April is PMDD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)—a severe, hormone-based mood disorder that affects an estimated 5–8% of menstruating individuals. Often misdiagnosed or dismissed as “just bad PMS,” PMDD brings intense emotional, mental, and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, making everyday life feel overwhelming or even unmanageable. Despite its impact, PMDD remains widely misunderstood, with many individuals waiting years for an accurate diagnosis and adequate support.

In recognition of PMDD Awareness Month, we’re sitting down with Brittany, an expat living with PMDD, to hear firsthand what it’s like navigating this condition while living abroad. From the challenges of accessing healthcare in a new country to the emotional toll of managing symptoms without a familiar support system, Brittany shares her story with honesty and vulnerability helping break the silence and reduce the stigma surrounding PMDD.

Understanding Life with PMDD: Brittany’s Story

“It’s kind of like a tornado,” Brittany explains. “Growing up in Missouri, you learn to sense when the weather’s about to turn. You wake up, and something just feels off. Then it builds—slowly at first—and before you know it, it touches down. That’s what PMDD feels like for me.”

At the time, Brittany had never heard of PMDD. She was in university, trying to manage classes, an internship, and the demands of daily life, when everything became too much. One day, overwhelmed and in tears, she found herself having a breakdown in her doctor’s office. That conversation was the first time PMDD was mentioned. Her GP suggested she begin tracking her symptoms to understand better what was happening. Eventually with her therapist’s support and by tracking her cycle and symptoms, she gradually began to connect the dots.

That said, the process wasn’t without complications. At the time, she lived in Colorado but still had doctors back home in Missouri. “Trying to explain the diagnosis to different GPs, gynecologists, and therapists in two states was frustrating,” she says. “I was also hesitant to tell my friends, I didn’t know how to talk about it yet.”

The Day-to-Day Reality

Physically, PMDD can feel like moving through a fog. “It’s like walking through quicksand,” Brittany shares. “I’m exhausted, slow, and everything takes more effort.” But it’s the emotional toll that often hits hardest. “Every insecurity I have is magnified. I become anxious about everything, even things I logically know aren’t a big deal. Any minor inconvenience can feel like the end of the world. I cry—like, a lot.”

Her symptoms shift throughout the month. There’s usually one week when she feels energetic and clear-headed when her spark returns. But the rest of the time, especially leading up to her period, things feel heavier. Stress is a major trigger, especially when her schedule is overloaded. “I joke that I’m always stressed, but truly, overbooking myself makes everything worse.”

To cope, Brittany focuses on small, manageable movements, whether stretching at home, walking to the shop, or going to the gym. “It feels counterintuitive when my body feels slow, but movement helps. I take it one step at a time.” Even the smallest actions act like an anchor, helping her reconnect with her body and bring herself back to reality when everything feels overwhelming. She also practices breathwork and works on shifting her perspective, although she admits that some days, the most she can do is change into cozy clothes and tune out the world.

Relationships and Support Systems

Living with PMDD has affected Brittany’s relationships, even when she wishes it didn’t. “I don’t think my last relationship failed because of PMDD, but it didn’t help,” she reflects. “It’s hard to show up for the people you love when everything feels like the end of the world.”

Things became especially difficult during a particularly rough period when several challenges collided at once. “My therapist at the time had to step away, close family members were going through serious health issues, and some of my relationships were shifting in ways I wasn’t prepared for,” she says. “It felt like everything I depended on for stability was suddenly gone.”

Finding a new therapist wasn’t easy. It took time, trial and error, and a lot of emotional energy but she credits her support network for helping her through it. “I had a few close friends who consistently pushed me to keep showing up, to keep trying. That made a huge difference.”

Over time, Brittany learned to be more open about her mental and physical state, even though that doesn’t always guarantee understanding. “People can be empathetic, but that doesn’t mean they fully get it,” she says. “Luckily, I’ve built a strong community here. I know who I can go to when I need a reminder that the world isn’t actually falling apart.”

Final Reflections: Advice and Advocacy

When asked what advice she would give to someone newly diagnosed with PMDD, Brittany doesn’t hesitate:

“The most important piece of advice I can give to anyone going through PMDD or any mental health struggle is: don’t give up.”

She also stresses the power of self-awareness. “Track your cycle. That’s been a game-changer for me. Paying attention to how my body and mind shift throughout the month has helped me understand what treatments and routines work.”

While living with PMDD comes with a steep learning curve, Brittany is hopeful that growing awareness can lead to better support and understanding.

Advocacy and Awareness

So what does Brittany wish more people knew?

“It’s more common than you think and if you’re struggling, you are not alone.”

When it comes to supporting those living with PMDD, Brittany emphasizes the importance of compassion on all levels.

“I think collectively, we all need more empathy. Life is tough, and everyone is fighting battles you might not see. Be kind to others, and to yourself. That’s something I still have to remind myself every day.”

Finally, she hopes for broader awareness and deeper research into PMDD.

“While it’s starting to be talked about more, PMDD still isn’t widely known or well-researched. The more we bring it into the conversation, the less scary it is for people to open up and hopefully, that leads to better support and more scientific understanding.”

Conclusion

Brittany’s story is a reminder that while PMDD can be an isolating and overwhelming experience, no one has to face it alone. By speaking openly about the emotional and physical toll it takes, she’s helping to break the silence and create space for others to feel seen, heard, and supported.

If you or someone you know is struggling with PMDD, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether talking to a healthcare provider, joining a support group, or simply tracking your cycle and symptoms—every small step can make a difference. This PMDD Awareness Month, let’s continue the conversation, spread empathy, and push for greater recognition and research.

Take action: Share this story, check in on a friend, or learn more through organizations like IAPMD or PMDD Sucks.  Awareness starts with you.