Dealing with PMDD

Hi @Learninggrowing

I'm not sure ive met you on the forums before, so it's nice to 'meet' you 🙂

The symptoms you describe sound awful and very hard to live with. The GP you saw doesnt sound very helpful either! (i can relate to the 2 minute episode today when i took my son in and was rushed back out the door 3 minutes later)...

I wonder if it would be worth going to another GP? I have had one awesome GP where i used to live who was just the best, most understanding and kind person (she wasn't hugely knowlegeable in MH but she went the extra mile to get answers/help for me). Since moving i havent found anyone im anywhere near as comfortable with but the person i do see does listen and take time which is what i decided i needed...

Well done for keeping up with the regular exercise.. i havent been as good with that lately, the low has been telling me im just too tired and lazy to do anything.

I don't have any personal experience iwth pmdd but i also chose birth control when my son was born that completely stopped my cycle up till now to which has worked well for me as i did use to get very bad cramping and heavier periods.

Is there any other options for gp/specialist that could help?

LJ

Hi there @Learninggrowing,

A warm welcome from me too, that sounds so horrible having to experience those extreme mood swings, I feel for you!

Have you thought about possibly seeing a womens wellbeing GP, someone who specialises in womens health? I have had some friends who struggle with their periods and usually a mixture of strategies can start to help; pain relief, calming activites such as reading, drinking less caffeine, eating more iron, taking a day off (not always a possibility unfortunately) and an appointment with a counsellor or psychologist to talk about your thoughts of suicide and depression? There are also some really great mindfulness apps, such as Smiling Mind that can help with anxiety when you are at home?

You seem like you are really trying to help yourself get through it all, it must be hard to feel like this and still maintain going to work and your relationship, you need all the extra support you can get!

Lunar

Hi @Learninggrowing,

Good on you for taking the first steps down this path for your health! It can be hard step to take especially when you didnt want to go down this path, but it is good that you recognise that this may be the thing that coulde help at the moment. You should definitely be proud of yourself for taking this step for yourself when you have been feeling at your lowest.

I hope the medication kicks in soon and your feeling more like your 'normal' self soon

Do you also have some other strategies to help you during this time when you are feeling low?

hi @Learninggrowing

well done on going back to the gp especially as they didnt really sound supportive the first time. I really hope that the meds help. For me I've found meds to mostly take the edge off of the depression which lets me have enough space to work on the other strategies i have to keep on top of to be ok. so it might be a especially important to keep up with the other self care things that you do to help.

I like the suggestions from the mod earlier as well about a women's wellness gp, who might look at the bigger picture of your health too.

I hope the meds start working quickly and well for you,

let us know how it goes 🙂

lj