I truly can’t believe that this month was when I officially got diagnosed with PMDD two years ago. It has been a struggle since I got my period the night before my 10th birthday. Since my official diagnosis, I have been doing all I can to help myself and others with PMDD. It is a daily battle and struggle-some days are easier than others. It is important to show myself compassion and grace during these times(I am often my worst critic)
For anyone who thinks they have PMDD or wants to know more about it, here are five powerful tools I have been implementing to help me cope:
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Tracking My Symptoms-not just my cycle) This helped me to get my official diagnosis from my doctor and showed a consistent, undeniable pattern of symptoms to the exact day every month. I use the Period Diary App but you can also use Clue.
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Practicing Self-Care, Meditation, and Yoga- Although I haven’t been as consistent as I would like to be due to being busy with work, writing, or just not being up to it, treating myself to massages and self-care/pampering days(or even doing face masks or baths at home) plus implementing meditation and yoga into my routine has helped immensely with my confidence, strength, self-esteem, and overall mood as well.
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Vitamins and Medication- Taking 25 MG of Zoloft daily(as prescribed by my doctor) has helped so much with my anxiety, depression, and negative and suicidal thoughts that would typically occur and take over right before my period(during the luteal phase which is about two weeks before my cycle) It has also helped with my insomnia before my period and with my emotions overall. This isn’t for everybody, but it has truly helped me and actually saved my life. Please talk to your doctor to figure out what would work best for you. I also take Folic Acid, Flo PMS Vitamins, and Vitamins D3 and Iron(when my period is really heavy for the first 1-3 days)
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PMDD Support Group- When I first got diagnosed(besides telling my close friends and family), I wasn’t sure of what to do or who to turn to (besides Google searches) I then began to “find my tribe” through various PMDD Instagram accounts and joined a support group on Facebook which has been amazing. It helps me to connect with women from all over the world who are suffering as well. It makes me feel less alone and understood with my symptoms. I became close with one girl from the group in particular. We talk often through Facebook and have a monthly phone call to check in with each other which has helped me so much.
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Therapy- This is not for everybody but connecting with a therapist weekly or bi-weekly has helped me so much in just having an outsider to talk to(without any judgment) and to learn about ways to cope vent, and just for overall support with my emotional and mental health journey and my continued healing and growth.
I hope these tips can help someone that is or knows someone who is currently struggling with PMDD. Please comment, subscribe, and share with a friend. You never know who may need the help and support. Thanks so much for the support always warriors xoxo Feel free to reach out to me anytime
