PMS and mild depression

Hi,

I feel depressed before and my period and during. it lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 days. It seems to get better and be more managable when I am working so I can distract myself.

The thing is, I don't want to go on medication for this but I feel its hard to just enjoy life and be happy during this period of time. I'm not sure what to do or what I can tell myself to make myself feel better. I told the doctor that I don't want to be on meds and she is going to recommend some diet and exercise tips but I feel like I need some CBT exercises to control all the negative thoughts I get. Can anyone reccommend anything? Anything is appreciated and thanks..

Hello,

I think everyone has something special that works for them, but I can offer you my two cents. During my PMS times, which also stretch into my period like yours, I usually think about depressing thoughts also and my OCD flares up. Being 17, it's all overwhelming sometimes but since I know it's only the duration of, what?, 10-14 days? I usually just 'put it on hold'. Let's say, I think about life and feel myself slipping into sadness and despair, I just remind myself that no one has been able to answer those questions so why should I have to upset myself over something so stupid? I put it on hold. I tell myself I'll think about it later, tomorrow, next week, or etc. When that thought slithers back to your head, just scold it like you would a child, tell it that it's time-out isn't over yet so it can't come back into your stream of consciousness.

Hope it helps,
Fauna

i think it's normal, every girl i know experiences that.