During the last several years, I have had the privilege of participating in an online community of survivors. We have shared one another’s stories in an effort to validate our experiences and support our continued healing.
A recurring topic seems to be the question of whether there is a connection between chronic illness and abuse. I have found it curious that a large number of women survivors have shared with me that they suffer from PCOS, (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) because I have PCOS also.
Many survivors seem to suffer from fibromyalgia, lupus, and IBS as well.
Whenever someone asks if I know of any research on the connection between chronic illness and abuse, I am frustrated that there seems to be a connection, but I haven’t come across any studies on the subject.
Another survivor contacted me recently. She has a new website called “Desire to Heal,” in which she is sharing the beginnings of her research on the connection between chronic illness and abuse.
Anyone interested in this topic, please visit her site and feel free to contact her with any feedback that would aid in building a network for survivors seeking answers to questions about chronic illness and abuse.
Dear Nancy- I am thankful you spoke on this subject and would like to read more, therefore I will be visiting the site “Desire to Heal” I too had Ovarian Problems, and at a very young age of 17, I had to have surgery for a ovarian cyst that ruptured. I also share some of the illness you mentioned. This is one area that I feel very familiar with. I feel strongly that there is a correlation between survivors of abuse and certain types of illness later in life. Thank you once again for your insightful website. Leona
ReplyDeleteDear Leona,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I am amazed at the number of survivors with PCOS!
Nancy