“No more shame! No more fear! No more self-doubt!” After 10 years of coping with my depression, past trauma and alcohol addiction, it is time to come forward with my story. As a sexual assault survivor and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) warrior, I am breaking the stigma associated with mental illness in hope that my wisdom will encourage others to confidently reach out for help.
One good thing that PMDD has taught me is mindfulness and self care. I recently had to take some classes on meditation and mindfulness for a requirement. In class, we learned how to be more conscious of our bodies and our surroundings. We often did an exercise called a full body scan: we would lay still and scan our bodies to become aware of the sensations. We would also train ourselves to feel the feelings and pain without letting them consume us.
Today they told me I have PMDD. It was no surprise really. I didn’t know whether to feel relieved or distressed. Would knowing make me feel these emotions more intensely? Sometimes being less self-aware might be a blessing, but the truth is, I’m the opposite.
Tips for treating PMDD with supplements, meds, etc. Finding the right PMDD treatment can be a difficult journey. Often what helps one Read More
By Brett Buchert Good day, Warriors! This is both my greeting to you and my proclamation of my current state for this Read More
