For years, Stephanie was taken from one healthcare professional to another, without anyone taking his symptoms seriously. Even after a suicide attempt at age 19, her concerns were often downplayed or ignored by those she trusted for help, says The Mirror. It was ultimately thanks to her mother, Loraine, and a television show that she discovered the truth about her condition.
After hearing Denise Welch speak about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) on Loose Women, Loraine made the connection with her daughter’s symptoms. “When my mother shared with me what she had heard on television, it was a trigger for me. Finally, someone was describing exactly what I was going through month after month. Unfortunately, even after that, the road to an official diagnosis was rocky.“Stephanie explained.
“It was like a light came on at the end of a dark tunnel”
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, although similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is a more severe form that can cause serious symptoms such as extreme irritability, deep depression and even suicidal thoughts. For Stephanie, every month was a test of survivalhis mood swings leaving little respite to his already fragile mental health.
The road to recovery began with treatment with the combined contraceptive pill, prescribed by a specialist clinic in Edinburgh. “It was like a light came on at the end of a dark tunnel“, she confides. “The treatment ultimately worked for me, but I am aware that many women still suffer in silence, without access to appropriate care.“
“It is essential that health professionals are trained”
Now a nursing student, Stephanie uses her personal experience to raise awareness about PMDD and advocates for better management of mental health disorders in women. “It is essential that healthcare professionals are trained to recognize and treat PMDD at the first symptoms. Every day counts when it comes to saving lives and relieving suffering.“, underlines the young woman.
His fight does not end there. Stephanie hopes her story will encourage other women to seek help and not give up when faced with symptoms that can seem insurmountable.. For her, sharing her story is an act of resilience and empathy towards all those who fight in the shadows against poorly understood illnesses.
