Is It More Than "PMS"? Support Karissa's PMDD Awareness Ride

Do you struggle with "PMS"?

Does your "PMS" disrupt your life, lasting 1-2 weeks prior to you period? During "PMS" do you feel...

You may have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) if you've answered yes to a few of these questions. Please visit iapmd.org and check out the self-screen.

If you are struggling and feel like you're alone with these symptoms, it's probably because so many others like you and me are masking their pain. I'm Karissa, I have PMDD, and I tried masking for years before getting help. I have a story to tell about my experience with a disease that hides behind stigmas of both mental health and women's health, and I want you to know that you are not alone.

The Fundraiser & My Purpose

Because of my experience which I share below, I feel passionately about helping others find support for PMDD. Over the next several weeks, I will be taking a "PMDD train ride" through various states where I hope to:

My Story

Trigger warning: my story speaks about $uicid@lity.

Since my first period at age 14, I've experienced symptoms of PMDD including $elf-h@rm and $uicid@lity; these symptoms would resolve entirely within 1-3 days of the start of my period. I began $elf-h@rming and attempted $uic!de for the first time at age 15. As the cycles continued and I began noticing a correlation to my period, I used to beg God that my period would start so I could escape the dark thoughts and plans for $uic!de I was having.

In early November 2021 I had my lightbulb moment, that what I was dealing with was PMDD, and that there was research on not only what PMDD is, but also evidence-based treatment options. I was in a PMDD $uicid@l mood, trying to distract myself by cleaning and listening to Modern Family, when I heard the TV say something about menopause and pregnancy. DING! Menopause = no period = no PMDD. I knew I needed my hormones gone if I wanted to end the cycle. So I began researching about PMDD and menopause, which is when I found IAPMD and learned that having my ovaries removed (surgical menopause) would essentially take away my PMDD.

It took almost 18 months after that lightbulb moment, over a dozen doctors and clinicians, another near-attempt of $uic!de, and many different birth control options that I was required to try before I got the treatment I needed; it was hell advocating for my health needs because the doctors said that 26 years old is too young and risky for the body to experience menopause. February 1, 2023 was one of the happiest days of my life when I received my surgical "cure" for this disgusting disorder. Over a year later, I still have ups and downs because my body still has some hormones affecting my brain, and I also feel so much better. Shout out to my incredible surgeon, psychiatrist, and therapist who finally got on board with my decision; I am forever grateful to them for hanging in there with me.

Luckily for others, most people don't need such radical treatment, and gratefully the research continues for less invasive options.

Thank you for reading; I plan on sharing more of my story and updates on my travels once my journey begins!