IAPMD - International Association for PMDD & PME

Time zones can be tricky, especially when different parts of the world change their clocks at different times. 🕙

Here is your reminder that there is only a FOUR hour time difference between UK time and our default Eastern time this week.

BST became GMT on Sunday, Oct. 27th, but EDT won't become EST until this Sunday, Nov. 3rd, when the time difference goes back to 5 hours.

Still confused? Check out worldtimebuddy.com.

Hopefully, this reminder will be helpful to anyone who needs it. 💙

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Dive deeper into your own experience of PMDD through guided journaling. Build a practice of self-reflection.

In this workshop, Laura Teare-Jones will share insights into the benefits of journaling for self-reflection of our PMDD experiences and practical tips to get started. She’ll also walk us through a 30-minute guided journal practice for self-discovery with prompts to inspire reflection on our personal experiences and challenges of PMDD.

In our journeys with PMDD, it is helpful to seek support and answers from others, and yet sometimes the greatest lessons lie within. Through journaling, we can explore our thoughts and beliefs to illuminate areas for change or acceptance and take the next best steps for our health.

Laura is a PMDD patient expert and hormone & mindset coach. She hosted the MY HORMONES MY HEALTH podcast, sharing her own story and the stories of others living with PMDD. She also leads workshops for women in business, as well as those navigating hormone health challenges.

If you’re looking for support to jumpstart your journaling practice and dive deeper into your own experience, join us next week.

Register at iapmd.org/events/journaling-self-discovery-pmdd. See you there! 💙

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REMINDER TO POP OVER TO INSTAGRAM TOMORROW MORNING!

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 24th, at 8:00 AM EDT, for a conversation with Sandi MacDonald and Hazel Hayden on Managing Menopause.

While premenstrual disorders occur during the reproductive years before menopause, menopause is an important topic for all of us with PMDs.

Many of us wonder how perimenopause will affect our symptoms, or you may be currently experiencing changes and looking for guidance.

Menopause can also result from some of the more advanced treatments for PMDs - GnRH agonists put the body into a reversible chemical menopause, while removal of the ovaries puts the body into permanent menopause.

It’s normal to have questions.

Menopause is a big topic in the PMD community, and this October, during Menopause Awareness Month, we hope to start the conversation.

During the Live, Sandi and Hazel will discuss menopause in general and in the context of PMDs. We also plan to have follow-up conversations specifically on chemical and surgical menopause.

Sandi is IAPMD’s co-founder with lived experience of PMDD, perimenopause, chemical menopause, and surgical menopause, as well as supporting many others in our community. Hazel is the founder of the Bristol Menopause Clinic, Consultant Nurse, and Registered Menopause Specialist by the British Menopause Society.

You don’t need to register. Just tune in to our Instagram . If you can’t make it live, a recording will be posted to our feed later. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

In this workshop, Amy Sergeant will share practical tools to help you cultivate self-compassion for PMDD. She’ll share the research behind self-compassion as a tool for mental health and discuss compassion-focused therapy techniques. Together, you’ll practice techniques for growing self-compassion through embodiment and narrative.

This workshop is designed specifically for those of us with PMDD with tools to address feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing, but it can also be supportive for anyone looking to expand compassion for themselves - which is probably all of us! Partners, parents, and professionals welcome!

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Amy Sergeant is a fellow PMDDer, Health & Wellness Specialist, and adventurer who embarked on a holistic healing journey while traveling the world and now pulls together her experience and expertise to coach other women like herself to find new levels of freedom.

*This workshop will only be offered LIVE.

**Free tickets available if needed. Please email [email protected] at least 24 hours before the event for free admission.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-compassion-for-pmdd-tickets-1035452715947?aff=oddtdtcreator. 💙

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The power of Peer Support is incredible - and we know just how important it is to be able to reach out and speak with others who understand Premenstrual Disorders.

IAPMD Peer Support is available in a number of ways, all free and accessible...

•Video support groups

•Facebook Peer Support Groups - 24/7

•Inspire Forum 24/7

•Peer Support Providers via email
[email protected]

If you are in need of crisis support/intervention, please visit findahelpline.com to find a crisis center near you. YOU MATTER.

Don’t need support, but have questions that need answers? Search our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions database at iapmd.org/faq.

