April marks the
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) awareness month, which aims to educate people and build advocacy of this little-known condition.
PMDD is a suspected genetic disorder that affects mental and menstrual health.
Symptoms include depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and many others which occur in the 1-2 weeks before the menstrual period each month.
Unlike in
premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which affects most individuals with periods, symptoms are often severe and debilitating, affecting school and work, relationships, and quality of life.
One of the most common symptoms of PMDD is suicidal ideation, with 30 per cent of sufferers reporting they’ve attempted to end their life in PMDD crisis.