Mental health gets worse when I have my period

I have anxiety and depression and had a break down about a year and a half ago which resulted in me dropping out of teacher training and going on ESA. I generally feel much better and I'm now working and thinking of returning too uni at a later date. However I've found that just before and during my period my mental health becomes worse (although not as bad as it originally was); I have panick attacks, wake up feeling scared and find it difficult to motivate myself. Could anyone suggest self help techniques or supliments (I'm on sertraline so something that'll be safe to take with that) that I could try?

Have you tried things like midfullness? And has your doctor suggested any talking therapy?

mine is much worse around my period as well no clue why

I don't have mental health problems now, but I did suffer from post natal depression. When my period is due I often feel like things are about to go horribly wrong, when I know things are fine, logically. I don't know whether you currently take it but I wonder whether the pill might help? Might be worth discussing with your doctor?

I can't take the pill due to my family medical history. I did consider trying the mirena coil but I decided against it as I was concerned might make things worse (I've never used any hormonal contraception so no idea how I'd react to it).

That's a shame. It might still be worth discussing with your doctor whether there's anything low dose where the benefits might outweigh the risks, but I can understand why you'd be wary.

From a self-help perspective, when I feel like that is check the calendar, then remind myself that this is not real, it;s a feeling, feelings feel bad, but they aren't real, it's just my hormones, they'll settle again, and in a few days, it will pass. Mindfulness does take practice - there are some apps that are supposed to help (though some people say they are just irritating) - might be worth looking for reviews of those?

It sounds as though you've made some very positive steps forward, and it would be a shame if the hormonal swings that come from being female upset things for you - I hope some of the suggestions help you, and if they don't, please do mention the issue to your health care professionals.

mine is much worse around my period as well no clue why

It's PMS. Most women find they're significantly more emotional, more easily upset or cry more around the time of their period, it's due to the excessive amount of homornes or a hormonal imbalance that comes with the period itself. Logically if you have a mental illness that affects your emotions, the added hormones aren't going to help, and you're bound to feel more sensitive.

In addition to what the user above said, try seeking therapy. This definitely seems to be the case of hormonal imbalance. Maybe try to get more involved in social activities, even if you can't motivate yourself to do it, just try.. I'm sure you will enjoy them.

It sounds similar to what I have: premenstrual dystrophic disorder. I have depression but it gets so much worse around my period. You can take medication to reduce this, and I've heard birth control pills with oestrogen helps too.
Exercise is a good non medication method which is very effective, and CBT and mindfulness are good for thoughts.

For me, I give myself plenty of self care around my period. I try to be around people to stop getting lonely and depressed, but if I'm feeling antisocial then I'll stay in my room watching shows and eating chocolate. I'll treat myself and know that the thoughts are down to hormones and not me.

Good luck


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Thanks what medication helps this? As I said earlier I can't take the pill so that isn't something I could look into.

I haven't taken medication myself but for pmdd one of them includes birth control. Increasing oestrogen is thought to prevent low moods (apparently those with high oestrogen levels don't experience depression) so if you can't take pills I'm wondering if there are other ways to naturally produce this?
Alternatively exercise will help release hormones good for depression.



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