Remember - you deserve to feel good.
iapmd.org/peer-support
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Today is World Menopause Day, an observance held every October 18th to shatter the stigma surrounding menopause, raise awareness, and share available support for "improving health and well-being for those experiencing menopause."

This year's theme centers around menopause hormone therapy and the evidence-based options that are out there. ❤️

Most of us living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, and/or Premenstrual Exacerbation, or PME, will be affected by menopause at some point in our lives - whether it be our symptoms changing due to perimenopause and natural menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, chemical menopause as part of a treatment plan, or, surgical menopause as a very last-line treatment.

Visit iapmd.org/menopause to learn more about the different types of menopause and how they may affect your experience in regard to having a premenstrual disorder. And, as always, IAPMD is here with support at iapmd.org/peer-support. 💙

Today is Global Peer Support Celebration Day, a day that we CELEBRATE and show our GRATITUDE to all those people who VOLUNTEER their time to offer PEER SUPPORT to others. Be it those people who run groups online, people who answer helplines, or our very own wonderful peer support providers. 🎉

PMDD and PME can be invasive, debilitating, and relentless. Over and over and over.

Not only do all of our facilitators have lived experience with PMDD/PME from warriors to family members to partners, but they offer up their time to be part of our IAPMD peer support team to offer help to others.

We are beyond grateful for our peer support team! If you are able, take a moment today to thank a peer support member who has helped change your life in some way. 🙏

Remember, if you ever need some extra help - be it crisis support, a friendly ear, or just need some information - our peer support team is always here to help! YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. iapmd.org/peer-support. 💙

One of the most powerful factors in managing PMDD can be love and support from partners and family members. But it’s not always an easy journey for loved ones, even despite the best intentions.

Loved ones may not understand how the menstrual cycle can have such a striking effect on their person. They may not experience emotions in the same way, leading to frequent confusion and frustration. They may also bear the brunt of intense PMDD episodes and bouts of rage.

There’s not much guidance and support for partners and caregivers in how to deal with such a complex condition…

Aaron Kinghorn fights to change this! With 15 years of experience living alongside PMDD and supporting his wife through her journey, and five years of providing direct peer support to hundreds of partners, Aaron just released his new book Hope: A Guide to PMDD for Partners & Caregivers.

In this webinar, we sit down with Aaron to talk about his new book, his experiences as a husband of someone living with PMDD, lessons he’s learned through his own journey, and by supporting others.

If you’re a partner, caregiver, or parent of someone with PMDD, Aaron has so much wisdom to support you in your own support journey. And if you live with PMDD yourself, it can be invaluable to get a window into the perspective of partners to bring home to your own relationships.

“Where there is despair, there can be HOPE.”

Register at iapmd.org/events/fighting-for-hope-interview-with-aaron-kinghorn and submit your questions for Aaron. 💙

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Today is World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to promoting mental health across the globe and decreasing the stigma that surrounds it. 🧠

Founded in 1992 by the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH), the observance is a result of a global advocacy and awareness program.This year happens to mark the 76th anniversary of the organization, an organization that opened its doors to mental health back in 1948. 🌎

Celebrated every year on October 10th, the theme for 2024's World Mental Health Day is 'Mental Health at Work.' The hope is to, "raise awareness and highlight the vital connection between mental health and work."

For those of us with premenstrual disorders, there are a slew of mental health issues to manage. Look at just a few of the symptoms of PMDD:

•Mood and emotional changes
•Irritability, anger, or increased interpersonal conflict
•Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, feeling worthless or guilty
•Anxiety, tension, or feelings of being keyed up or on edge

IAPMD is here with support at iapmd.org/peer-support and tools to navigate PMDD in the workplace at iapmd.org/pmdd-and-the-workplace.

So, how can you take part in World Mental Health Day? Here are some ideas:

💙 Don't be hard on yourself or a loved one for having mental health issues
💙 Check on the people in your life - not just today but regularly
💙 Make extra time for self-care
💙 Share your story in a way that you're comfortable
💙 Support a local mental health initiative
💙 Join a World Mental Health Day event
💙 Post on social media
💙 Educate yourself or others through a documentary or literature
💙 Take care of a loved one who has been struggling - visit, listen, bring food, clean, etc.
💙 Refer a loved one to an in-person or online support group or join one yourself
💙 Reach out to someone you trust to talk to today

Remember, everyone deals with mental health. It's a part of being human. 💙

This powerful image captures Christina Elizabeth Bohn's college roommates at the in-person IGNITE race held this past Saturday in her memory: The Christina Bohn Memorial 5K for PMDD Awareness.

