Some diseases take your life, and others make you want to take your own.
On November 3, 2021, Christina Elizabeth Bohn Rudd died from suicide. At 33 years old, a cardiac care nurse, wife, and mother to two young children, Christina took her own life.
For the past ten years, she had battled a relentless and debilitating cycle of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and hopelessness. At first, this cycle seemed random, but finally, she and her parents connected this cycle to her menstrual cycle. Just three months before her passing, Christina received a diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). But after a decade of suffering without answers or the proper treatment, the pain was too great.
Christina’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s sadly not uncommon among PMDD sufferers. PMDD is a cyclical, hormone-based disorder, often so severe and debilitating that over 30% of sufferers will not just consider but attempt to end their own lives. PMDD affects 1 in 20 women and AFAB individuals globally, but many will go undiagnosed and untreated for decades, just like Christina. Due to stigma, lack of awareness and research, and even medical gaslighting, the wait for an accurate diagnosis of PMDD is 12 years!
These statistics are frightening and life-shattering, and sometimes they strike the difference between life and death.
But we can change this!
This Suicide Prevention Month, we ask that you take a stand with us to END SUICIDE from PMDD. We cannot lose more incredible women like Christina to this condition. Join us at the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) to save lives.
DONATE TODAY AT: iapmd.org/suicide-prevention-2022
Ending suicide from PMDD is complex, and it goes far beyond crisis intervention. We propose a strategy that starts even before symptoms do.
So, how do we END SUICIDE from PMDD?
AWARENESS - Awareness is the first step! PMDD is still one of the least known women’s health conditions, and this directly impacts the quality of care individuals can receive. Christina saw dozens of doctors during her battle with PMDD, and no one noticed the signs. No one tracked her symptoms or made the connection between her mental health and menstrual cycle. This is not okay. That is why IAPMD celebrates Premenstrual Disorders Awareness Month each April to spread awareness far and wide to those suffering and those who can help.
EDUCATION - Next is education. PMDD is not yet included in any standardized education or certification program for health professionals. Doctors and therapists simply do not know what they do not know. In January 2022, IAPMD founded a Professional Community to change this, to educate professionals about premenstrual disorders and how they can support patients. This is only the beginning.
PREVENTION - What causes PMDD? It’s the million-dollar question. What are the early signs and symptoms? What is the impact of early intervention? Most individuals with PMDD experience trauma due to living with PMDD, especially undiagnosed and untreated. What if this could all be prevented?
TREATMENT - Current treatments for PMDD, while effective for some, are disappointing at best. Many experience side effects and unforeseen consequences from treating their PMDD with pharmaceuticals, hormone therapies, and surgery. There is no targeted treatment for PMDD yet. And research on natural options is almost nonexistent. We must change this!
SUPPORT - And finally, support for the sufferers, for the warriors! IAPMD was founded by peer support. It’s our fire and greatest resource. With seven groups on Facebook, a dozen video support groups, and 1:1 peer support, we are there to turn on the light in the darkest moments.
Ending suicide from PMDD is one of greatest missions at IAPMD. It won’t be easy, but it is possible when we all come together. That is why we need your help!
Before there is Awareness, Education, Prevention, Treatment, and Support - there needs to be FUNDING. That is where you come in.
DONATE TODAY AT: iapmd.org/suicide-prevention-2022