Revival of the NAPS self-help group network?
Diane aims to help PMS sufferers in Leicester
'Diane, NAPS member, aims to set up a self -help group in Leicester'
' Revival of the NAPS self-help group network?'
In the 1980s and early 1990s there were a number of NAPS self-help groups set up by members throughout the UK. In time they ceased to exist but many sufferers past and present would say that they found them an excellent method of support. Now Diane would like to set up one in Leicester, her local area and we wonder if there is now a taste again for women coming together as a way of understanding and alleviating their PMS issues.
If you are interested in the Leicester initiative please contact the NAPS office at contact@pms.org.uk and if you would like to consider setting up a self-help group in your own area also let us know through the same email address.There are sufficient members and friends of NAPS with personal experience of running self-help groups, to be able to provide a system of support and advice to a new generation of women wanting to help other sufferers in their own communities.
Diane writes:PMS support group in Leicester
"My name's Diane. I'm 42 and I live in Leicester with my partner Steven and our two daughters, aged 7 and 2½. I suffered postnatal illness after the birth of my eldest daughter, which recurred when my youngest was about three months old. I was prescribed antidepressants (sertraline then paroxetine, both SSRIs). I also asked my GP to refer me for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and I sought counselling privately. Generally, I'm a lot better. The medication reduced the anxiety; the CBT helped me to get back some semblance of control over my life; the counselling gave me the space I craved when I was at my lowest point.
"However, my PMS symptoms are worse than ever; the fatigue is debilitating. I have a chart in the kitchen so that Steven knows when I'm going to be out of action or unbearably moody. Our lives are ruled by my PMS: planning holidays is a nightmare, so we rarely go away as a family.
"There's a lot I could do to improve things: lose weight, do more exercise, avoid caffeine, avoid stress, do relaxation, get more sleep, avoid wheat, take supplements...the list is endless. It's finding the time, getting started and staying motivated that I find difficult. I'm sure that there are some of you reading this who feel the same. I'd like to meet you and see what we can do together to improve our lives with PMS.
"That's why I want to set up a PMS support group in Leicester. If you're interested, and you live in or around Leicester, please get in touch with me via NAPS."