From left to right: Katie (Texas), Jill (Nevada), Mary (Utah), Sarah (North Carolina), and Katelin(Utah).

Our VIRTUAL IGNITE YOUR FIGHT 5K registration is still OPEN.
Choose your own date.
ANY PACE.
ANY PLACE.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Register at iapmd.org/events.
💙

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Today, Oct. 2nd, is the second ever PMDD Awareness Day in the state of Missouri! 🦋

We ask that you share our PMDD Awareness Day Butterfly on your socials! Or even text a friend. Please also share personal stories, educational resources, & messages of support. You never know who you may be helping!

This observance was established in memory of Christina Elizabeth Bohn (October 2, 1988- November 3, 2021), who suffered from PMDD before she died by su***de.

"It is essential to bring attention to PMDD & other premenstrual disorders as they often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and understanding," said Sandi MacDonald, co-founder & executive director of IAPMD.

"Like Christina, those with PMDD, even properly diagnosed & treated, still face poor outcomes or choose life-altering surgery or even su***de. We don't have enough awareness & understanding - or the right research - to address this problem."

"Losing our daughter, Christina, was the greatest tragedy of our lives," said Marybeth Bohn.

If your is extra long and extra debilitating, chances are it's (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or (Premenstrual Exacerbation). Knowledgeable & thorough medical professionals who implement comprehensive testing using optimal ranges are essential for properly diagnosing PMDD or finding underlying conditions that are exacerbated monthly (PME). Think you may be suffering? Visit iapmd.org/self-screen. Need some additional support? Check out iapmd.org/peer-support.

Help us bring about change!! EVERY LITTLE BIT OF AWARENESS MATTERS!! Thank you so very much! 💙

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"DEAR PERSON BEHIND ME.
I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT YOU MATTER. THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE WITH YOU IN IT. AND EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK."

It's not too late to sign up for our virtual IGNITE YOUR FIGHT 5K! Simply visit iapmd.org/events to sign up with or without our shirt option.

We're loving this one-of-a-kind shirt from the in-person portion of our race series on Saturday.

REMEMBER TO TAG US! 💙

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We are LOVING all the photos and reels! Keep 'em coming!

If yesterday didn't work for your virtual 5K, you are still welcome to sign up! Just let us know what date works for you! 🗓

iapmd.org/events 💙

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Our very own Sandi MacDonald, Executive Director and IAPMD Co-founder, will be speaking this Friday, September 20th, at the CHASE THE CHAOS digital summit about PMDD and the Neurodivergent link.

Sandi will be joining 12+ speakers who’ll be talking about topics from morning routines to how to schedule self-care to how to advocate for yourself in therapy, and we warmly invite you to buy you ticket to join her!

CHASE THE CHAOS is a woman-led virtual conference for neurodivergent adults who believe in working with your brain instead of trying to “fix” it. This is the perfect place to explore how PMDD and neurodiverse brains intersect.

Visit https://lnkd.in/e8sseSmd, and choose one of the three ticket types (Replay Only, Live Access, and VIP Access, ranging from $50 USD to $225 USD), and to support an event all about changing the narrative about women, ADHD, and Autism.

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Suicidal thoughts are a common symptom of PMDD for many of us. While painful and scary, we choose not to shy away from this part of the experience and instead turn towards…

In this workshop, Jenni-Kay Long, social worker, suicidologist, and PMDD survivor, will guide us through a gentle exploration of suicidality from an IFS parts perspective.

IFS (Internal Family Systems/”Parts Work”) is a therapeutic model that recognizes that we all experience multiplicity, or multiple parts to who we are. Those of us living with PMDD know this all too well, feeling joyful and also despair, deep love and intense anger, wanting to live and also wanting to die…

Through an IFS approach, we turn towards the suicidal parts within ourselves, listen to them, and get to know them. We learn how they are trying to help us, even when it seems like they are only trying to hurt us. We find ways to embrace and care for these parts. And, through this process, release fear and the grip these suicidal parts might have on our lives, for it is only one part of who we are.

