After writing about how to decrease PMDD symptoms like blood loss and extreme pain, I wanted to write on what to do in case you are having a severe anger attack fueled by hormonal rage.
This is isn't about prevention, this is about calming you down by the time it's too late. Been there done that, where a small trigger almost sent me over the edge. It doesn't take much to make a woman who suffers from PMDD see red!
Pulling out hair, thinking of suicide, screaming at loved ones or sending psychotic rants through text, chasing anyone away that you love , then begging again for their love once your period breaks through, hitting your head against the wall or with objects, self mutilation,... I have all been there.
The last time I had it, I was trying to put my hair in a ponytail. I knew it was a bad idea, because it can trigger me like a maniac when I have PMDD, when the ponytail fails. It's a lost cause, because during PMDD my hair is way too oily from the hormonal changes if I don't wash it every damn 12 hours or so (I'm exaggerating). Yet a ponytail is the only way my hair would look decent, so it's like a catch 21. Seems like a silly reason to become extremely angry, but that is exactly my point. At that point it feels like I am the ugliest, dumbest, shittiest person in the world.
If the period is almost starting, it is even worse. You feel nauseous due to the pain, you are hot, nervous, shakey, and everything is failing. It feels like it is the end of your life. Pretty literally, almost, if you are also trying for a baby. A period is about the worst thing in the world if you think about it. It's the loss of a chance of life, and it gets worse as you age as a woman. Dissatisfaction with relationships, a lack of sex, lack of sleep, lack of good diet, exercise, lack of joy and freedom, nature, etc... can all be underlying causes of your horror too. It's not just the hormonal changes. The psychological issues in your life may be adding oil on the fire.
Step one: step away from the trigger
The first thing you need to do is step away from what you are trying to do. Do not text that ex, do not try to do that ponytail. Let your hair loose. Made a stain with your mascara and it was the final straw after your bf ditched you or you got fired? Put it away safely, do not try to use it again, or you may stab your eye in anger and from the jitters. Whatever you try to do, give up, wash your face, and rest on your bed.
Step two: breathe If you are having a panick attack, slow down your breathing like a hyperventilation patient, preferably by breathing slower or into a piece of cloth or a bag. Slow breathing will trick your mind into thinking all is well. Stop whatever you're doing, whether you are at work, or at home. Try get fresh air or sit down on the bed. Try to talk someone and say you are not alright.
Step three: try to rest
If you can, go to bed immediately and rest. Cancel all plans, eat something warm, put on warm socks or make a hot water bottle, and sleep as long as you want. By sleeping, you give your body the energy it needs to regulate your period and you prevent yourself from becoming overly wired. Rest is absolutely crucial. If you are at work, try to work slower, and get more comfortable. Take breaks more regularly if possible. If PMDD is controlling your life, consider changing careers or working part time. I am a firm believer that many desk jobs are not suitable for women and are ruining their hormonal balance.
Step four: talk to someone if possible
If you are afraid of hurting yourself or others. Talk to someone who's living with you, and say you are not feeling alright and why. Ask if they can they care of you and take over some tasks. If necessary, let them call your boss for sick leave.
Step five: seeks emergency help if necessary
If your anger attack is so acute that you cannot calm down, and you feel like you may harm someone, call an ambulance for instant care, before you have a nervous breakdown. This will also pull more attention to the modern problem that is PMDD and it will force you to start taking better care of yourself. If you happen to feel suicidal, and you are thinking of hurting yourself, call the suicide hotline. If you are actually hurting yourself or others, call an ambulance so you can be cared for. You may need a hormonal, neurological, psychological and/or nutritional examination. Always tell doctors if you've taken anything, like the pill or painkillers.
For next time
Next time try to prevent anger attacks in the first place. If getting lost is what drives you mad, make sure that when you go somewhere, that you have a GPS. If your makeup is bothering you, try to foresee it and change something about it that makes it feel better. Always make sure that you have enough supply of everything for anything you had planned as well. Your period should be about relaxing, but if preparation can help avoid extreme anxiety attacks or rage, then it's worth it. Use the extreme amount of energy you have during PMDD to put into preparing yourself. I know this is advice on what to do when you already have an acute panick attack.
Painkiller may induce PMDD related psychotic anger attacks
avoid taking any non prescribed medications. Paracetamol, for example, is known to cause psychosis. I have been through this personally, where I took a large dose and ended in a day long angry psychosis where I texted my ex basically saying I would murder him for what he did for me (just dump me because he was old and divorced and couldn't offer me anything, pretty humane stuff), and that I would hurt myself. I had had serious PMDD issues before, but not like that. The next day I could not believe I wrote those things!
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