So many aspects of life can impact your mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. In this blog, we will be focusing on relationship stress, seasonal changes and our homes and how they can impact our wellness.
Your Relationship
Your relationship is one of the things that can impact your health the most. Of course it has the ability to impact your mental health, though we’re also talking about the physical side of things. This is especially apparent if your relationship is full of stress and causing you to struggle mentally. Stress from relationships can trigger skin conditions such as acne and break outs. It can be a reaction that your body is having, to tell you that it needs to slow down and heal.
Relationship troubles can lead to arguments and isolation and cause emotional difficulties. If you’re worried that your relationship is not good for your health, try talking to your partner calmly and in a safe environment. If this is not possible, reach out to a therapist or support network too.
The Season
Time of the year has a huge effect on our mental health, the season changes everything. In the fall (autumn) and the winter it’s far more common for people to be ill with depression due to the weather, than it is in the summer months. People also become more physically unwell too. This could be for a number of reasons, but it’s partially because people’s immune systems are weaker when it’s colder outside.
So, if you notice that you are getting poorly, that your joints are hurting, that you’re generally feeling unwell, it could be because of the colder weather and season.
Your Home
Your home doesn’t mean to harm you, but sometimes a build up of dust or toxic material, a leaking roof or something else can really cause you problems you can’t avoid. You can try cleaning, making repairs, and even throwing out old furniture and replacing it with new pieces. Oak dining chairs and tables are in fashion right now, so why not consider it?
At the end of the day, there are so many different things that can impact your health and you have to be ready for all of them. It’s important that you remain vigilant, and if something seems to be causing you any issues with your health, you have to work on it asap and reach out for support from your doctor.
January can be a challenging month for us all, post the festivities and time off work. I just thought I would write a little update here.
This year, I am looking for a new role in Digital Communications for charities/ lifestyle brands, Journalism or Writing. I have also written the sequel to Arabella and the Worry Cloud– which is very exciting. I loved writing it and hope to work on it further this year :). The story came to me in Summer 2024 and I have been refining it. This month, my story (and my Dads) is also featured in ‘The Inherited Mind’, an amazing book by journalist James Longman about his search to understand whether mental illness is inherited – which is out now with Hyperion Books!
I had some time off over Christmas break and my husband Rob and I spent a wonderful holiday in Rome. It was really wonderful to explore the city (Robs first time there), eat lots of delicious food and just have time together! We tend to go away in the Winter due to Robs annual leave and have lots of lovely memories to sustain us through the new year (we went to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Stadio Olimpico and Jewish Museum). We visited lots of restaurants and an amazing gelato shop (Marlene’s) and went shopping. We spent New Years Eve eating a yum dinner with wine and it was a very special week.
My health is a work in progress. I am working with the NHS Oviva programme to lose weight at the moment- which I hope will boost my fertility and general health- both mental and physical (and hopefully improve my PCOS). I will give more updates on that when I have experienced more of the programme- but I am working alongside a dietitian and medical professionals.
Mentally, it has not been an easy time and there has been a lot going on outside of all of this, but I am trying to take it day by day, hour by hour and create new opportunities for myself to thrive. There’s times where we all don’t feel good enough and have imposter syndrome. I do believe miracles happen when we choose joy and choose to co-create. The right opportunities will come- career wise, financially and health wise. I have been feeling more anxious at times but every day is different and I am trying to reset and look after myself, and those around me.
Here’s to a a happy and healthy 2025 with lots of amazing things manifesting!
I have been really lucky that this festive season, SIMBA beds have gifted me their Custom Comfort Hybrid Pillow to use to help support my head and neck and get a wonderful night’s sleep.
This pillow is designed for revolutionary, personalised comfort. A unique fusion of superb, down-like cushioning with innovative tech. The pillow contains a cotton cover with cool touch tech to support better sleep. It has adjustable height and firmness with a supportive core and a mesh border for maximum air flow, once opened! Plus, it has a washable cover (always a bonus!). SIMBA have truly thought of everything to give you excellent comfort.
