Mental health and periods

[GirlfriendInAKorma]

I get terrible anxiety around my periods (not anxiety ABOUT my period ... I just feel like a different person for a few days ...really stressed, feel like I struggle to be 'normal' with people, feel really overwhelmed).

I'm not on the pill or coil or anything.

I was on the pill last summer for quite a few months but I felt worse in general so came off it.

I keep thinking maybe it will get better, but I think it's been like it for about a year since I stopped feeding my DD2 and my periods returned.

Any advice?

Anyone?

Is it just before AF?

I get this. 2 days before my period i become really depressed and emotional. But i know it's just the oncoming period hormones that are making me so, so i just ride on through it.

My advice would be to remember that it will pass. I know it's not easy at the time because our emotions can take over.

It can be just before, or at the start of AF.

I didn't have it pre kids (or pre DD2) so it's taken me a bit off guard.

Last month I had a horrible (what I think was an anxiety attack) in day 1 of AF when I was out with kids and a friend. She didn't know what on Earth was the matter with me and why I was being so weird.

Then the rest of the month I have been absolutely AOK - happy, no issues at all. And now AF is back, I feel absolutely awful. Can't stop crying, feel overwhelmed about everything... just like a different person.

Thank you for the responses :)

@GirlfriendInAKorma hey I get like this too except for me I have an obsessive thought that is really annoying but on the start of my period it really over whelms me, I think it's severe Pms/Anxiety

Thanks @anitagreen - do you think there's anything you can do to relieve it?

@GirlfriendInAKorma I actually do have something I take a vitamin b6 tablet and it helps so much but I forgot to take it this month as I felt so good, I missed it then soon as my period started bam it's back again.

Perhaps try B6, large doses of vitamin D and cutting down on sugar and carbs. Worth a try. It helped me.

Thanks so much both.
I'll look into the B6 and vitamin D.

Do you take it every day or just when AF is due

Every day magnesium is also good, I've run out atm but that has kept me sane I think it's really good for Anxiety in general x

I have very severe PMS. I can manage without drugs if I exercise lots (intense cardio works best for anxiety) take extra B vitamins, try to get enough sleep the rest of the month, keep alcohol consumption low, and keep track of when my period is due so that I can arrange to do as little as possible (work and social) for the 5 days before my period.

But even if it's only a few days a month, you can still get drugs to deal with the anxiety/depression if you need to.

Look up PMDD and you'll find more information.

Thanks so much

Sounds like pre menstrual anxiety, this is something you can talk to your doctor about. It must be something to do with the hormonal changes. Since I've had my last baby now 4months old the week leading up to and during my period I have been having sever PMS which I believe is PMDD a mood disorder I'm seeing my doctor about this as it is making life difficult now.
I wish you the best x