By: Loveli Brown
As a mental health advocate, I’m committed to raising awareness around conditions that impact women’s mental health yet often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Recently, I attended a powerful seminar that explored a connection I believe needs more recognition: the link between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Perinatal Depression. These conditions are not just momentary struggles—they’re complex, deeply interwoven issues that require medical attention, understanding, and empathy.
For so many women, the journey through hormonal changes—from monthly cycles to pregnancy and postpartum—is not just physical but intensely emotional. It’s time to bring PMDD and Perinatal Depression out of the shadows, normalize the conversation, and empower women to seek the support they deserve.
The Realities of PMDD and Perinatal Depression
PMDD is often misunderstood as "just PMS." But PMDD is a serious, debilitating mood disorder characterized by severe mood swings, depression, and anxiety that occur in the two weeks leading up to menstruation. It impacts every area of life, making it difficult for women to focus on work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities.
On the other hand, Perinatal Depression encompasses mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. It’s a form of depression that can leave new mothers feeling isolated, guilty, and overwhelmed at a time when society expects them to feel joy.
What’s alarming is that women with PMDD are more likely to experience Perinatal Depression, and those who’ve had Perinatal Depression are at a higher risk of developing PMDD later. This connection highlights the need for proactive support and mental health care that acknowledges these risks.
Why This Matters for Advocates
For advocates, addressing these conditions means more than just raising awareness—it’s about breaking down the stigma and educating our communities about the serious effects of hormonal mood disorders. Women need to feel empowered to discuss these conditions without fear of judgment. They should know that experiencing PMDD or Perinatal Depression doesn’t make them "weak" or "too emotional." These are legitimate medical conditions deserving of support and treatment.
What We Can Do: Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Resources
We need to make resources more accessible and conversations more open. Here are some key ways we can support women navigating PMDD and Perinatal Depression:
1. Encourage Medical Support: Medications like SSRIs can effectively treat PMDD and are often safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding for managing Perinatal Depression. Encouraging women to seek professional guidance for treatment options, including hormonal therapies, can make a difference.
2. Advocate for Therapy and Support Networks: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and support groups can provide women with tools to manage their symptoms and connect with others facing similar struggles. Organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI) and the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) offer resources and community support, making a difference for women who feel alone in their experiences.
3. Educate on Lifestyle Changes: Empowering women with knowledge about lifestyle adjustments, such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management, can help them regain some control over their symptoms. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity, especially for women experiencing these hormonal mood disorders.
4. Speak Openly About Stigma and Shame: By creating a supportive environment, we’re helping to dismantle the stigma around women’s mental health. When women hear that PMDD and Perinatal Depression are recognized, researched, and valid conditions, they feel less isolated and more empowered to seek help. As advocates, it’s our role to create these spaces of openness and acceptance.
Moving Forward: Let’s Make This a Community Effort
The intersection of PMDD and Perinatal Depression is a topic that calls for compassion, advocacy, and awareness. These conditions touch the lives of countless women, yet they often go unrecognized. Together, we can change that by advocating for the resources, education, and understanding that women need to navigate their journeys with strength and support.
Let’s build a world where women can openly discuss PMDD, Perinatal Depression, and any other mental health challenges without fear of being misunderstood or dismissed. Let’s be the voices that say, “Your experience is real, and you deserve support.”
If you or someone you know is navigating these challenges, I encourage you to explore resources like the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), Postpartum Support International (PSI), and The Blue Dot Project. Together, we can foster a community that’s compassionate, informed, and ready to make a difference for women everywhere.
As an advocate, I’ll continue working to break the stigma, spread awareness, and ensure that no woman feels alone in her mental health journey. Let’s stand together in support and solidarity for the mental health and well-being of all women.
RESOURCES:
Here are some valuable resources on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Perinatal Depression, and Perinatal Anxiety:
1. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD)
A global organization dedicated to offering resources, support, and advocacy for those affected by PMDD and other premenstrual disorders.
Website: IAPMD
2. Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Provides support, information, and resources for individuals experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including Perinatal Depression and Anxiety.
Helpline: 1-800-944-4773
Website: Postpartum Support International
Offers free mental health education and resources on various mental health topics, including women’s health, anxiety, and depression.
Website: Mindspring
Provides information on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PMDD, Perinatal Depression, and Anxiety.
Website: NIMH
Offers resources and guidelines for healthcare providers and patients on PMDD, Perinatal Depression, and Perinatal Anxiety.
Website: ACOG
Dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of maternal mental health disorders. The website provides tools, resources, and community support.
Website: The Blue Dot Project
7. Polk County Health Department (Iowa)
Offers local resources, counseling services, and community health initiatives related to mental health in Iowa.
Website: Polk County Health Department
Provides support groups, advocacy, and information for mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Website: NAMI
9. MotherToBaby
Offers information and advice on medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, a critical resource for women experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety.
Helpline: 1-866-626-6847
Website: MotherToBaby
Offers screening tools, information, and resources for various mental health conditions, including PMDD and perinatal mental health concerns.
Website: Mental Health America
Each of these resources provides accessible tools, education, and support for those experiencing PMDD, Perinatal Depression, and Perinatal Anxiety.
Loveli Brown
Holistic Mental Health Advocate, Author and Infidelity Recovery Coach
LoveliEsteem, LLC
@loveliesteem
"Being able to articulate your feelings, wants, needs, and desires is the best way to advocate for yourself and the people that you love. This all starts with a conversation". Loveli xoxo
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