I received the pillow in the post, it is large (about A3 size) and SIMBA have said that it has special foam Nanocubes® technology! The turquoise cubes mean its not too soft, not too high, not too firm… always ‘just right’. I find it so comfortable!
SIMBA describe this as, ‘Thanks to the knitted, inner pillow of tiny, squishy, foam Nanocubes® you’ll find at the heart of every Hybrid® pillow; not only does this clever system encourage greater airflow, but you can also remove/add cubes to achieve the height and firmness you prefer in your pillow.’
(image: Unsplash)
I often find also that I get hot at night or it is just too warm from the central heating to sleep in winter. So what could be more helpful than the cooling aspect of this pillow? . It dissipates excess heat and provides instant coolness! This is due to its Stratos® cool-touch tech similar to the innovation that keeps astronauts cool in space! This pillow is also Menopause friendly, so great for any hot flushes at night time.
The pillow feels firm yet comfortable with a definite softness that makes me want to sink right in to it. I love the fact it is adjustable and helps me feel cool at night too. SIMBA say that ‘A soft, cloud-like fill is key to the superb comfort and quality of our pillows and duvets. It consists of springy polyester fibres gently combed and folded into airy, cushioning layers.’
For good sleep hygiene and having a cool, calm bedroom with good support for your head, I really recommend the SIMBA Hybrid Pillow. After one night, I am already loving it and I cannot wait to use it for many more nights for a gentle and comfort filled sleep. Good sleep is so integral to good mental health- thanks SIMBA for letting me have and review this pillow!
I was gifted a SIMBA Hybrid Pillow, in return for an honest review. This article contains non-sponsored links.
With the nights drawing in, The Works have teamed up with the mental health charity, Mind, to raise awareness of the mental health benefits of crafting.
The winter can be especially difficult for many, with darker, colder days and prolonged periods of rain affecting energy, mood, anxiety and stress levels. Some people may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression experienced during different seasons or times of year.
Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind said,
“We know that crafting can be a powerful way to support mental health and wellbeing. Creative activities like card-making or knitting require focus, which may help us disconnect from daily pressures and find a welcome distraction. Learning a new skill can also bring a sense of accomplishment, which can be especially rewarding as the nights draw in. The repetitive motions of these crafts can feel meditative and calming, making them a helpful tool for managing stress, depression, and anxiety. Different things will work for different people and the main thing is finding a craft you enjoy and which fits into your life.”
Mind and The Works have produced a blog post with some ideas for easing stress and anxiety, boosting concentration, focus and memory.
Lynne Tooms, Chief Commercial Officer at The Works said, “Channelling your emotions into creativity can have a huge impact on us as adults, with various craft types having a big impact on our mood and sense of achievement, as well as providing us with skills and hobbies that can turn into passions to enjoy all year round.”
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression during particular seasons of the year (most commonly winter and summer). For me personally, I know the cold, dark early nights do not help as I will just want to hibernate! I find that during winter I am much more prone to depression/anxiety and I know others are too.
Mind says that, ‘ if your feelings are interfering with your everyday life, it could be a sign that you have depression. And if they keep coming back at the same time of year, doctors might call this seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or ‘seasonal depression’.
SAD symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling sad and tearful, withdrawing from friends and family, feeling anxious or agitated, sleeping too much or too little and suicidal thoughts.
Luckily there are ways to improve your mental health with SAD:
Talk to someone or a helpline about how you are feeling
These helplines can listen to you and provide a kind, one to one, listening ear if you are stuggling with depression, low self esteem, feelings of unworthiness or suicidal ideation.
2. Track your symptoms
It might be good to see what times of the month you are feeling worse too and how the weather is. A daily diary can be really helpful to show to your Dr or therapist.
3. Manage Stress
Speak to your therapist or find some mental health support locally if you can. Speak to a trusted loved one and make sure you don’t become too stressed or overwhelmed.
