Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects millions of women around the world, yet its heavily understudied and often gets overlooked. Those struggling with PMDD face the worst of their symptoms on the days leading up to their menstrual cycle, for they experience a rollercoaster of unexpected emotions. The best way to combat these fluctuations in their mood and outlook is by recognizing the signs! One of the most effective ways to prepare yourself for the days leading up to your period is using a tracker such as Flo Period & Pregnancy Tracker, Clue Period Tracker & Calendar, or Lively ~ Cycle, Period Tracker. By keeping track of your symptoms, thoughts, cycle length, and flow, one can accurately guess when their period is soon to come. With more awareness of the emotional and physical indicators, it will help better understand one's own body and mind.
Now that I know when I should be expecting my period, what steps can I take prior, during, and after my cycle?
The days leading up to one's period are stressful as your body goes through rapid changes, thereby adding a lot of pressure and anxiety. To help overcome those feelings it is important to build a strong support system and also take time for self care!
A support system can consist of anybody as long as they are there to build you up instead of putting you down. This can be your family, significant other, friends, or our very own Psyche and Cycle team! Just know that you are not alone and there are thousands of women here to support you.
Self care can come in many forms whether that be through taking the time to focus on yourself by meditating and doing yoga, cooking a simple nutritious meal to help with bloating and cramps, or even just putting on a movie and laying in bed to rest up! The act of recognizing your physical and emotional state and accepting that you need to rest instead of overworking is an act of self care on its own and therefore is encouraged!
After reaching the end of your cycle, most of the symptoms should rescind and it is time to get back on track with your daily routine! It is important to recognize when your body needs to rest, but also being able to push yourself is pertinent!
By staying consistent in these healthy habits, you too can overcome the obstacles that come with PMDD. The path to understanding your body and mind is not easy, but with some perseverance the path becomes so much brighter—you've got this!
Comments