If that sounds strange to you but also surprisingly hopeful, this workshop is for you.

This workshop is open to individuals living with PMDD, practitioners, and loved ones - anyone who is interested. It will include foundational lessons on the IFS model as well as experiential practices and guided reflection. The workshop will end with a period for questions, answers, and discussion.

Visit iapmd.org/events/caring-for-our-suicidal-parts-ifs-pmdd to register.

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Today, September 10th, is World Su***de Prevention Day. We invite you to join IAPMD and many organizations around the world as we light up the globe.

Tonight at 8 PM EDT, we encourage you to LIGHT A CANDLE near a window. Or simply RESHARE this post.

To support su***de prevention.
To remember loved ones.
To honor survivors of su***de.

💙🕯

The International Association for Su***de Prevention has identified the 2024-2026 theme as ‘Changing the Narrative on Su***de’ with an associated call to action of ‘Start the Conversation’.

"Changing the narrative on su***de is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support. Changing the narrative on su***de aims to inspire individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about su***de and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support."

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A study published in 2022 found that women who are neurobiologically sensitive to hormone changes, as in the case with PMDD, may be at increased risk of not only suicidal thoughts but also suicidal behavior.

The results further point to a need for increased awareness and training among health care professionals and a need for improved and standardized screening of suicidal ideation in women with PMDD.

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We hope you will join us this evening in supporting su***de prevention. And if you're struggling, please know that IAPMD is ALWAYS here for you. We are just an email away at [email protected]. Also, please visit iapmd.org/peer-support to learn about all the different support options we offer. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.

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findahelpline.com 🆘️

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We are proud to announce that IAPMD Board Member Aaron Kinghorn has authored a guide for PMDD partners and caregivers.

Initially a blog post during lockdown, Aaron has transformed his PMDD partner experience into a ray of hope to help partners understand how to best support PMDs.

"PMDD has destroyed countless relationships and caused untold heartache. Given that one of the primary symptoms of PMDD is 'Interpersonal Conflict,' it is little wonder that over half of those with PMDD report losing a partner because of it. Yet, there is little information or support for caregivers and partners in how to deal with such a complex condition.

With 15 years of experience living alongside PMDD and five years of providing direct peer support to hundreds of partners with PMDD, Aaron empathetically reviews what PMDD is, how it can impact a relationship and how someone can support their partner better.

What is PMDD? What does it look like? What is it like to live alongside PMDD? Can I build a PMDD proof relationship? How do I handle the rage, anger, and meltdowns? What happens if my partner is not engaged with the diagnosis? Where there is despair, there can be HOPE."

Available on Amazon. All proceeds to IAPMD. 💙

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SEPTEMBER IS SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH.

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Rest is a necessity, a productive component of good health. Rest is especially important for those suffering from Premenstrual Disorders like PMDD and PME.

Without proper rest and relaxation, our premenstrual symptoms can worsen. PMDD symptoms can range from things like anxiety and irritability to suicidal ideation. Visit iapmd.org/about-pmdd to learn more.

Too often, rest is viewed as a reward, dismissed for lack of time, and associated with guilt and laziness.

The reality? Rest allows for rejuvenation of both the body and the mind, counteracting the chonic stress that surrounds us in our daily lives.

Unfortunately, many of any of us don't have the luxury of napping whenever it suits. Luckily, there is much more to resting than just laying down.

In fact, there are actually seven types of rest:
•physical (stretching, warm bathing, walking)
•mental (meditating, reading, listening to music)
•emotional (journaling, talking with trusted ones, setting boundaries)
•sensory (spending time outdoors, smelling calming scents, cooking)
•creative (dancing, writing, crafting)
•social (volunteering, taking a social media break, joining a group)
•spiritual (connecting with nature, taking part in activities that offer purpose, reflecting)

Get to know these forms of rest, especially throughout your luteal phase.

Make time for rest just as you make time for nutrition, exercise, etc. You're worth it.

SEPTEMBER IS SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH.
TAKE CARE OF YOU.
CHECK ON YOUR LOVED ONES.
HAVE THEM CHECK ON YOU.

iapmd.org/peer-support
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findahelpline.com 💙

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Are you among the 1 in 20 who suffer?