Look at mental health relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and make sure you are not over working and taking time to rest.
4.Walk and exercise
Exercise can help to boost your mood when you have SAD. Maybe a brisk walk or even some dancing around your room to a youtube video, any exercise can boost those endorphins and set you up for a good day.
5. Self Care
Watching a good TV show, having a bubble bath and planning other relaxing activities can really help. Especially on dark, cold and miserable nights. Look after yourself.
6. Speak to your GP
If your depression is worsening and you need medical help, please reach out to your GP or psychiatrist as they may be able to help with further treatment eg anti depressant medication if suitable.
SAD can be really challenging but making sure to take time for yourself, practise self care, talk about it and reach for help can go a big way in easing the depression’s effects this winter.
Let’s face it, going to the dentist is nerve-wracking at the best of times. The bright light in the face, the invading of your personal mouth space and interrogation of questions is not easy for anyone, let alone those who suffer from anxiety.
Dental anxiety is a widespread issue, with research showing that around 36% of people experience mild fear of dental visits, while approximately 12% suffer from an intense phobia. This fear can arise from negative past experiences, fear of pain, or even the sounds and smells of a dental surgery.
For some, the anticipation of discomfort creates overwhelming stress, leading them to avoid regular check-ups and treatment. Dentists are trained to recognise and address this anxiety, ensuring patients feel safe and supported.
Creating a Calm and Relaxing Environment
A welcoming environment is one of the first steps in easing anxiety. For some practices like Aromaden in Surrey, creating a calm environment through the use of furniture, staff attitudes, lighting and culture are a big part of soothing patients.
Dentists often design their clinics with comfort in mind, using calming colours, natural light, and soothing background music. Friendly and approachable staff can also help patients feel at ease upon arrival. Open communication is essential; dentists take time to explain treatments step-by-step, using simple language to demystify the process and build trust. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, ensuring they feel informed and in control of their care.
Modern Techniques to Reduce Fear
Advancements in dental technology have transformed the patient experience, making procedures faster, less invasive, and virtually painless.
Many dentists use local anaesthetic techniques that minimise discomfort or offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide (commonly called “laughing gas”) or oral sedatives to help patients relax during treatment. In cases of severe anxiety, general anaesthesia may be an option, allowing the patient to remain unconscious throughout the procedure. The availability of these methods reassures patients and helps alleviate their fear.
For decades, patients have been used to metal fixed braces and all the wires and screws that come with it. But today, using Invisalign treatment is as simple as popping in a mouthguard for just a few months to receive the same desired outcome. Whilst Invisalign is not available for children, it is something that adults have used to get straight teeth later on in life.
(image: The Humble co- Unsplash)
Psychological Support and Trust Building
Dentists often incorporate psychological techniques to address anxiety. Strategies such as cognitive behavioural therapy for dentistry (CBT) can help patients challenge irrational fears and develop healthier attitudes toward dental care. Some practices introduce patients to gradual exposure, where they begin with simple visits like check-ups and slowly progress to more involved procedures as their comfort level increases. Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques are also recommended to help patients stay calm during appointments.
Building a strong relationship between the patient and dentist is critical. Trust is developed through active listening, empathy, and empowering patients to communicate their needs. For instance, many dentists allow patients to signal for a break during procedures, giving them a sense of control and reassurance.
Benefits of Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Managing dental anxiety not only improves oral health but also enhances overall well-being. Regular visits prevent serious problems like tooth decay and gum disease, which can require more invasive treatments if neglected. Additionally, addressing dental issues boosts confidence, as patients feel better about their smiles. For many, overcoming fear also builds resilience and makes it easier to tackle other aspects of healthcare.
By creating a calming atmosphere, utilising modern tools, and fostering trust, dentists can help anxious patients feel more comfortable. This approach ensures that even those with deep-seated fears can access the care they need for a healthy, confident smile.
