Vicky Pattison has revealed she suffered from ‘suicidal thoughts’ because of her PMDD.
The 35-year-old reality star was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder earlier this year and revealed that the condition left her suffering from a ‘constant cycle’ of despair at certain periods of the month.
Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Thursday, she said: ‘Honestly, the best way I’ve ever heard it described is that PMDD is like building a sand castle of good habits, great relationships positive habits, going for morning runs, drinking green juice giving birth to an avocado, whatever it is.
‘And then every month, a wave comes and takes away all those things and leaves only hopelessness and despair.
‘It’s this constant cycle. It was despair, hopelessness, overwhelm, chronic fatigue, crippling anxiety, and – in some darker moments – suicidal thoughts.’
Honest account: Vicky Pattison, 35, revealed on Good Morning Britain on Thursday she suffered from ‘suicidal thoughts’ because of a premenstrual disorder
Sharing her journey: The reality star was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder earlier this year and revealed that the condition left her suffering from a ‘constant cycle’ of despair at certain periods of the month
The former Geordie Shore star went on to explain that the condition can often be misdiagnosed as depression and called on the NHS to start treating the two as separate issues as she revealed where she is at with her treatment.
She added: ’10 percent of women are diagnosed with PMDD but the number of people could be much higher could be much higher. It’s often misdiagnosed as depression.
‘When I explained my symptoms, I was offered anti-depressants. I think if I was suffering with depression and every day I woke up with feelings of despair and hopelessness, I would take antidepressants, I have no problems accepting this.
‘However, this was different. I love my life, I’m very fortunate, I’m mentally strong, and all the rest of it, this is just 10 days of the month.
‘And I don’t think it’s too much to ask for women suffering from PMDD rather than depression, because they are different.
‘It’s not a one-size-fits-all with medication and because my diagnosis is relatively recent, I’m on the first course of action which is like a combination contraceptive pill. I’m hopeful that the symptoms will alleviate.’
Vicky also spoke about her condition on Instagram recently. Sharing a gallery of pictures from that time, she penned: ‘I’ve wanted to do this post for awhile but ironically I was balls deep in what I’ve affectionately taken to calling my PMDD fog.
‘The haze that descends on you 10days before your period that leaves you feeling despondent, depressive & crippled with insecurity.
She said: ‘And then every month, a wave comes and takes away all those things and leaves only hopelessness and despair. It’s this constant cycle. It was despair, hopelessness, overwhelm, chronic fatigue, crippling anxiety, and – in some darker moments – suicidal thoughts’
More to say: The former Geordie Shore star went on to explain that the condition can often be misdiagnosed as depression and called on the NHS to start treating the two as separate issues as she revealed where she is at with her treatment
Sad moments: Vicky has been talking to her fans about how she has been feeling lately on social media
Telling all: She also shared this lengthy post to go alongside her gallery of pictures
‘Yesterday was the first day in awhile I felt abit more like myself again- my diary didn’t fill me with anxiety, sleep came easily, I found joy in things that normally bring me happiness & I was able to look in the mirror without hating everything In short, I know I’m now moving into a phase in my cycle that I find manageable, enjoyable- I feel like myself again.’
She continued: ‘This cycle is the reality for 10% of women in the UK- a statistic that could be significantly larger as a lot of women are currently undiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge on the subject.
‘In addition to that women are often misdiagnosed as PMDD symptoms can echo those of adhd & depression.
‘But we’re not depressed- we have PMDD & I don’t think it’s too much to ask that that be recognised and we be given the correct support & medication to help us get some semblance of normality back. That’s all we really want.. Our lives back.
Season’s key trend: Vicky looked incredible in her chocolate brown ensemble which consisted of a vinyl pencil skirt and a matching blouse
‘Last week, with the incredible @tvnaga I spoke to a select committee at the Houses of Parliament about women’s reproductive health & in particular my experience with PMDD.
‘It was both heartbreaking & emotional listening to Naga describe her almost lifelong struggle with adenomyosis. And it made me think- women are just expected to get on with everything aren’t we? & if we complain or speak up we’re branded whingy or troublemakers.
‘We’re invalidated constantly, made to feel weak, told to get on with it. From periods, to pregnancy & then to menopause. We are failed. Due to a lack of support, education & awareness.’
She concluded: ‘I have high hopes for the future of women’s reproductive health- I felt that the MP’s we spoke to last week were both sympathetic & keen to encourage positive change within this space.
‘In the meantime, I have put a link to a petition on my Insta story calling for better support & healthcare for those suffering with the destructive consequences of PMDD- if you’d like to sign I’d be incredibly grateful.’
