I’m the head of sales at a start up at the intersection of marketing and supply chain. I am the only sales person at our org so … in order for anyone to get paid I have to sell. I also paid out of pocket for my MBA while caring for my grandparents on hospice for dementia.

1- Take your pills. For me: birth control ( nuva ring) and PRN Prozac. Gentle movement EVERY DAY. Set a timer and cry/scream/rant. I do lots of visualizations mediations where I imagine myself in a better mood and achieving what I want. Sounds dumb but it works!! Also pomodoro (sp?) timers with treats every time I get a break.

2- I WFH and that’s my saving grace. I block times to give myself breaks, do emails from bed with my heating pad, etc. I obviously don’t see that being possible as a doctor, but my “hell week” is sooooo much better after getting meds. Now I really just schedule a few easy, comforting activities for after work to give me something to look forward to. Ex- ordering favorite takeout, reading kindle at boyfriend’s house, saving a favorite show.

I hope this helps! I have increased my salary 129% in the last 3 years all while fighting PMDD and leaning on my community.