Psychological Symptoms

The most common, and distressing, PMS symptoms are depression, aggression and mood swings.

Depression:

• Questioning all thoughts and actions, the need for reassurance.
  
• Being vulnerable and over-sensitive.
  
• Feelings of guilt.
  
• Loss of energy and motivation.
  
• Loss or gain in weight.
  
• Poor quality of sleep, or (less frequently) an excessive desire to sleep.
  
• Agitation and restlessness.
  
• Loss of sex drive.
  
• Difficulty of concentration; forgetfulness.
  
• Irrational thoughts.
  
• Physical aches and pains, sometimes with fears of more serious illness
  

Women and depression.

Women experience depression about twice as frequently than men. Menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, PMS, perimenopause and menopause are all contributory factors.
One woman in ten is also affected by postnatal depression.
Whilst depressed many feel tired, helpless or out-of-control.
Recurrent negative thoughts/feelings often drag you down.
It is vital to recognise that these negative views are symptoms of depression. They do not accurately reflect actual circumstances. Negative thinking diminishes with effective treatment.