We caught up with Mernalin, Support Group Leader for the brand new Harlow Support Group to find out more about what inspired her to become and volunteer and provide support for those affected by endometriosis in her local community.
What inspired you to set up a new support group in Harlow?
I wanted to establish a new support group in Harlow aimed at reaching out to individuals living with endometriosis, as well as those caring for a loved one with the condition. Having worked as a nurse at the local hospital, I have noticed a lack of focused support for those affected by endometriosis, despite the profound impact it has on their lives.
This observation inspired me to take action and create a space where people can find understanding, share their experiences, and access the right resources and support. I believe that building a team of like-minded individuals who share these objectives will extend our reach and be even more effective in providing help and fostering a sense of community.
My vision is to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered. Through this group, I hope to make a difference in the lives of those in Harlow affected by endometriosis, offering not just a place to talk, but also a pathway to greater awareness and care.
Can you tell us why you wanted to become an Endometriosis UK volunteer?
I discovered Endometriosis UK during my recovery phase after undergoing surgery. While recovering, I came across a group chat where women were openly sharing their experiences. Although I didn’t actively join the conversations, simply reading their stories provided me with a sense of comfort, understanding, and support. It was a profound relief to feel that I wasn’t alone in my journey.
Recovery from surgery isn’t just about managing physical symptoms; it’s also about addressing the emotional and psychological aspects. For me, feeling understood, acknowledged, and accepted played a critical role in my recovery.
As a surgical nurse, I’ve often witnessed patients go through surgery, recover, and leave the hospital in good health. However, it wasn’t until I personally experienced the recovery phase after discharge that I truly understood the emotional challenges that come with it. This experience gave me a deeper awareness of the importance of ongoing support, even after leaving the hospital.
Motivated by this realization, I wanted to enhance my ability to help others. I decided to join Endometriosis UK as a volunteer to gain the training and knowledge needed to provide meaningful support to those affected by endometriosis. My goal is to not only help people manage their recovery but to create a space where they can feel truly understood and empowered to face their journey with strength and hope.
What impact has endometriosis had on your life?
I started noticing my symptoms in 2010. At the time, I was told that the bleeding and pain I was experiencing were common side effects of my contraceptives, and I accepted that explanation. I managed my heavy bleeding with pads and relied on medication to cope with the pain - and made that my normal.
I remember frequently calling in sick whenever my period started, or worse, pushing through my shifts as a nurse while enduring unbearable pain. On top of that, I suffered from several bowel conditions, which were also managed with medication but never properly investigated. These challenges made it impossible for me to fully enjoy outings with my family—I was always worried and anxious about the pain and bleeding, which overshadowed any moments of joy.
Over time, the relentless physical and emotional toll began to weigh heavily on me. I was diagnosed with depression, driven by chronic fatigue and the emotional strain of a broken marriage. Looking back, I now realize how profoundly my symptoms impacted my mental health. Seeing myself bleed heavily and watching my own blood drain away in the shower felt like it was draining my strength as well. It was overwhelming, exhausting, and, quite frankly, deeply depressing.
I am sincerely grateful to the doctors who helped manage my symptoms over the years. However, I can't help but wish my symptoms had been looked into more thoroughly earlier on. Perhaps with a deeper investigation, I could have been spared years of pain, uncertainty, and emotional agony.
This journey has shaped my passion to raise awareness about endometriosis and to ensure that others receive the understanding, care, and early intervention they deserve.
What advice would you give to someone who may be attending an Endometriosis UK support group for the first time?
I know that talking about our personal experiences is never easy—we often want to protect our personal space and keep our struggles to ourselves. However, on my endometriosis journey, I’ve learned that one of the best ways to begin healing is to talk about it. I know this because I’ve experienced it myself.
For many years, I kept my symptoms to myself and allowed them to become my “normal,” when, in reality, I should never have had to endure them in silence. The mind is incredibly powerful—it can make us believe that what we’re experiencing is acceptable or just the way life is meant to be - but it’s not.
Be brave. Speak up. Think out loud with people who truly understand and care. It takes courage, but it can make all the difference. You are not alone, and you don’t have to face this alone.
If you would like more information, or you're interested in attending upcoming group sessions, please visit the Harlow Support Group page here.
