Help For PMDD
From Me to You...
1. Humour
Sometimes having a sense of humour and learning to laugh at yourself can help you to combat the rather dreary miserable symptoms of PMDD. The below abbreviations fromwww.pms.org.uk may make you smile….
What PMS stands for!
A smile can brighten the darkest day. ~Author Unknown
Potential Murder Suspect
Psychotic Mood Shift
Perpetual Munching Spree
Puffy Mid Section
Pardon My Sobbing
Pimples May Surface
Pass My Sweatpants
And some I made up for PMDD...
Periods Mean Deadly Disasters
Pretty Messy Dramas Due
Perfect Monthly Damage Done
Painful Menstrual Daily Dismay
Painfully Moody Depressing Disorder
Please Make Disorder Disappear!
Help For PMDD
1. Dont get Frustrated
When you start to feel the shift in your mood, as frustrating as it is, try not to be frustrated! Frustration only adds fuel to the already overwhelming fire of emotions and changes you are already experiencing and makes it so much worse!
2. Be Kind To Yourself
Try and remember that what you have is a medical condition and that you are not to blame for the way you feel. PMDD messes with your head, your emotions and your body. Its okay not to feel okay right now. Be kind to yourself and treat yourself to something nice, like a luxurious hot bath, a nice hot chocolate… you’ll begin to feel the surprisingly big difference a small thing can make!
3. Get a diagnosis
Don’t despair if you are struggling to get a diagnosis from the doctor. Frustratingly (and quite surprisingly) many doctors are not aware of PMDD although they will most likely have come across PMS. Because PMDD is not well known and there is a huge lack of awareness of the disorder, many women do not get the treatment and support that they need. Many women’s symptoms can get dismissed as ‘just PMS’ when sadly in some cases it is actually PMDD which is much more serious and severe and has the capacity to drastically affect a sufferer’s quality of life. If you feel your doctor is being dismissive of your symptoms, then seek a second opinion from a different GP, or health professional. Additionally reading up on PMDD and gaining more knowledge on the condition can help you find the support that you may need
4. Be Aware
If you suffer from other mental illnesses like depression, anxiety etc, then these conditions may exacerbate PMDD and intensify the symptoms. Although it may be hard, try and distance yourself from your conditions and remember that what you are feeling are just symptoms of your disorder. Just like if you have the flu, symptoms can include a runny nose, a high temperature, a lack of appetite, and so on and on. In the same way, if you suffer from mental illnesses like PMDD, depression, anxiety etc, symptoms can include feeling irritable, moody, depressed, anxious etc. Being aware that what you are suffering from is an illness can help you to better deal with the situation.
5. Support Each Other
Joining support forums can help as women can share their experiences and support each other. No one can understand as well as somone from the same boat!
6. Medication
(Note: Always speak to a doctor before taking any medication)
Antidepressants: Prozac (fluoxetine) and other antidepressants have been found to be helpful. These can be taken 2 weeks before a period is due and then the remaining two weeks of the month can be medication free. Many women have found antidepressants helpful for combating the depressive mood swings that PMDD can induce.
The contraceptive pill: Some women find this can help with symptoms. Research has suggested that the combined pill, containing both oestrogen and progesterone, can help. However, progesterone-only pills can actually make PMDD symptoms worse.
Antidepressants: Prozac (fluoxetine) and other antidepressants have been found to be helpful. These can be taken 2 weeks before a period is due and then the remaining two weeks of the month can be medication free. Many women have found antidepressants helpful for combating the depressive mood swings that PMDD can induce.
The contraceptive pill: Some women find this can help with symptoms. Research has suggested that the combined pill, containing both oestrogen and progesterone, can help. However, progesterone-only pills can actually make PMDD symptoms worse.
7. Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a proactive style of therapy which can help equip PMDD sufferers with the necessary techniques to more effectively manage their symptoms on a long term basis.
8. Diet and Exercise
Avoiding caffeine and sugary food and eating more foods rich in carbohydrates, such as pasta can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise can also help to significantly alleviate the effects of PMDD. Nutritional supplements: Vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium can be useful for some women to help ease PMDD symptoms.
9. Alternative Treatment
Herbal remedies St. John’s Wart is an herb that can help to lift low moods which are associated with PMDD. Chaste Tree Berry is another herb commonly used to relieve PMDD, and may help with breast soreness, period pains, and menstrual irregularities. Evening Primrose is another popular supplement which many women find soothing to take throughout their cycle
More Information
http://www.pms.org.uk – (also has forum to share)
http://pmdddisorder.com
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/depression/pmsorpmdd
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth