Life With PMDD

I was suppose to report to work on December 30th. I was excited to make holiday pay and celebrate NYE in downtown St. Louis. That was until a tsunami of anxiety came over me that started the night before I was supposed to report. I thought I could sleep it off. I woke up the next morning and it was worse. Feelings of panic and desperation came over me and I was so overwhelmed. I knew my period was days away and I was taking my prescribed medication. But that day, I knew I wasn’t gonna be fit to work around HUNDREDS of passengers and I called off. I felt like a failure. I was frustrated that I couldn’t get my disorder under control, push through, be a responsible adult, and get to work. Coming to terms with PMDD has been hard because on top of the stigma that still surrounds mental illness, there’s also a stigma and lack of empathy regarding women’s menstrual cycles. Then there’s the race factor. As a Black woman I never felt I had the privilege to be weak. I always felt I had to be strong, get things done, and as a human, I come LAST. Thank God I have loved ones who understand and the privilege to have job with medical benefits. My passion in life is to help those with mental illness who don’t have the resources to get the help they need. I don’t know HOW. But I feel the Lord pushing me in that direction. #PMDD #mentalhealthawareness #flightattendant #fyp

2025/1/1 Edited to

... Read morePremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a notable percentage of women. It is characterized by intense mood swings, anxiety, and physical symptoms that can disrupt daily life. Understanding PMDD is crucial for those who experience it, as well as their friends and family. There is a notable stigma surrounding women's menstrual health, particularly in how society perceives emotional responses linked to hormonal changes. For thosehustled by PMDD, seeking reliable medical advice and forming a robust support system is vital. Therapy, support groups, and medication can provide significant relief. Education and open conversations about PMDD can empower women to share their experiences and advocate for themselves. Recognizing the significance of mental health, especially in the context of race and gender, sheds light on the unique challenges Black women face. This awareness fosters understanding and support, aligning with the broader movement for mental health awareness. Join the conversation around PMDD and mental health, and together, we can work towards breaking the stigma and building a supportive community.

13 comments

Abbie 🍓's images
Abbie 🍓

i understand. i just got diagnosed with PMDD. I’m starting a new birth control in like a day..see if that works. but i quit my job three days ago. I’m just a sensitive person, emotional and feel others- it’s very overwhelming. i was in a caregiving position for 2 weeks part time. 6am to 2:30. i got covid and quit. i hate being impulsive, i really do relate to this. finding the courage to curve our mindset out of the danger zone when we feel it coming. 💕

See more comments

Related posts

A smiling woman with long reddish-brown hair and leopard-print glasses, with the text overlay "Life with PMDD" and "Lemon8 @k.leigh.carte."
An infographic titled "PRE-MENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER" listing symptoms like mood changes, anxiety/depression, low energy, sleeping issues, brain fog, pain, and appetite changes.
A circular diagram illustrating the menstrual cycle, highlighting the follicular and luteal phases, and detailing PMDD symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and anger during the luteal phase.
Life with PMDD
Where are my PMDD girlies at!?!?
Kendra Carte

Kendra Carte

4 likes

#pmdd #lifewithpmdd #womenheath #life
One Red Rose

One Red Rose

3 likes

I have PMDD
PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), is a b****. If you suffer from this disorder you know what it’s like to live with a dark cloud over your head for 10-20 days out of the month. Imagine PMS’ evil twin, that’s PMDD, as if PMS isn’t bad enough… if you don’t suffer from PMDD, but know someone tha
Halee ✿ motherhood + lifestyle

Halee ✿ motherhood + lifestyle

29 likes

Navigating life with PMDD
I have written an article + resource guide for those that would like more information regarding PMDD. I feel like there's a huge lack of information and support for those that suffer with this diagnosis. Especially coming from someone that has been diagnosed with PMDD. if you would like to r
Sappho-Saffyre

Sappho-Saffyre

2 likes

An informational graphic on a yellow background titled "DID YOU KNOW?" explaining that PMDD affects up to 1 in 20 menstruating women, is a severe hormone-related mood disorder, and lists symptoms like intense sadness, panic attacks, brain fog, and physical discomfort. It notes PMDD is often misdiagnosed and is about the brain's reaction to normal hormone shifts.
✨Did You Know - PMDD
PMDD Isn’t “Just PMS” – It Almost Broke Me Before I Knew What It Was I was still a teenager when my world started to feel like it was collapsing every few weeks. The emotional highs and lows were intense—rage that came out of nowhere, crying spells I couldn’t control, deep sadness that made ever
OrganizedChaos

OrganizedChaos

52 likes

My Experience with PMDD & What I did for it
GIRL, if you’re going through this, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I repeat: you are NOT ALONE. Sharing my battle with mental health has always been part of this community and it always will be. I do this because I know exactly what it’s like to feel alone or to feel “crazy” or that something is wrong wi
Sav, MSc, BSc

Sav, MSc, BSc

62 likes

ADHD Women Are More Likely to Have PMDD
PMDD = premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMDD is a severe cluster of symptoms that starts prior to a woman’s period (usually 10-14 days rather than the typical 5-7 days for PMS). We don’t know what causes PMDD, but it is suspected that histamine and GABA receptor issues may be at play. Some w
Dr. Jolene Brighten

Dr. Jolene Brighten

13 likes

Simple things are so hard with PMDD. Can u relate?
#PMDD #mentalhealthawareness #adhd #embracevulnerability #unfiltered
Vernae_Latrice

Vernae_Latrice

4 likes

another morning in my life ☀️📚🚌👩🏽‍💻
another morning routine! i’m so happy this school year is winding down cause this mama is tireddd 😫 #morningroutineforschool #morningroutine #slowmornings #morningaesthetic
Jazmine Tanaya

Jazmine Tanaya

37 likes

A person holding an iced coffee, standing on grass next to a stroller, with the title "WAYS I COPE WITH PMDD As a Christian!" overlaid.
A person holding an open Bible, with text discussing reading the Bible to understand God's heart for coping with PMDD, not just for a quick fix.
A calm lake with trees, overlaid with text about the journey of increasing physical activity like walking, Pilates, and biking to cope with PMDD and other health conditions.
WAYS I COPE WITH PMDD
It’s been a journey! But it’s all been worth it!
Maddison Estes

Maddison Estes

15 likes

A silhouette of a person looking towards a bright horizon, with the text "My thoughts" and a C.S. Lewis quote: "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." The image conveys resilience and hope in facing mental health challenges.
Navigating PMDD: My Mental Health Journey
Hey everyone, 🌼 I want to open up about something personal—my struggle with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). It’s a severe form of PMS that impacts my mental health, motivation, and energy. Staying Motivated Motivation is tough right now. Setting small goals and celebrating little w
Roxanne

Roxanne

12 likes

#pmdd #lifewithpmdd #women #mentalhealth
One Red Rose

One Red Rose

5 likes

PMDD Journey
PMDD doesn’t have to chain you down for life 🫂. I promise you, it can get better!! ❤️‍🩹 #pmdd #pmddhelp #pmddawareness
Baylee | Nutritionist & CPT

Baylee | Nutritionist & CPT

28 likes

day in my lifeee🌟🏀
busy dayyy! 9AM: workout at my favorite place @ home! 10:45AM: taught my roomie a pilates reformer session! 12PM: shower & got ready for the day! 1:40PM: shopping with best frienddd 3:20PM: makeup & hair for the men’s usc basketball game! 4:15PM: on the way to USC to d
camweinstein

camweinstein

53 likes

PMDD: Where everything feels like a personal attack."
I know what it looks like from the outside. I get things done, I stay busy, and I share the "fun bits." But the truth is, I’ve been hiding the engine that runs it all, and lately, that engine is struggling. I live with ADHD, PMDD, and PTSD. For a long time, I tried to curate the chaos so
Chrissie Hadfield

Chrissie Hadfield

0 likes

DEPRESSION&DIABETES-pmdd,pcos,insulin,&dopamine
#pmdd #pcos #diabetic #hormones #depression
GarageGiggles

GarageGiggles

0 likes

Pmdd….. ever heard of it?
Pmdd have you ever heard of it? Most women haven’t! It’s like pms but 10x worse! You have all the feelings and they are heighten. Most doctors don’t know about it and most don’t catch it in women. It’s very real and you don’t feel like you have any control over your body. Living with it can ruin re
Ps4242wbs