ONE MONTH from today on September 28th, we invite you to join us to FIGHT FOR PMD AWARENESS!

Visit iapmd.org/events to learn more about both virtual and in-person options!

Be sure to tag in your posts/reels and use the hashtag . 💙

🎆🧨

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY:
Did you know that 2024 is the 10th anniversary of our organization?! 💫 Here's to a decade of shining a light on PMDD Awareness! Be sure to order your commemorative fireworks shirt! 👕

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In IAPMD's newest webinar, you’ll learn a self-applied tool to help support yourself during the most difficult time of the month: EFT Tapping.

EFT stands for "Emotional Freedom Technique" but most know it as "Tapping." In EFT, you use your fingertips to tap on acupressure points on your face and upper body.

This gentle tapping can send a calming signal to the brain and body in just a few minutes which may be a helpful practice in times of stress during our cycles and PMDD. It’s a tool we can use anytime in our daily lives to help soothe ourselves and fill in the gaps between other treatments, therapy, and care.

Led by Catharine Ross, a certified EFT Tapping Practitioner of 12 years, you’ll learn:

•The science behind EFT Tapping and how it can help PMDD

•The impact of emotional dysregulation and past trauma on our cycle

•Common emotional triggers during PMDD – like rejection sensitivity, rage, anger, guilt, sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and low mood

•How we can use EFT Tapping to help support our mental health not just in the moment but as a whole

Catharine will also guide you through a tap along exercise specific for PMDD.

This is a tool you can take home and use anytime you need it - a tool that also helps Catharine with her own symptoms of PMDD.

“I believe the most important thing we can give ourselves during PMDD is self-love and self-care. Being able to use a tool in the moment or as a preventative measure to avoid emotional rollercoasters and the triggering of past trauma is an invaluable part of our toolkit.”

This workshop will leave you equipped and empowered to support yourself during difficult times and find more peace in your cycle and PMDD.

Visit iapmd.org/events/eft-tapping-pmdd.

Can’t make it live? A recording will be shared with all who register. 💙

Our EARLY BIRD race price of $35 has been extended through the weekend. 🐦

Register NOW to lock in the early bird price. Race fees go up to full price on Monday, August 26th!

Registration includes race shirt, race bib, and certificate, as well as a special discount on our IAPMD treatment ebook at just $19! (Limit one ebook per person.)

Register at iapmd.org/events/2024-ignite-your-fight-virtual-5k!

IGNITE THE FIGHT INSIDE YOU!! JOIN US IN OUR WORLDWIDE VIRTUAL 5K FOR PREMENSTRUAL DISORDERS AWARENESS!! 💙

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Parenting a child with PMDD comes with unique challenges. You want to understand what's going on, but you've never experienced the same symptoms. You want to take away the pain, but that's not quite how this works.

What you can do is learn about PMDD and love your child through every phase of the menstrual cycle and health journey. We're here to help you do that!

Join us for an illuminating hour with Regan, Nia, Nichole, and Ella, members of the IAPMD Young Advisory Board who will share their stories and wisdom from lived experience. They'll talk about what PMDD is really like and how parents can best support their children going through the rollercoaster.

This workshop will be moderated by Sandi MacDonald, IAPMD's executive director, who is both a survivor of PMDD herself and a mother supporting her own young adult daughter through menstrual-mental health.

THIS WORKSHOP WILL COVER:
•Premenstrual Disorders 101 - What is PMDD? What is PME? How do you get diagnosed? What causes PMDD/PME? What are the general treatment approaches?
•Being an advocate for your child through diagnosis, treatment, and care
•Supporting your child’s education, work, and relationships
•What it really feels like to experience PMDD/PME
•Supporting your child through the hardest times, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts
•Understanding and navigating your teens moods/outbursts with the cycle in mind
•Parenting beyond the nest - supporting your adult child with PMDD
•What to say & what not to say
•What helps & what doesn’t help

THIS WORKSHOP IS DESIGNED FOR:
•Parents of tweens, teens, or adult children with PMDD, PME, or significant cyclical mental health challenges

If you live with PMDD yourself, are a partner of someone with PMDD, or a practitioner wanting to learn more, we know you'll get a ton out of this panel too, so please come along!

Visit iapmd.org/events/supporting-your-child-with-pmdd to register! Recording available with registration.💙