At first, working from home sounded great. But then my PMDD got worse. Work had always been a safe place for me, but not anymore. I was struggling and spiraling. Over time, I started to figure out how to make work work again.

PMDD has been a hidden battle for many of us. Throughout history, PMDD symptoms have been mistaken and dismissed. However, within the last century, brave women and their supporters have fought to bring PMDD out of the shadows, and modern advocates continue the fight for change.

In tears, heart pounding, I am furious. I hate my partner, I hate my life, I want to give up. Oh my gosh – here we go - the dragon is back! It’s the same cycle all over again…

Through diagnosis, treatment, and education, I have transformed from a person overwhelmed by intense premenstrual symptoms into someone who understands their condition and has the tools to manage it.

I knew I wanted to focus my energy on raising awareness of PMDD, especially within Wales where I live and where healthcare is devolved. So I decided to run an awareness event of my own - and where better than at the heart of Welsh Government - The Senedd Estate during April 2023 - right in PMD Awareness Month! 

I never wanted you and I certainly never asked for you. You’re like a parasite in my mind that surfaces every few weeks, trying to destroy me. Why do you do that? Is there something you’re trying to tell me, or are you intrinsically mean just because you are?

As I blew out the candles on my 34th birthday, I’d still never been in a romantic relationship. One of my biggest fears was that dating a girl with PMDD was too much for someone to sign up for, and I began to believe I would never find a loving partner. Days later, I passed him in the parking lot. We’ll call him “N…”