Ps4242wbs

2 likes

🧡💉The Life of a Sick Girl💊💚
My weeks are often filled with Doctors appointments and uncontrollable symptoms. This week was no different except I only had one doctor’s appointment (which is extremely rare for me), but my symptoms dominated the rest of the week. I’m sure you guys saw the video about me sh*tting myself and p
Winner2Champion

Winner2Champion

15 likes

A collection of five skincare products on a wooden surface. Products include a hypochlorous solution cleansing spray, a broad-spectrum SPF 60 sunscreen, an acne treatment serum with Vitamin C and salicylic acid, a triple repair moisturizing cream, and a retinal emulsion.
New skin care products (PMDD)
I love these products!! This is my simple and affordable products that I currently can’t live without. I have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and that leaves behind painful acne and scars even if I place a pimple patch and don’t mess with it. My situation is chronic and my products with cont
MomJeans. BAP

MomJeans. BAP

48 likes

what is PMDD??
got emotional writing this because man oh man, this is just so much more common than we think and women are getting mis diagnosed left and right. YAY for solutions cause they are OUT THERE. #cyclesyncing #hormonehealth #lutealphase #pmddawareness #pmdd #opdawareness #bipolardisor
emily regal

emily regal

22 likes

PMDD 🚨
The absolute WORST. The feeling of anxiety, picking every part of your life apart, not feeling yourself, disassociating yourself and high emotions all in ONE. You’re not alone ❣️ Here are some things I do to help relieve symptoms: - Avoid sugary foods as much as possible 🍫 - Vitamin D
Lucy ❤︎

Lucy ❤︎

5 likes

PMDD + Lifestyle
I’ve learned to give myself sooo much grace this year. After so many repeated cycles I finally reached out for help and was diagnosed with PMDD! Now I’m on a journey of balancing my hormones 🫶🏽 Praying my PMDD girlies know they are NOT alone & it’s safe here 🥰 #PMDD #pmddawareness #pmddwar
Mink TheIdol

Mink TheIdol

33 likes

4 ADHD/PMDD girly items to make life easier 🎀
🩷1. Weighted Blanket As a PMDD/ADHD girly, my weighted blanket helps me decompress when my emotions feel heavy. It grounds me, calms my nervous system, and even helps with the tense muscle pain that comes with stress + CPTSD. 🎀 🩷 2. KOIOS Smoothie Blender This blender has honestly been one o
Christina

Christina

1 like

PMDD does not define us!
#fyp #pmdd #pmddawareness #mentalhealthmatters
Allex Overmeyer

Allex Overmeyer

7 likes

Managing Mood Swings & PMDD 😡🥺😢

One minute I’m happy, the next I want to cry. Hormones can feel like a rollercoaster. Real Life: Mood swings can affect friendships, school and your own sense of stability. Severe mood changes might be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which needs medical support. What Works: • Tr
Dinah_g

Dinah_g

7 likes

Pmdd journey
After a two month long (October and November) eating what my body didn’t need. My menstrual and pmdd symptoms got worst ! Back on my sober (social drinking ) journey and also going cold turkey on coffee. Giving my body a reset. Not sure if I want to restart taking Zoloft again . I want to go the na
Mackleymac

Mackleymac

5 likes

five indicators you may have PMDD🫧🌬️🪷
if anyone has struggled with severe menstrual cycles, you know how long and hard the road to a diagnosis is. I went through a laparoscopic procedure to see if i had endometriosis, years of ssri’s, and birth control without finding relief. but having a diagnosis and being able to actively work to im
ada❀

ada❀

42 likes

My life lately - I’m exhausted! 😭
What a crazy and wild week. When I finally thought I had “everything” figure out, something happened and made me question my whole existence. I’m so happy I have a job and I’m going to school. I know I’m very fortunate! I’m an immigrant, I live by my own and pay my own bills. I have huge drea
Ana Traore

