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Hello Twitter 
I'd like to tweet about my fairly unknown and invisible mental health diagnosis: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ( #PMDD), for #BlackInMentalHealthWeek
(I would like to start this thread by stressing that PMDD does not only affect women!) #PMDDawareness
I'd like to tweet about my fairly unknown and invisible mental health diagnosis: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ( #PMDD), for #BlackInMentalHealthWeek(I would like to start this thread by stressing that PMDD does not only affect women!) #PMDDawareness
My (classic) #PMDD symptoms include
Depressed mood
Irritability
Tiredness
Joint pain
Overeating or loss of appetite
Concentration difficulties
Forgetfulness
Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety
Sleep problems
@viciouscyclepmd @IAPMDglobal @WHO @MindCharity @APA
Depressed moodIrritabilityTirednessJoint painOvereating or loss of appetiteConcentration difficultiesForgetfulnessSuicidal thoughtsAnxietySleep problems@viciouscyclepmd @IAPMDglobal @WHO @MindCharity @APA
#PMDD symptoms begin several days before menses, start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses, & then become minimal or absent within approximately 1 week following the onset of menses
There is not enough research to know the exact cause of #PMDD but the following have been suggested:
Sensitivity to changes in hormone levels
Genetics
Altered functioning of the brain’s serotonin and GABA systems across the menstrual cycle
@IAPMDglobal @APA @WHO
Sensitivity to changes in hormone levels Genetics Altered functioning of the brain’s serotonin and GABA systems across the menstrual cycle@IAPMDglobal @APA @WHO
I have had #PMDD since I started my period (age 14) but didn't get diagnosed until age 24 after years of suicidal thoughts, self harm, depression & anxiety. Since my diagnosis I've been on antidepressants and see a therapist (I'm feeling MUCH better 
)
)
Other treatments for #PMDD include:
Painkillers or anti inflammatory drugs
Combined oral contraceptives
Vitamins and supplements
GnRH analogue injections
Surgery (hysterectomy)
Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep etc)
@MindCharity @NHS
Painkillers or anti inflammatory drugs Combined oral contraceptives Vitamins and supplements GnRH analogue injections Surgery (hysterectomy) Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep etc) @MindCharity @NHS
Like many Black women, it was a battle to get a diagnosis & the treatment I needed. Doctors told me "you're fine, it's just women's problems" & "you don't look suicidal so I don't think we should give you anti-depressants" & "stop wasting NHS money".
#PMDD is a fairly unknown disorder & this can be the hardest thing to battle.
My advice to get/give the right support:
Bring (1) a record of your daily symptoms over a few months, (2) @NICEComms guidelines (3) an advocate to your Dr to ask for a diagnosis
My advice to get/give the right support:
Bring (1) a record of your daily symptoms over a few months, (2) @NICEComms guidelines (3) an advocate to your Dr to ask for a diagnosis
Find an online #PMDD community to get peer support (my insta link is in my bio 
) Download an app like @clue to get to know your cycle & symptomsPrioritise your physical and mental health Don't let anyone tell you "it's just women's problems" - your pain is valid.
Share this thread with anyone you think might be struggling with #PMDD, or if you have #PMDD share with other's close to you so they can get a better understanding Follow @viciouscyclepmd @FightPMDD @DPmdd @MEvPMDD
