Be.B,Anne Evelyn, a strong 22-year-old, believes that a strong support system is the key to living a full life despite being diagnosed with a chronic condition.
Being diagnosed with a chronic condition is certainly not considered one of life’s greatest gifts. However, for one young woman, Be.B,Anne Evelyn, the help of a strong support system has not stopped her from enjoying life after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is described as a complex endocrine disorder, and during an interview with The Barbados Advocate, Evelyn expressed that before being diagnosed in 2019, life was a constant battle, but the 2019 diagnosis brought her peace.
She was quick to add, however, that even though she was grateful for the answers as to why her body was behaving the way it was, living with PCOS was mentally hard for her as a young woman.
“I would say living with PCOS can be hard mentally, but with a strong support system it is manageable. The hardest part for me was overcoming the feeling of being less of a woman. Thankfully, my doctor would’ve put me on medication to help regulate my periods and my hormones,” she said.
Evelyn also admitted that there were times where she felt insecure, but having those close to her be there for her constantly during the early stages of learning about her condition and beyond, played a significant role in improving her mental state.
“My advice to the women who are living with it is to never be afraid to reach out to someone when you are feeling down and out of it. You are not alone. You are strong, worthy and it takes a village – this is
the slogan this month for PCOS Awareness, with the Barbados Association of Endometriosis and PCOS,” she said.
She strongly encouraged women who were not diagnosed to make an effort to learn more about the condition, so that they are aware and therefore are better equipped to help others who are battling with it.
“As women we need to help and support each other, especially with these types of syndromes; it is more common than we think. And to the men who have a woman in their life – a mother, a sister or a friend – knowing about these syndromes include you as well! You can also be an encouragement to women. We can all help each other.”