Ana Traore

0 likes

PMDD
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that causes significant emotional and psychological distress, leading up to your period. Symptoms can include severe Moodswings, anxiety, and depression that can last about two weeks. PMDD is often Miss diagnosed for other conditions, such as bip
MomJeans. BAP

MomJeans. BAP

3 likes

ADHD in Women is Complicated When PMDD Enters The Chat
ADHD in women is still misunderstood and when you add PMDD to the mix, the symptoms can feel impossible to untangle. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s ADHD, hormones, PMDD, burnout… or all of the above — this is for you. ADHD in women does NOT always look like hyper little boys. It often s
Dr. Jolene Brighten

Dr. Jolene Brighten

6 likes

UK diagnosis for PMDD.
It’s time to be seen and heard girlies. Please if you are struggling with PMDD symptoms, shout it from the rooftops! The next generation deserve the support. #lemon8dairy #PMDD #pmddawareness #womenshealth
Stephieyco

Stephieyco

6 likes

A small, light brown dog sits on a sun-dappled wooden boardwalk, looking out. Green text overlay reads "Audiobook + Walk A Book about PMDD," highlighting the activity and topic.
An audiobook interface displays the cover for "The CYCLE: Confronting the Pain of Periods and PMDD" by Shalene Gupta, with progress showing 7% complete on Track 4.
A small, light brown dog sits on a wooden boardwalk, with a text overlay explaining PMDD, its symptoms, and the book's relevance to raising awareness about the condition.
Audiobook + Walk: PMDD
Some books are easier to listen than read and so I am trying to do a chapter each time I walk. PMDD is something very important to me as it was not long ago I was silently struggling the weeks leading up to my period with no idea why. Learning about this condition felt like a weight lifted off my s
meghan melissinos

meghan melissinos

1 like

A light brown background displays the title "POV: You Want To Change Your Habits" and lists 5 things to do after 7 PM: Reflect, Disconnect, Plan for tomorrow, Breathe, and Read. The text is attributed to @wholelottawhitt, with a Lemon8 footer and page indicator 06/07.
A light brown background shows the heading "1. Reflect" and three questions for self-reflection: What happened today that I'm grateful for? Which actions moved me towards my goals? Are there any changes I can make? The text is attributed to @wholelottawhitt, with a Lemon8 footer and page indicator 01/07.
A light brown background displays the heading "2. Disconnect" with text advising to slow down by tossing your phone and getting off the computer, comparing it to parking a car going 70MPH. The text is attributed to @wholelottawhitt, with a Lemon8 footer and page indicator 02/07.
5 Things after 7pm to Change Your Life 🤩
It takes 21 days to form a habit. Start doing these 5 things and become a better you 🫶🏽 #habits #habitchange #fyplemon8 #Lemon8 #newyou
𝔚𝔥𝔦𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔫𝔶 ✨

𝔚𝔥𝔦𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔫𝔶 ✨

91 likes

College day in my life!
Fun and productive! #lemon8partner #lemon8college #dayinmylife
margot flores

margot flores

2 likes

My struggles with PMDD
#PMDD #mentalhealthmatters #PMS #embracevulnerability #gettoknowme
renee.klahn

renee.klahn

9 likes

PMDD & Community
PMDD is unfair to the people who live with it, and also to the people who love them. To every person who has ever carried the heavy weight they never asked for because someone they care about was in crisis... you are seen, respected and you are valued. PMDD doesn't just touch the person experi
Coach Steph

Coach Steph

5 likes

PMS Essentials!
“Girl, I’ve got the perfect remedy for those rough PMS days- tea! 🍵✨ Trust me, it’s a total game-changer. These help with cramps, keeps your hormones in check, and makes you feel so much more balanced. 🌿💖 Here’s why I swear by it: - 🌿 Soothes those annoying cramps - 💖 Helps balance hormones na
EliannaPlz

EliannaPlz

11 likes

PMDD Help
PMDD is not just bad PMS—it’s a debilitating condition. Here’s what may help: Exercise: I know it seems basic, but daily exercise has been shown to improve PMDD symptoms. Saffron 30 mg daily (check out Radiant Mind from @drbrightenessentials ) Calcium 1200 mg daily from both diet and supp
Dr. Jolene Brighten

Dr. Jolene Brighten

1 like

See more