YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

I am sick of having a breakdown once a month just before I get my period! I get to the point where I feel suicidal and often end up self-harming and generally feel like my life is falling apart.... a week later I get my period and it all makes sense. I wish these mood swings were taken seriously because I feel like when I say it's PMS people picture the typical woman being a bit cranky whereas for a lot of people it can really make their depression, anxiety etc a lot worse. Your hormones can really fuck u up and I wish I didn't feel like killing myself every 3 or so weeks
Does anyone else have these extreme lows when their period is coming up ?

That sounds like PMDD. Have you spoken to a doctor about it?

I have those same serious lows. In fact, majority of my self harm etc happens in the week leading up to period.

I really wish people were less dismissive of PMS.

I think it is PMDD too. However, when I talked to the doctor about it he didn't seem to think I have it as I do not feel only depressed when PMSing (huh?! life is hard man not just when ur PMS-ing lol) he suggested I double up my antidepressants in the week before my PMS starts which I might try! I think hormones can rly fuck you up

Hi Ellie,

You need a new doc,

You know your body - you know your normal and you know your super lows and your pain levels - this guy is not a God and he does not have it all figured out - just because he spent way too much money to get a degree does not mean he knows you better than you know you.

I think you like myself are very senstive to the changes in hormones that naturally take place during our cycles - being on any kind of birth control with hormones in it makes me extra irritable so I opt for non hormaonal versions...

You are a smart person and you know what you are feeling - it is not fake you are not seeking attention you are asking for help - find the right doctor to listen -