A few years ago, I was delighted to discover this incredible charity- Christmas for CAMHS through a post by its founder Ro Bevan. This charity means a lot to me because 20 years ago this festive season, I was a very unwell 16 year old on a NHS child and adolescent (CAMHS) in patient psychiatric ward in the Priory North London, struggling with a bipolar mixed episode. I had psychosis and hadn’t yet been diagnosed with bipolar. Although I am Jewish and don’t celebrate Christmas, I remember that the ward gave us small presents and that other children/adolescents wrote me lovely messages of kindness and hope wrapped up in seasons greetings. Being away from home and especially during the festive season is filled with loneliness and sadness, especially if you are in hospital. In 2004, Christmas for CAMHS did not exist but their work now is vital.
So who are this amazing charity?
Christmas for CAMHS is a small charity who gives gifts and goodies to children and young people in hospital for their mental health over the festive season. This is our 9th year of giving gifts to young people in CAMHS (children and adolescent mental health services) inpatient units across the UK and this year we’re giving over 1300 gifts!
Christmas For CAMHS was originally set up because Dr Ro Bevan saw a huge disparity in the way CAMHS units were treated over the festive period compared to other NHS services for children and young people.
In 2015 Ro was working in a children’s hospital for those with a physical illness. That Christmas the children’s hospital had tons of presents donated, mostly from corporate donors – so many presents that there was enough leftover for patients’ birthdays until June of the following year! A year later, she was working in child and adolescent mental health and, in stark contrast, they had no presents donated at all. The patients had one present each, chosen by the therapy team and paid for by the ward – scrimped and saved from the NHS budget that is meant to cover therapeutic activities and other expenses.
Ro posted about the inequality on Facebook and before she knew it, her post had gone viral with 1,032 shares and so many supportive comments. It inspired her to start Christmas For CAMHS the following year to support these children and young people who would otherwise be forgotten by the generous public.
When the charity first began in 2016, they set up a simple fundraiser online which raised £1000 and managed to send around 300 gifts to young people in units that year. Since then, they have grown to be able to reach every CAMHS unit in the UK, but still work in a pretty similar way! There is the online fundraising page running each year where people donate either as individuals or on behalf of fundraisers they have run in their local community or with work colleagues. Additionally, there are corporate donations and people setting up their own fundraising pages to do amazing challenges to raise money (a couple of years ago one fundraiser ran a marathon around a Christmas tree!).
There is also a wish list where people can donate specific chosen gifts for children who may be feeling very alone.
(image: Christmas For CAMHS)
The charity reaches out to every CAMHS unit in the UK to ask the staff that work there how many young people they might have over Christmas. They also ask them what they think their young people might like, picking from a list of tried and tested categories, and the age range of their young people. The elves then work night and day to ensure that gifts are bought that align with what each CAMHS unit has requested and that are safe for young people in hospital for their mental health to be given.
Once the gifts have arrived there is a major ‘packing weekend, in Bath. During this, volunteers come and help pack up massive boxes with all the assigned gifts, some Christmas decorations, some activities (such as colour in paper chains or blank cards), a Wellbeing Advent Calendar, some fidget toys and an extra ‘ward gift’ for each ward to enjoy together. We don’t wrap the gifts, so the wards can check them, but we do provide wrapping paper and sticky gift tags. We also provide a bigger gift, when requested, for young people on the wards who may not receive a gift from anyone else this Christmas, such as young people who have no family support. The gifts then get delivered to each CAMHS ward ahead of Christmas day.
This year, the charity is also sending wards some paper chain ‘strips’ with cheesy cracker jokes written on them, made by members of the public and assembled by young people on the wards, providing a tangible reminder that we are all still connected despite what the young people are going through. Young people loved these last year.
It is always so nice to receive messages from young people about the gifts that they’ve given. A young person recently told the charity:
“The gift made me smile so much. I’d had such a bad day and it was an utterly terrifying time in my life – I was about to turn 18 and had never felt more alone. It was so weird but lovely to think that people who didn’t know me cared enough to make me and my friends feel special and connected. You really do such an amazing job. You’re so kind, thank you.”
