As a diagnosis, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is relatively new. It was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1987, and has since gained more mainstream recognition. For comparison, disorders such as Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder), and “Psychoneurotic Reactions” such as anxiety and depression were included in the first edition of the DSM in 1952.
It should be noted that even though some disorders were included in the DSM-I, those with mental health issues were treated horribly. Just because the issues were being studied, does not mean that they were understood in the context we have today.
My experience with PMDD has been less than ideal. The disorder is characterized by intense mood swings, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sometimes even suicidal ideation. These symptoms can last 7-13 days before and up to 3 days during menstruation.
PMDD is basically an extreme version of PMS. These symptoms, for many people, can be debilitating. PMDD interrupts daily life. My PMDD diagnosis is only a month old, and I have yet to find ways to manage the impact it has.
One week, I’m struggling to sleep more than 3 hours a day. I am angry and convinced all of my friends hate me, and if I’m being honest, I hate them. I start to get behind with work, practice, and classes.
The next week, I am sleeping 10 or more hours a day. The increased need for sleep causes me to miss classes. I hate myself, I’m in pain, I can’t stop crying, and I am very depressed. I am unfocused and experience all-day brain fog. The work continues to pile up, and there is no end in sight.
All of these problems get worse when a course has graded attendance. Sleep through all of your alarms? Surprise! You’re absent for the fifth time and at risk of failing two classes based on attendance alone. Not only that, but you’re also behind in all of your classes and you feel horrible. And guess what? You’re not even halfway through the semester. Good luck!
The funniest part about all of this is that I have no idea my experiences are even my PMDD until after the fact. Despite how untrue it is, my PMDD brain genuinely believes that I end up sleeping through alarms because I am a “bad person” and deserve the unfortunate things that happen to me.
Then my period starts and I suddenly remember that I literally have a disorder. I laugh and try to repair the damage I’ve done to my relationships and grades. Not all damages can be repaired. This cycle repeats every month.
Saga Jakupcak with Adultist.org suggests in their article Coping with PMDD in College that “Informing your professors ahead of time that you will be ill for the next X many days, and asking for deadline extensions.” is one way to manage courses during a PMDD flare-up.
While communicating with professors can be helpful at times, I feel it is unreasonable and unlikely that a professor would be okay with someone taking almost two weeks off from class due to an illness every single month unless you already have accommodations. Since my diagnosis is so new, I have yet to be able to start that process.
One of the best PMDD resources I’ve discovered is The PMDD Project. The PMDD Project is a UK-based charity focused on providing resources and education. They have an amazing website (thepmddproject.org) with a plethora of information on navigating PMDD. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more
It feels shameful to have to keep asking for grace and forgiveness. Especially when you’ve struggled with other chronic issues in the past.
To all the readers with health issues of any variety, you’re not alone in your experiences and feelings. Find a supportive community, educate yourself, and keep trying your best.
If you or someone you know is an SVSU student struggling with mental health, please reach out to the campus Mental Health and Wellness Center. For emergencies, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or dial 911.
