My Periods are Really Impacting my Mental Health...

My Periods are Really Impacting my Mental Health...

I think its safe to say we can all get a little grouchy around our time of the month.

Sometimes however, periods can have a really difficult impact on our mental health. When it's starting to feel overwhelming and like you're struggling to cope around certain times of the month, it may be a good idea to explore treatment options for menstrual related mental health struggles.

BY: VAGINAL HEALTH

UPDATED: 18/03/2024

Periods

Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Coping Strategies

Where to Look for More Help

Below are some great websites with lots more useful info and support numbers if you're wanting to seek help:

• BetterHelp

• Counselling Directory

• Mind

• Young Minds

• Mental Health UK

• Samaritans

As we touched on before, mental health struggles can be so overwhelming. It can be so difficult even first acknowledging the problem, let alone then figuring out where to go for help.

We promise, you're not on your own and things won't be this hard forever.

If you're feeling particularly low right now and scared about your current mental state, the link below will take you to urgent mental health support via the NHS:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline.

Lots of love and hugs, VH xxx

Fluctuations in the body's hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can lead to both physical and emotional shifts. Pre Menstrual Syndrome is the name given to the collection of physical and emotional symptoms that we may experience in the days leading up to our period.

These can include:

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Tiredness

• Anxiety

• Change in sleep pattern

• Feeling a little low

These symptoms are often easy to manage and may subside in a few days into or after your period.

Compared to PMS however, PMDD is a little different.

When feelings of anxiety and/or depression are becoming overhwelming and difficult to manage, it might be time to contact a doctor or licensed mental health professional.

A PMDD diagnosis may help you to better understand why you might be really struggling to cope and help you figure out the best treatment approach.

Unfortunatley however, similar to many other vaginal and mental health conditions, it can be difficult to find doctors or health care professionals that take us seriously. We recognise that this can be really tricky, making you feel even more lost and down.

But here at VH we want you to know that your struggles are valid. If you feel like something is wrong and you need help, don't let anyone gaslight you into thinking otherwise. We promise you that there is help and there are so many fantastic doctors and therapists that WILL take you seriously.

Although we know it can be so hard and frustrating, please don't give up. There are always brighter days to come xxx

Although they may sound a little cliché, there are several effective coping strategies that you can explore to try and manage frequent low moods:

Medication

• Sometimes a healthcare provider may perscribe medication such as antidepressants/anti-anxieties. However, prior to starting these kinds of medications, it is important to carefully consider whether this might actually be the best option for you.

Counselling/Therapy

• Talking therapy can be a great treatment option for a range of different mental health struggles. Although potentially a little uncomfortable at first, sharing your throughts with someone you can trust in a safe space can have a really positive impact on your mental health.

Stress Reduction

• Yes we know, often a lot easier said than done! But you will seriously thank yourself for finding small ways to try and elivaite stress in your life. Even if it's as simple as finally throwing out that old pair of jeans that trigger you for not having the same waistline as you did when you were 18...

Self care

• Probably the most cliché out of the whole bunch, but you'd be suprised how much just cutting yourself some slack somtimes does for your overall mental wellbeing.