The whole team and all donors are thinking of every child and young person who will be spending the Christmas period in hospital due to their mental health, which is exactly why Christmas at CAMHS does what it does – we want them to know that we’re thinking of them and that lots and lots of people are holding them in their hearts.
A couple of years ago, an intriguing email landed in my inbox. It was from the award- winning journalist James Longman (of ABC News). He told me he was writing a book investigating his own father’s illness and how much of mental illness is inherited. His father died by suicide when he was just a child and had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and depression, but James did not know a huge amount about this mental health history at the time.
James wanted to delve deeper into the family and genetic side of mental illness. As he got older, James’s own bouts of depression spurred him to examine how his father’s mental health might have affected his own. He engaged with experts to uncover the science behind what is inherited, how much environmental factors can impact genetic traits, and how one can overcome a familial history of mental illness and trauma.
James had seen my own story of family illness with bipolar disorder, as my Dad and other relatives also have the same condition and so he reached out to interview me. With permission from my Dad, I had a wonderful chat over Zoom with James, talking about the links with certain types of mental illness in families and how these types of illness can cause suicidal thoughts and sadly in James’s fathers case, suicide. We also discussed the hopeful journey that can occur if you have access to the right support networks, medications and therapy. Medication in particular has helped to keep us well over the years as bipolar has a definite biological link too.
In The Inherited Mind, James invites readers to reflect on their own stories as he shares his quest to better understand himself and his family. Through speaking to mental health experts, to those who have had similar familial experiences, and about his own life stories, James shows us, with heart and humour, how much our bodies can empower and inform us about our own personal mental health histories.
We are honoured to have our story featured in James’s informative and essential book. Thanks again to him for featuring us as a case study. It will be out in January and you can pre order your copy here
Social media plays a highly indispensable part in our daily lives. It helps to shape the manner in which we connect, communicate, and interact with the world. Although there are innumerable benefits that social media has to offer, it has a lot of impact on mental health. Individuals often wonder about the long-term psychological effects of spending hours scrolling through every feed, posting updates, or engaging in online discussions. These are the rising concerns that prove essential for addressing mental health issues that are digitally on the uprise.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Our Emotions
Although social media verticals offer the ability to connect to individuals globally, they impact emotions in different ways. The pressure imposed to present the polished, ideal life online eventually leads to greater anxiety, stress, and depression.
Comparison Of Culture And Self-Esteem
One of the highly notable ways in which social media influences mental health is a comparative culture. The users often scroll through the feed that they note as the highlights of the reels to the other’s lives, leading to unhealthier comparisons. The constant exposure gets filtered and curated through content, leading to feelings of low self-worth or inadequacies. Individuals get pressurised, matching their achievements, physical aesthetics, or lifestyles, raising anxiety and self-doubt.
This issue is particularly concerning for younger adults and teenagers. Adolescence is the ideal moment focused on self-discovery and the formation of identity, adding to the social media layer and intensifying such hurdles.
Cyberbullying And Online Harassment
The social networking sites that are accessed through the internet should be accessed healthily since they reveal the worst in people, and their ill behaviours affect people’s mental health. It has gotten to the level of people using computers to insult other people, to threaten or follow them maliciously. Cyberbullying makes individuals develop anxiety, depression, and even withdrawal from social relations. What online abusers forget is that the emotional side of any individual remains tender, and the words engraved on the social site will fester long after the bad comments are made.
Furthermore, one may also refrain from expressing one’s opinion on social media because of being criticised by other users. It makes people feel silenced from being able even to express themselves, and that on its own exacerbates their mental health issues.
Social Media Addiction
Aside from emotions, social media addiction is another factor to waste mental health. For many people, they are constantly using it to browse or mindlessly open to see notifications, or even feel the need to see what is going on online. This type of usage might result in anxiety and stress because a person becoming addicted to the application constantly worries that they may be logged out.
