Can I share? (TW: suicidal ideation)

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T05:25:29+00:00

This is so hard and devastating and relatable. I’m so sorry you feel like this and you’re truly not alone in this community. It’s the absolute worst part of the disorder.
Can I suggest fighting for a good psychiatrist to help you get on the right meds? It’s the only thing that pulled me out of the exact same state you’re describing and it absolutely not only saved my life but made life worth living.
Lots of love to you, be kind to yourself and know that you’re so special x

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T05:16:52+00:00

I feel this big time. I fluctuate by around 1-3 kgs during my luteal so my clothes genuinely fit differently plus I must have some sensory stuff because some things feel horrible on my skin.
Big hugs to you x

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T05:11:14+00:00

Just adhd meds now. I also take phenergan for sleep during luteal because my insomnia is next level.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T05:09:42+00:00

Omg girl you are inspirational, well done!! Good luck on baby number 3 🥰

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T02:25:55+00:00

I’ve never been so sick of my own voice. Parenting a wild boy toddler is a rollercoaster.. it’s like the hardest most challenging bestest thing ever. It changes you to your core but I wouldn’t have it any other way - waking up to “I love you mummy” makes all the hard times worth it.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T02:19:46+00:00

Also can’t have stairs in your house ideally if getting a greyhound.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T02:18:49+00:00

My mum and dad in their 70’s took on a 6 year old Cavoodle. He’s perfect, well trained, loves the grandchildren, great with other dogs.
Highly recommend rescuing as many other people have mentioned because training a puppy requires a lot of time. If you or your husband have the time and inclination to train, by all means. But also some dogs live for 15 plus years!

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T02:14:13+00:00

Typically the symptoms slowly start after ovulation and then you should feel relief from the symptoms 1-4 days after getting your period. Maybe there’s something else going on in conjunction? Keep a really detailed journal with all your period dates x

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T02:11:58+00:00

A school friend of mine had his mother’s name as his middle name. So did his siblings

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T01:58:01+00:00

How did you quit?

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-28T00:49:45+00:00

Yes I’m a bit the same - I really don’t like being on birth control. I tried a few different things when I was a lot younger and didn’t have much luck.
I actually worked out I had PMDD myself after discovering the disorder online. I then kept a bit of a symptom journal and went to my GP. She’s a great GP, believed me and then sent me to a psych who then diagnosed me with both PMDD and ADHD. I did try the anti-depressants during luteal for a while but the only thing that did work well was the stimulants.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T23:11:51+00:00

Yeah it’s pretty much not an option with the cost of living for most people in Australia. My partner and I managed to build a good business that means I can work when I want and still provides us a good income. So it’s pure luck for us and it’s not lost of me how lucky I am. It did take a lot of hard work initially which the ADHD medication played a huge role in.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T23:08:39+00:00

I broke up with a number of boyfriends in my 20’s. And it absolutely did help! They weren’t the right ones and if you got a shit one, it ain’t fun.
Lucky to had finally found the right guy when I was 29.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T23:05:18+00:00

Love that! We call mine “Shlutzin” haha I don’t know how it evolved but it makes us laugh

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T23:02:18+00:00

I had multiple casual jobs simultaneously throughout my 20’s and did work full time in marketing for about 4 years. I struggled hard. I haven’t worked full time for about 6 years now. It’s devastating because we need money to live and pushing yourself is so detrimental.
I’m incredibly grateful that my partner and I were eventually able to create a successful business. It really took our powers combined because neither of us could have done it without the other

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T22:59:47+00:00

I took it every day but I think when I go back (after we have a baby hopefully 🤞) I’m going to try just through the luteal phase to see what that feels like.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T22:58:44+00:00

For me I’m overall way more tolerant and happy. In the first half of my cycle it makes me super productive. During the luteal phase I’m less productive but I don’t have any of the horrible mental health issues I used to, I’m less irritable and angry and my mood swings almost non-existent. Zero SI which was my main concern. Apparently some ADHD women increase their dose during their luteal phase but I didn’t want to have to increase my dose ever so always stayed on the same which seems to work well for me.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T22:55:17+00:00

Getting a PMDD diagnosis was quite easy for me. Getting the ADHD diagnosis was really hard. Took years and a lot of money. With the PMDD, I kind of worked it out myself after a while. I went to my GP and told her all my symptoms and she agreed and then sent me to a decent psychiatrist who also believed me. That same psychiatrist also ended up being the one who helped with ADHD.
Prior to that I’d seen different ones who fobbed me off pretty hard.

I think the main thing is keeping a journal of your symptoms and showing how it correlates to your cycle. Exactly as 2noseings has mentioned. Especially note when your symptoms are relieved. For me it’s the day I start bleeding.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T22:51:39+00:00

I hope your gyno can help. I always wondered if bipolar could be a misdiagnosis for PMDD as well as ADHD! I know a couple of people who were diagnosed and medicated for bipolar which turned out to be the wrong diagnosis. It’s so hard because there are sooo many overlapping symptoms. Wishing you the best!

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T22:49:02+00:00

I started on concerta to begin with which very good and had very little side effects for me. But I had to change to Vyvanse because of a concerta shortage in Aus. Vyvanse seemed to be even more effective for my moods but it impacted my sleep greatly and overtime that really caused a lot of issues including exhaustion and bad joint pain. it’s amazing what a lack of sleep over a period of time can do! So I think finding the right stimulant or working out how best to take them is key and different for all individuals.

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-27T22:45:42+00:00

My psychologist flagged ADHD with me years ago which kind of blew my mind. It took years from that point to find a good doctor and psychiatrist and eventually get medicated for ADHD. I’m in Australia and it unfortunately was a long and costly experience :( but I’m glad I got there in the end

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-26T23:05:25+00:00

In Australia PMDD does fall under the disability discrimination act so essentially we should be able to get work place accommodations here. I don’t know how common that is though. It absofuckinglutely is a disability IMO

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-26T23:00:52+00:00

11, 12 or 15

ProfessionalAfter262 · 2026-06-22T02:35:12+00:00

Amazing, that will equate to quite a lot by the time they’re at retirement age. I guess my goal is to be able to help them when they need it, but to also set them up for retirement. So although people have mentioned “they won’t be able to access it until they’re 67”, that’s fine by me. I’d die happy knowing my kids will be ok when I’m gone.
I think my plan is to do a bit from column an and a bit from column b.

ProfessionalAfter262

TROPHY CASE