PMDD and Suicide

Q: I'm a 33 year-old woman. I think I have been dealing with PMDD for years now. I'm on 4 different anti-depressants and I'm getting worse. I have noticed that my symptoms are around the time for my period. I've been seeing a therapist for about 3 years now, and now I'm even seeing and talking with a priest. That's how close I am to killing myself. They seem to think that I'm a woman with 4 children that have driven me crazy, but I know it's more. I planned on killing myself last night. I went to see my priest today, so that I could confess all my sins. When I got back home, my TV was on. I don't remember leaving it on, but it was on, and there was this commercial on, talking about PMDD and it sounded so very much like what I was going through.

I was so happy to see that commercial, because for the first time in years I felt I wasn't going crazy. I felt hope. Dr. Donnica, I haven't talked with my doctor yet, but I will be calling her tomorrow, asking her if she has heard about PMDD. I hope that she has. I think that this may be my lifesaver. I was ready to take my own life and leave my 4 children behind because I couldn't deal with the pain anymore. When the pain and depression do go away, you spend the rest of that time preparing for the next month, but nothing prepares you for the torture. Thanks for saving my life today, I feel hope now.

-- From  FG.

Thanks for contacting me. More importantly, thank you so much for NOT doing anything to harm yourself!!!  When I think of those 4 wonderful children without a mom, I want to cry.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE call your psychiatrist TODAY (NOW!) and tell whoever answers the phone that you need to be seen immediately because you were thinking of killing yourself.  (It's like telling the gas company you smell gas.)  If it helps you, just print out this message and bring it to your doctor.  Yes, you very well could have PMDD, but you and your doctor will need to sort this out and your 4 medicines (and everything else) and come up with a plan.

If your doctor is not available, ask who's on call for emergencies. Thoughts of killing yourself (or others) should always be treated as urgent medical problems.  You can also call 911 and ask for the phone number of your local suicide prevention hotline.  Now is also not a good time to be alone. Your clergy person is an excellent support person, but being with a friend or relative is also helpful.

In the meantime, is there anyone else who can help you with the kids? You'd be amazed how willing people are to help, but you have to ask.

With best wishes for a POSITIVE future,

Click here for more information about depression or other mental health issues.

Donnica Moore, MD

Created: 3/5/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.