis. Her experiences of isolation and frustration inspired her to create the Frendo app—a community-driven symptom tracker designed to support those with endometriosis and adenomyosis.

The Frendo app offers an extensive symptom tracker and a supportive community where users can share their stories and access credible resources. Dearbhail emphasises the importance of community in combating the loneliness often associated with chronic illnesses. She also discusses the transition from a corporate career to founding her own venture, highlighting the challenges and rewards of this journey.

Dearbhail introduces the Frendo at Work program, aimed at educating employers about the importance of supporting employees with chronic conditions like endometriosis. She discusses the positive shift in workplace health conversations and the critical role of employers in creating accommodating and inclusive environments.

Listeners will find valuable insights into the creation and impact of the Frendo app and the Frendo at Work program, as well as Dearbhail’s dedication to improving the lives of those affected by endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Frendo Information:

For more information on Frendo and Frendo at Work, visit http://www.frendo.co.uk or email atwork@frendo.co.uk

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring discussion on endometriosis, community support, and the importance of workplace inclusivity.

Dr Neesha Patel is an expert in coaching people to make positive lifestyle behaviour changes and maintain health and wellbeing, using the latest scientific research and psychological tools. This includes support with managing long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, long covid, chronic pain, as well as, difficulties with mental health, poor sleep, weight loss and women’s health including menopause and endometriosis. Join us to discover Neesha’s wealth of knowledge and expertise on how you can manage the psychological impact of a chronic condition such as endometriosis using some simple evidence-based coping strategies to reduce the emotional burden and reset your mind and body to feel good.

Dr Neesha Patel is a UK-qualified Independent Health Psychologist and the founder of Evoking Health Ltd. Neesha founded Evoking Health Ltd in 2022 after working across long-term chronic health conditions and obesity in the NHS. She was awarded her PhD from the University of Manchester in 2013 for her research in managing long-term conditions in particular type 2 diabetes in the South Asian population and the role of social networks in supporting management of this condition. Neesha currently works part-time in the NHS, Diabetes Centre as well as Evoking Health Ltd. Her mission for Evoking Health Ltd is to empower and motivate people as many people to break old habits and create new by changing the important connection between our thoughts, emotions and actions, to help people to sustain long-lasting habits for a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life. Neesha provides workshops, webinars, individual therapy and hosts Mind Body Retreats in her local community to help people to experience the benefits of mind body connection for their health and wellbeing.

Instagram @evokinghealth_drp

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/dr-neesha-patel-91385066

Takeaways:

**The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care**: Managing chronic conditions like endometriosis requires a holistic approach, incorporating medical, psychological, and lifestyle support.

**Psychological Support**: Psychological interventions play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions. Many patients experience fear, trauma, and not being believed, which can deter them from seeking help. Psychological support can help in breaking down these barriers.

**Identifying and Addressing Unhelpful Behaviors**: Patients often develop unhelpful coping mechanisms, such as overeating or other behaviors that exacerbate their condition. Identifying these behaviors through self-awareness and monitoring is crucial.

**Therapeutic Interventions**: Evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs are essential. Techniques such as self-compassion, acceptance, and restructuring unhelpful thoughts can significantly improve patients' quality of life.

**Role of Journaling**: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help patients process their emotions and identify patterns in their behavior. This self-monitoring can be a powerful tool in managing chronic conditions.

**Validation and Normalization**: Validating and normalizing patients' feelings of guilt, shame, and other emotions associated with chronic illness can alleviate distress and promote mental well-being.

**Empathy and Compassion**: Building a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship is key to effective psychological support. This approach helps patients feel understood and supported.

**Challenges in Healthcare**: The conversation highlights the gaps in healthcare services for conditions like endometriosis, including the lack of mainstream services and the need for specialized care pathways.

**Self-Compassion and Emotional Well-being**: Encouraging patients to practice self-compassion can help them manage the emotional impact of their condition and improve their overall well-being.

These key messages emphasise the need for a comprehensive and empathetic approach to managing chronic conditions, incorporating both medical and psychological support to enhance patients' quality of life.