It also impacts sleep because users spend hours at night browsing through their phones, or maybe they forget the time. Lack of sufficient sleep, in turn, is a cause of poor mental health and worsening disorders such as depression and anxiety.
(image: Chris Yang: Unsplash)
The Positive Side Of Social Media For Mental Health
In like manner, there are positive aspects that can be socially beneficial when properly used social media networks to promote the health of a person’s mind. It offers an opportunity to tell a story, voice concerns, or find others among like minded people.
Support Communities And Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness has been taken to new heights by the use of social media. Most of the contestants narrate their ordeals, which helps eliminate the perception of socially embarrassing states such as mental illnesses. Examples include Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and such account types have turned into help groups, support, and recommendations to search for professional aid types.
Such support communities are most helpful for those who lack social contacts in their real life. For those struggling with disorders such as anxiety or depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social media can give people information on how to manage their disorders, where to find a supportive audience, or where to get professional medical advice.
Virtual Therapy And Mental Health Apps
A new wave of social media mental health is using social media for providing online therapy and mental health apps. But with the advancement in technology, specifically through teletherapy, it is now possible to see a therapist online. There are quite a few applications and websites providing services, from anxiety-provoking exercises to cognitive-behavioural therapy, allowing people to improve their psychological state without visiting a professional therapist in the comfort of their homes using electronics.
This virtual accessibility makes it easier for people who may not otherwise come for help due to social stigma, geographical distance, or a number of menial charges. Moreover, other social media influencers and health professionals post significant guidance and strategies for staying mentally well, as well as exercises and positive affirmations.
Striking A Healthy Balance
Although social networks are beneficial and damaging for the human psyche in one way or another, the fundamental task is to achieve the proper distribution of time in using them. The overall increased use of social media can lead to mental health problems, addiction, and the deterioration of interpersonal relationships. Still, by following certain guidelines, using social media sensibly without losing one’s self-control, eliminating negative content, and taking necessary precautions, all the harmful factors mentioned above can be minimized.
Despite social media’s many positive aspects, there are ways to reduce its harm: taking many breaks, taking care of oneself, and being aware of what one is consuming online. Practical measures such as reduced screen time and spending time with friends, family, or other loved ones can also greatly reduce anxiety and enhance mental health.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, social media has a huge impact on mental health that reshapes the manner in which we perceive ourselves while interacting with others. Although there are different scopes to support, raise awareness, and connect while bringing different challenges like cyberbullying, addiction, and comparison cultures, a better balance remains important to maintaining mental health.
Do you have a diagnosis of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or worry that your PMS symptoms before your period might indicate this? This article talks about how to be effectively diagnosed and looks at misinterpreted symptoms. I have been watching this series of Married At First Sight UK with great interest- its an experimental dating show where they get married without ever speaking or seeing each other and follows how their relationships either blossom or fail. One such couple is Kieran and Kristina, who are completely adorable. Kristina has been very open about her own mental health condition, PMDD and how it has impacted past relationships for her.
After Married at First Sight UK star Kristina Goodsell shared her diagnosis of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) with her partner Kieran, searches for ‘What is PMDD UK’ spiked +250% in the past week, and searches for ‘PMDD remedies’ are up +2,431% in the past year, showing that people want to learn more about this specific women’s health condition.
In a further episode, Kieran explained he doesn’t know if he can sustain a relationship due to Kristina’s PMDD. This TikTok video clip of the episode, which has gained 245.6k likes, has led to more people discussing their own PMDD journeys, with one user commenting ‘I have PMDD and it is so hard to live with’ and others asking ‘What is PMDD?’.
Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health has shared information about PMDD including the misinterpreted symptoms, tips for getting the correct diagnosis and the different treatments.
What is PMDD?
AXA Health explains that premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a hormone-related disorder that affects not only your body but also how you feel.
As a more severe form of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), PMDD can particularly impact day-to-day life. Symptoms can also get worse during the luteal phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can last around two weeks between ovulation and the start of a period.
