Read in 3 mins 🌸 Listening to Olivia Dean
Hi there 👋
Welcome to the very first edition of The PMDD Digest!!! 🎉
As the UK's first charity dedicated to PMDD, this is a very special moment in bringing our community even closer. If there's one thing I've learnt since founding this charity, it's the power of community. Every single voice matters. Every experience is different, but all are valid. And only when we come together do we begin to create real noise and real change.
I want you to feel part of this team and to see what we're up to behind the scenes to shake things up for PMDD - because progress really is happening!!
We hope you love this newsletter. And if nothing else, I hope reading this makes you feel less alone and gives you that 'omg me too!!!!' moment I feel all too often when speaking to other PMDD warriors.
Each edition will mix content written by people with PMDD, for people with PMDD.
Love,
Phoebe x
1 in 20
The number of AFAB individuals in the UK affected by PMDD.
30+
The number of PMDD support groups we offer across the UK!
Find your local one here.
12 years
The average time it takes to get a PMDD diagnosis.
1 in 3
Individuals with PMDD will attempt suicide. PMDD awareness IS suicide prevention!
If you haven’t heard, we are beyond excited to announce Vicky Pattison as our new Patron for The PMDD Project.
Vicky has been an incredible advocate for PMDD in the UK, and we can’t wait to share how we’re taking on the fight for PMDD and medical misogyny together.
In April, we held our first PMDD summit, with over 3000 of you joining us. We highlighted some fantastic research projects that are driving better data and progress for those affected by PMDD.
BPS: Gold-standard Evidence and Best Practice Guidance for Menstrual Cycle-informed Clinical Care
What it’s about: An open access paper bringing together the latest evidence and practical guidance for psychologists to provide menstrual cycle-informed support.
Why it matters: A significant step forward for PMDD and PME care, covering assessment, therapy adaptations and suicide risk management.
KCL: Towards Better Outcomes for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
What it’s about: A collaborative project bringing together clinical, social science and policy expertise to understand how to shape policy and practice.
Why it matters: To influence policy change and improve outcomes for people affected by PMDD.
UWS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and the Welfare State
What it’s about: A research paper focusing on those with PMDD who access financial support from the government. It explores how the system can improve for those living with PMDD.
Why it matters: To improve the experiences of people applying for financial support, especially those with fluctuating conditions like PMDD.
Meet the wonderful, Liv Mennell - the very first person to run the London Marathon for The PMDD Project!!
Liv raised an incredible £1,300 for our charity and we couldn’t be more grateful. It was so special to cheer her on from the side-lines and celebrate with her at the finish. Running a marathon while living with PMDD is no small feat.
Thank you, Liv, for believing in our mission and helping us continue to support and advocate for those affected by PMDD. 🩷
@livmennellfitness
Everyone manages their PMDD differently. It’s a uniquely personal thing and sometimes it can be tricky to find what works for you.
Here’s how Liv, our newsletter volunteer, tries to manage her PMDD.
(Editor’s note: emphasis on the trying!!)
I love getting lost in a good book and taking my mind elsewhere. Currently reading: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. 📚
I’m veggie anyway, but I do think it’s so important to nourish our bodies with a rainbow of goodness (chocolate & crisps included!), esp. in the luteal phase.
It’s a classic for a reason…yoga - for the movement, for the relaxation, for the mindfulness, for the spirituality, for it all! 🧘
Volunteer with us
We’re growing a team of passionate volunteers to help shape the future of PMDD awareness and support in the UK. No matter your background or how much time you can offer, we’d love to hear from you.
Support research
We work closely with universities, students and researchers to improve understanding of PMDD. Whether you’re a researcher looking for collaboration, a student exploring PMDD in your studies, or someone with lived experience who’d like to take part in research - your input matters.
Share your story
Want to share how PMDD has affected you or a loved one? Share recommendations, poetry, artwork with the community? We’re all ears!
Bring The PMDD Project to your workplace
We facilitate educational PMDD workshops for businesses and schools.
Find our PMDD in the Workplace guide here.
Email us for more information.
Fundraise for change
Every donation helps us raise awareness, provide free resources and support life-changing research. You can fundraise for us by taking on a challenge, host an event or run a milestone fundraising - and we’re here to help you get started. Email us to receive a Fundraising Starter Pack.
Despite the prevalence of PMDD in the UK, there is still a lack of awareness and even training amongst medical professionals. It can be a minefield, but we’ve got you!!
Help us build the first PMDD Directory - a community-led, accessible directory of support. 🌸
Here’s our list of PMDD resources. 📋
Sign up for one of our 30+ support groups. 🫶
Our podcast - The Monthly Truth - discusses key topics and stories. 🎙️
The PMDD Project is the UK’s first charity dedicated to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). We exist to break the barriers of PMDD, one cycle at a time, building a community to educate, advocate and create positive change for everyone affected by PMDD.
The PMDD Digest is our community newsletter, helping you understand PMDD and how it affects your cycle, without the jargon.