VICKY Pattison has bravely revealed how she was left terrified after she was overcome with “crippling anxiety, insomnia and dark thoughts” during her latest PMDD episode
The former Geordie Shore star, 37, has often spoken out about her experience of the chronic health condition, in a bid to help other people who also suffer.
Vicky has been very honest about the mental health aspect of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Last night, she shared a very open and honest video about how the condition affects her life for one week of every month.
In the video she showed the bad times during a PMDD episode, and also the extreme highs that she feels.
Vicky was also seen revealing how bloated her stomach gets during her times of pain.
In parts of the video she is crying, while others she is dancing.
In her lengthy, emotional caption, Vicky wrote: “he highs & lows of PMDD.
“It’s always a bit of a mixed bag with my PMDD- some months aren’t so bad & I feel hopeful.
“And other months it just completely takes me out & I feel hopeless. Usually there’s no real rhyme or reason.
“But last month I knew I was in for a bit of a rough ride- I hadn’t done anything that I know helps alleviate my symptoms. I hadn’t been consistent with my supplements, my diet was atrocious & my schedule was just unrelenting so I went into my luteal phase not really standing a chance.
“But despite my concerns, nothing could have prepared me. It was terrifying.”
Vicky then went onto detail how much her PMDD had affected her last month.
“I rang my sister and told her that I didn’t know what I was going to do – that I genuinely didn’t know what I was capable of,” she told fans.
“And after a week of crippling anxiety, insomnia, my inner critic finding fault at every turn & dark thoughts…I know I meant it.”
Continuing she said: “And that’s the thing with PMDD, one week you’re this bright, shiny, brilliant woman who is strong, smart & ready for anything life throws at you.. & then your PMDD fog sets in and your brain convinces you that you’re worthless.”
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe and chronic medical condition that affects a small percent of people who menstruate.
It is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is characterised by a range of emotional, mental, and physical symptoms that can significantly disrupt daily life. Unlike PMS, which might cause mild discomfort or irritability, PMDD symptoms can be debilitating and often require medical attention.
The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, particularly fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which plays a critical role in mood regulation. Genetic factors may also contribute to the development of PMDD, as the disorder tends to run in families.
Symptoms of PMDD typically appear in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is the time between ovulation and the start of menstruation. Common symptoms include severe mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Physical symptoms can also manifest, such as fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. These symptoms usually subside once menstruation begins, providing temporary relief until the next cycle.
Treatment for PMDD often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy. Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can help manage symptoms. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hormonal treatments may also be prescribed to alleviate the disorder’s impact. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be beneficial in addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of PMDD, offering coping strategies and support.
But Vicky added: “I’m telling this story, not for sympathy, but because I know I’m not alone.
“I want anyone dealing with PMDD, anyone feeling the things I did last month to know that you are not alone and regardless of what your brain is telling you – you are an incredible person & world is better for having you in it.
“The fog, the darkness & the depression will pass and in its place will be beautiful moments, happiness, success, pure unfiltered JOY!
“You are a warrior.. you are powerful & you are UNSTOPPABLE.”
‘FOBBED OFF’ BY DOCTORS
Vicky previously told how she was “fobbed off for years” by male doctors over her condition.
She told ITV’s Good Morning Britain the condition made you feel “the world would be a better place without you in it”.
She added: “For five years I was dismissed. I was made to feel ashamed.
“For the majority of the time it was men.
“I think they lack an understanding and empathy towards what we’re going through as women.
“They are not given the correct, I think, information, education to be able to treat a woman going through what those women are.”
Vicky also admitted her “depressed and hopeless” state of mind shortly prior to her wedding this year, as the condition took hold.
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