Without further ado, here’s another edition of the series with a question from reader Emily.
What steps do you recommend to help balance my anxiety throughout the month?
Experiencing anxiety in the days leading up to menstruation is normal for many people.
The extent to which someone feels the effects will vary, though.
In general, the human body undergoes a lot of hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
To prepare for pregnancy, the body will increase hormone production.
If an egg is not implanted, those hormone levels drop again.
As these hormones fluctuate, the neurotransmitters in the brain and the gut will change as well.
You’re anticipating the changes.
Some people might also get anxious over the anticipation of their period and the changes that it brings.
These changes are biological, though, and part of the normal human cycle.
It’s important to accept them and normalize them so they don’t harm our mental fitness.
You may have an underlying condition.
A small percentage of women (about 3 to 8%) experiencepremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Though PMDD symptoms feel like full-blown anxiety or depression, they tend to disappear after the period ends.
How to manage period and pre-period anxiety.
Acknowledge your anxiety without judgment.
When negative thoughts come into our heads, many people venture to repress them.
To keep this from happening, speak your feelings out loud or write them down.
Don’t judge your thoughts; just name them so they no longer have power over you.
Then, work on getting out of your head and back into your body.
Practice deep belly breathing.
Show yourself compassion.
People with anxious personalities tend to live in more punitive mindsets and constantly judge themselves.
Stop looking out for anxious symptoms.
If anxiety is going to occur, it’s important to have the tools to help manage it.
However, looking out for symptoms of anxiety or panic to prepare may only create the problem.
Try not to plan for the worstworrying doesn’t solve problems; problem-solving does.
