By Ms. Menses
Dear PMDD Me,
Remember that you are not yourself. The PMDD is distorting your thoughts, turning them negative and destructive. Remember that time when you felt so bad that you didn’t think you could make it? Well, you did. Now, remember all the times when you were in so much pain it was almost too much to bear? Well, you did bear it. Remember that time when you thought the cycle would never end? Well, it did end. Look at how far you’ve come. It’s too late to stop fighting now. You’ve already fought through so much. You’ve always been strong, now is no different. I know it’s hard to remember, but PMDD always ends. It feels like forever right now, but once you’re feeling back to normal, you will not even look back at this moment. It’s never forever – it will end soon.
You are normally a very positive and motivated person. You have accomplished all these amazing things: [insert your amazing things here], all with a disabling mental condition. Even the people who do not know you have this condition compliment you and are amazed at your work and strength. If they knew the hell that you go through on a monthly or even daily basis, they would be astounded. You should be proud of yourself. Don’t forget your goals- [insert your goals here]. They are not going away just because you feel negative right now. You’ve already accomplished so many goals, you can do this too.
I know you want to [insert destructive behavior here], but think of how it always ends. Fighting with [enter partner, friend, family member, or own name here] is not healthy; you are just trying to pick a fight because you feel bad. Eating that junk food or engaging in self-harm will not do you any good. Remember the last time this happened – it was too hard on you afterward. Instead, write down your feelings, watch a movie, go for a walk. Remember all the good times you’ve had and imagine what they were like. You know your coping skills [insert here] – do them now.
It’s okay to take a break. You’re always going, working, etc. Take some time for yourself. Put down your work and do your favorite hobby. You deserve a break and your body is telling you that you need one. Listen to your body and treat it right. There are so many fun and relaxing things you could be doing right now instead of crying or feeling like this. Go out and [insert favorite activities here]. You’ll be feeling better in a bit – you can finish your work and chores then. Now is the time to do what you’ve been wanting to do for a long time.
Tomorrow is another day. This too shall pass. You will wake up tomorrow feeling amazing; this is just a little bump in the road. You are a strong person and nothing, not even PMDD, will take that away from you.
Don’t give up.
Love,
You
About the Warrior
Ms. Menses
Ms. Menses is a recent university graduate who is passionate about menstruation and women’s rights. She has done a TED Talk about menstruation and is currently working on researching the effects of menstruation on girl’s education. She loves to talk about and teach classes about menstruation. She is planning on getting a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Women’s Reproductive Health issues. She hopes to help make menstruation something people can talk about openly so that girls do not have to suffer.
Image Credit: Hannah Tivey | Instagram
