Depression Understood Forums

Hi,

Has anyone else been diagnosed with pmdd? Pmdd is a severe form of pms, like pms 100 times over.

Usually the depression is in check all month except when the hormones kick in and that sets off the depression. I don't even mark my period on the calendar because I don't want to be ruled by the calendar. I falsely think if I don't know when the pmdd starts- I won't feel the symptoms. Mind over matter. But it doesn't work all the time.

I have both yesterday and today off from work. I feel like I simply cannot function. Overwhelmed. Last night I didn't take a shower and went to bed in my clothes. Missed an alanon meeting last night.

I'm not fat and ugly but I feel fat and ugly because I'm on the verge of getting my period. When I put the dishes away this morning, I thought of how nice it would be to smack someone with the frying pan! Just kidding.

I feel so antisocial and know isolating is the worst thing. I am forcing myself to go to an alanon meeting this morning. Am even going to the newcomer's meeting just so I can get an extra hour of alanon.

thanks for reading,

I get PMDD symptoms, yes. For me, isolation, rage/aggression and paranoia are the worst.

Ironically, I was screened for PMS, but apparently I don't have it as my hormonal changes aren't the only trigger for the more extreme emotions. *rolls eyes* I think it was more because I refuse hormone based medication on personal ethical grounds.
But, I experience a definite shift that I can feel physically and emotionally, usually from 22 or so days in. [My cycle averages about 32 days.]

So you have my empathy.

Do you find anything helps?
I find therapy helps me, a lot, and doing some art. Aromatherapy baths are the bees knees, just rely on my flatmate and her son being away/out so I can hog the bathroom and not feel guilty about using the hot water...

Hi,

Exercise does help. When I finally start -each day gets better.
My doctor has me taking calcium, evening primrose oil, b vitamins, a multivitamin, and vitamin d, plus fish oil.

I do have guided meditations on my ipod. And I do have a journal.
Sometimes it seems the only thing that helps is time.

When I give in to the cravings for sugar and salt- it just makes things worse.

I am feeling good today and hope you are too!

Sorry I have no experience with this situation. I had a hysterectomy many many years ago due to tumors, but I am very sorry that you have to deal with something like this.

We do have a Depression chat site here where you might be able to get some help also.