Post by @jenniferanncounseling

just letting all the rage out here :) if you struggle with premenstrual exacerbation (PME) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) you have probably noticed the feelings of rage, irritability, and sadness that feel disproportionate to what’s going on around you. I’m so sorry that you have to experience it. it can be so disruptive and feel wildly unfair. i found out i have PMDD about 2 years ago, and now I’ve made it one of my missions to help other individuals who struggle know they’re not alone. when I found out what it was I was like OH! It has a name! there’s a reason I despise everyone and everything every month like clockwork! it gave me a place to start. now I know that when I’m feeling this way it’s because my body is having a reaction to the normal hormonal processes that happens monthly in my body. and I take extra care to not take that lightly… to prioritize sleep, movement (I got up to go to the gym this morning even though my first thought when I woke up was ‘I would prefer to stay in bed until the end of time’), water and whole foods (*balanced* out with rage-eating lots of sugar at times, yes), and boatloads of as much self compassion as I can muster. AND an SSRI that I found that works for me. this is important to emphasize because PMDD isn’t something we should have to wellness-routine our way out of. the wellness stuff is helpful, yes, but there are actual evidence-based treatments for PMDD, including SSRIs (which can sometimes be taken continuously or only during the luteal phase), certain hormonal treatments, psychotherapy, & other interventions depending on the person. and if someone tells you that your hormone levels are “normal” & therefore nothing is wrong, remember: PMDD isn’t about having abnormal hormone levels. it’s actually about the brain/body being unusually sensitive to normal hormonal fluctuations. one of the most helpful places to start is tracking your symptoms every day (not just when you feel awful) for at least two menstrual cycles. 🫶🏽 link in bio to my free PMDD tracker! lylas #luteal #pmdd #therapy #therapytok #therapist