[smmath]

I seem to be more depressed right before my period. I also am more likely to self harm when I have PMS or am on my period. I was wondering if anyone else is more depressed or their mental health is worse around your period. Is there anything I can do to help that?

Thanks!

[gnat]

My husband says he doesn't need a calendar to keep track of my cycle he can tell by my mood. He predicts it two days prior with some amazing accuracy. I haven't found a way to get past it, but knowing what it is helps me keep my head together some..I just remind myself that even though ever feeling better is impossible, I've been through this before and know it will get better.

[healingme4me]

When you consider all that can affect moods, it's no wonder PMS affects women. Lower back pain, pain affects mood. Cravings for greasy, salty or sugary foods, poor diet affects moods. Bloating, yeah, how can 'that' not affect moods? Headaches, yep, more pain, more affect on moods. Cramps, yep, pain, moods. Tenderness, yep, more discomfort, more mood affect. Skin problems...yep....
It's well noted that irritability and depression are symptomatic as PMS symptoms.

You are far from alone. When, I walked into my pdocs office, 5 years ago, I mentioned pms, as something I was concerned over. Did he have a cure, for me, on this topic? nope...

To help myself, with PMS, keep track of my cycle. Am aware of when I may feel bloated, which that alone, gives sense to body distortion, and when you aren't feeling good about your body, just how are you supposed to not feel a little edgier?

I can control my external reactions, I have just learned to accept to the internal reactions.

Just think, when it's all said and done with, you've got menopause, to look forward to...

I have huge problems the 9 days leading up to my period. I get extremely depressive, fatigued and what is very similar to my mixed BP moods. Its exactly 9 days of every month and disappears when the bleeding starts. Other days besides those 9 days I am usually perfectly stable. Pdocs say its PMDD. I up the antipsychotic at that time of the month which helps a little, but trying the mirena next week if all goes to plan.

I eat very well, exercise, meditate, use calming herbal teas and crystals, marijuana and prn medications to get through it but it is still extremely disruptive to my life.

[RomanSunburn]

I don't get depressed. I just get really, really irritable for absolutely no reason. My husband can't do anything right the week before my period. I've had moments where after snipping at him about something, I think in my head "Why am I so angry about this? It's so insignificant!" Like Supanova, as soon as my period starts, I'm back to my usual self.

I had a pdoc once suggest taking extra B-complex vitamins two weeks before my period. I never could remember to do it, though, so I can't tell you how well it works. Maybe next time you see your GP, you could mention it?

[happywoman]

I usually have PMS symptoms for about 2-3 days that cease immediately when period arrives but each months symptoms different, sometimes extreme sadness and teariness and sobbing, sometimes a blue feeling, sometime irritability and anger with uncontrollable outbursts, sometimes pain , acne and then sometimes nothing. My periods are always regular so when I check calender periods are always imminent. I would love to minimise this as it is sometimes it just too much emotional stuff. But as in late 40ties , now think menopause is around the corner. Any one use any herbs or particular herbal tea?

Tension tamer tea works well for me, as does sleepy-time tea.

Chasteberry, Evening primrose oil, valerian, chamomile, vitamin B are all used for PMS that I can remember off the top of my head, but consult with your doctor before starting anything.

[happywoman]

Thanks supanova. I have chamomile tea most nights. Thanks you for the other suggestions

[reesecups]

Don't know if this will work, but I was told to start taking PMS meds at least 1 - 2 weeks before starting to help,with the symptoms. Can't try it myself now, had a hysterectomy.

[hvert]

Yes, my mental health seriously deteriorates the week before my period. I become irrationally angry and upset about everything.

I don't know how to change the thoughts/feelings, but I now track these times so I avoid starting fights with other people. I try to remind myself that I may think about the situation differently in a week.

[tealBumblebee]

Originally Posted by smmath

I seem to be more depressed right before my period. I also am more likely to self harm when I have PMS or am on my period. I was wondering if anyone else is more depressed or their mental health is worse around your period. Is there anything I can do to help that?

Thanks!

Hi darling,

I completely understand. I want to say my emotions have always been a little whacky but the one time my mom would allow me to get away with crying or being emotional and not make a fuss was when I was on my cycle. I remember in high school at one point being in the dance changing closet crying because I didn't think the other students liked my music choice. My mom just happened to come by and would have flipped out (she's a bit rough around the edges) but she instead just ignored it because she knew I was "cycling".

Are you on birth control? I found that once I stopped my birth control I no longer was as emotional as I had been. I've told my gyno about this and expected him to think I was full of it, but he said no, some people do well with the added hormones and some don't. Even though I was on a low dose, I would have moments of boohoo crying (the kind where you can't catch your breath) because the bath tub was dirty . MUCH of that disappeared when I got rid of my bc.

People also suggest monitoring caffeine because it can help with cramps in some cases and enhance them in others. Stretching and fruits like bananas and citrus are also advised for mood control.

If all else fails, I would suggest seeing your doctor because I am sure that he would have some good suggestions as well.