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‘Hidden’ PMDD disorder takes a toll on me every month, here’s how I manage symptoms
I almost gave up when the days leading to my period became my worst nightmare. I found myself going a downward spiral, only to feel absolutely normal once again in a flash. It was like something inside me just flipped and I had no idea how or why.
It took me 28 years to find out I was suffering from PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). And yes, I say “suffering” because I truly lose myself when the symptoms become too severe and unbearable. Only with the completion of my period do I achieve some mental peace, and I embrace myself for more bouts of anxiety, depression, and mood swings that recur soon enough with the next menstrual cycle.
What causes the condition in women isn’t fully understood, but people extremely sensitive to the hormonal imbalance are susceptible to it, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Of course, awareness is the key to saving yourself from misdiagnosis (like Bipolar Disorder and Recurrent Brief Depressive Disorder in my case) and being mindful of your emotions.
Although the dialogue around PMDD is comparatively more in the present day, the symptoms are often overlooked. So it either passes off as a “hidden condition” that many don’t want to identify themselves with or is treated as yet another episode of drastic mood swings.
I am sure thousands and millions of women just like me must be struggling with PMDD as I write this, so I would like to share some helpful tips (hopefully) from my own experience to navigate the toughest time of the month, more painlessly. More power to us and to your health.
Acceptance and awareness helped me pull myself together
You can reason with your own emotions only so much when they are all over. If you experience extreme mood swings just before your period every month, note down the pattern and see a doctor immediately.
Not only does it help you achieve more clarity about your behavior, but also helps you add or eliminate factors contributing to it, such as diet, exercise, and habits.
If your symptoms are severe, the doctor may prescribe medications to balance the erratic hormonal changes during menstruation.
Journal your emotions and be mindful of them
It’s hard and almost impossible not to be vulnerable to extreme mood swings, but it makes a huge difference when I address them, rather than dismiss them.
Maintain a calendar for your period and journal your thoughts or emotions in the days or weeks before your cycle commences. If you notice you’re being angry, irritable, or sad, remind yourself that it’s only a phase and it too shall pass.
Always reach out to your friends, family, or even a therapist if you can’t handle the emotions despite recognizing them.
Avoid triggers and surround yourself with love
I can’t emphasize this enough from my own experience. Any little trigger during the emotional ups and downs can worsen your symptoms, so please stay away from it as much as you can.
It could be a simple road rage incident or an argument with your sibling – the impact any unpleasant situation can have on you during this period is unexplainable.
The best you can do is to not entertain factors that can provoke your thoughts negatively. Practice breathing exercises and only react when necessary. You can always talk it out with the other person and gently excuse yourself from the conservation/situation. Resume it when you’re in the right state of mind.
You should instead spend time with your girlfriends and indulge in light-hearted discussions or be around your goofy pets because they never cease to make you smile.
Get out of bed and sweat it out
I understand it’s hard to get out of bed, let alone go for a jog. But forming a workout routine not only serves as a major distraction when you’re feeling the symptoms of PMDD, but it also results in improved mood and reduced menstrual cramps.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy diet is extremely beneficial in reducing fatigue and feeling more energetic.
I make it a point to invest more time in yoga and swimming a week or two before my period, so my symptoms are less severe later. You’ll notice changes in your physical as well as mental health.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself
It’s very easy to get lost in the darkness when you have PMDD. My self-worth would plummet during this period and I just couldn’t stop questioning every decision I made.
But now, I pamper myself a little more and indulge in self-care because it’s hard as it is. Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all have our own battles.
When you know your hormones are getting the best of you, don’t give in! Instead, shower yourself with love, kindness, and all the support to emerge stronger and better.
- HONEST REVIEW: I tried the Sleepy Girl Mocktail and it was just a bit ‘meh’