PMDD was listed in the ICD-11 in 2019, validating the medical diagnosis of this serious women’s health condition, yet as symptoms are similar to other health issues, this means that PMDD is still underdiagnosed.
Five Misinterpreted Symptoms of PMDD
Around 1.6% of women and girls experience symptoms of PMDD worldwide, and Dr Bradshaw highlights that “There are a range of typical emotional and physical symptoms to look out for such as anxiety, headaches, breast tenderness/swelling and appetite changes. However, there are also five symptoms of PMDD to look out for that can help with distinguishing the condition from other health problems and getting a more accurate diagnosis”.
Feeling overwhelmed
Whilst it’s normal to feel overwhelmed occasionally as a result of life stressors, it can negatively impact your health and is a sign of PMDD that shouldn’t be ignored.
This may include having irrational thoughts about a situation, experiencing a freeze response where you avoid or postpone tasks, withdrawing from a situation and friends/family, or overreacting to situations that wouldn’t usually affect you.
Increased irritability
Being irritable around your time of the month is due to fluctuations in serotonin levels and can be a symptom of PMS. However, irritability on a more severe scale can be a sign of PMDD.
Increased irritability may cause conflict in relationships and negatively impact everyday life, so it’s important to recognise this symptom, especially as this may be more noticeable around your period.
Muscle aches
This is a harder symptom to recognise if you regularly exercise and experience achy muscles from workouts. However, pay close attention to when the muscle aches happen, as if it aligns with your luteal phase and affects areas of the body you haven’t worked out as much, this could be a sign of PMDD that would instead go under the radar.
Bloating
A symptom many females will experience around their period is bloating, due to hormonal changes and water and salt retention. Yet, this is also a key sign of PMDD, especially if the bloating is severe, so it’s important to pay attention to this symptom.
Changes in sleep patterns
Struggling to sleep, sleeping more than usual or insomnia are also signs of PMDD which may go under the radar, as if you’re stressed and busy, you may put it down to these factors instead.
This symptom can be a result of other PMDD symptoms impacting your quality of sleep, such as anxiety. Hormonal shifts can also impact sleep patterns, which could be due to PMDD.
HOW TO BE EFFECTIVELY DIAGNOSED
MAFS star Kristina experienced a misdiagnosis of PMDD and was prescribed medication for depression. It wasn’t until after the initial treatment didn’t work, researching her symptoms in more depth and visiting a gynaecologist, that she received an official diagnosis.
With limited research on PMDD, the average time it takes to get a diagnosis in the UK is around 12 years, especially as it may take a long time to realise your symptoms follow patterns in line with your menstrual cycle.
As Dr Bradshaw explains, “Many symptoms of PMDD overlap with health issues including depression, anxiety and thyroid conditions. It’s vital to ensure you can provide as much detail as possible about your symptoms when visiting a medical professional, so the diagnosis can be as accurate as possible. Noting down any correlations to your period will also help to distinguish if it is PMDD too. A symptom diary can be invaluable”
Here are Dr Bradshaw’s top tips for supporting your PMDD diagnosis:
Ask questions – Prepare for your appointment by writing down any questions you have or anything you’re unsure about so you don’t leave the appointment with unanswered queries
Speak up – If you think you meet the criteria for most of the PMDD symptoms, voice this in your appointment by saying ‘I think I have PMDD’ during the conversation
Monitor symptoms– Keep a diary of your symptoms to find if they worsen during your luteal phase, which will help a doctor understand if it is linked to PMDD or not
Be open and honest – Being honest with your doctor and yourself about your lifestyle is important, as small changes could impact your symptoms as a treatment
Provide feedback – If a specific treatment is recommended that you’re hesitant about or have already tried, make sure to let the medical professional know
Seekfurther support – Asking to speak to a GP with a special interest in women’s health or for a referral to a gynaecologist if you aren’t responding to initial treatment and you feel you need more support or in-depth advice
This article was written by AXA Health featuring Dr Pallavi Bradshaw.
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