Finding Respite Through Games When Endometriosis Flares
For many women, endometriosis brings agonisingly familiar pangs - flaming cramps, screaming backaches, piecing migraines.
For many women, endometriosis brings agonisingly familiar pangs - flaming cramps, screaming backaches, piecing migraines.
The chronic condition, where tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can crescendo into acute suffering before and during one’s period.
Gaming is emerging as an unlikely yet effective balm during these challenging times
The enveloping nature of (all) video games has remarkable pain-alleviating qualities. As players become absorbed in rich storylines and intricate quests, reality of their current predicament, pain, stress, and anxiety fades, transporting them from distress.
The brain also liberates its own stash of natural chemicals in response to gaming’s constant input and stimulation. Like acupuncture applying pressure points to dull soreness, gaming seemingly triggers the release of mood-elevating endorphins.
This helps override the signals of pain.
Beyond symptom relief, gaming also connects women in solidarity
Online platforms are breeding grounds for formidable sisterhoods, with Discord servers, Twitch streams and Facebook groups dedicated to shared struggles. While individual experiences vary, the singular focus on survival fosters instant bonding. There is comfort and strength in collective empathy.
Through late night multiplayer gaming adventures, friendships often, and do form. There is solidarity in one player alerting her group to an incoming AFK because cramps are spiking. There is validation when teammates understand that pain may eclipse interest in playing.
And there is respite when gaming transports players, even briefly, from their fighting bodies back to their peaceful spirits.
Though fluctuating in severity, endometriosis remains largely invisible, debilitating and persevering. Gaming enables necessary distraction and important connections.
I've spoken to many young women with this insidious autoimmune, and I can tell you this without hesitation, this is one formidable sisterhood.
Hopefully science can make some quicker inroads into finding a cure for these brave gals, but until then, let's take our frustrations out on some zombies, or go room the galaxy with some friendly space critters !
