Emmerdale has been praised by a mum-of-two and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) sufferer following Cathy Hopes diagnosis.
The character, played by 16-year-old actress Gabrielle Dowling, has been spiralling out of control in recent weeks. In emotional scenes the teen was diagnosed with PMDD, which doctors advised could last half her life.
As the teen learnt how her life could be impacted by her ongoing illness for years to come. The story line has been applauded by many as Emmerdale highlights the impacts of PMDD.
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Single mother-of-two Carla Banksby, 29, was diagnosed with PMDD in 2015 and has spoken out about the importance of Emmerdale highlighting the topic.
She told Leeds Live how the disorder has affected her life since being a teen, Carla said: "My moods have been up and down since around the age of 11 when I started my menstrual cycle, I was finally put on birth control to help with feelings of anxiety and low mood at 14 years old, however, it quickly became clear they caused more harm than good.
"I tried antidepressants, the implant contraceptive as well as the contraceptive pill. My symptoms ranged from fatigue, rage, anxiety, depression, mood swings, irrational behaviour, muscle aches and pains, lack of energy, lack of concentration and memory issues and most importantly suicidal feelings.
"Everything that I felt was worse than anyone could imagine and it was exacerbated each month. Something that was seemingly small to someone else would seem like the end of the world to me.
"The disorder affected my life in many ways from starting school to relationships and friendships. I left school when I was 12 due to feelings of anxiety within the school environment, because of this I went to alternative education that was local to me and very small. I was extremely lucky to have been provided with this alternative as the education system could have easily left me with no GCSEs, which in turn would have affected me in later life.
"I struggled to maintain friendships and relationships due to my anxiety and irrational behaviour and thoughts. I used alcohol as a way of coping with the extreme feelings, which unfortunately still takes its toll on my body now."
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome, which causes symptoms every month during the two weeks before a period.
The disorder can be debilitating for many and make it difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships, and in some severe cases, it can also lead to suicidal thoughts.
Symptoms are both physical and emotional and can include mood swings, difficulty concentrating and feeling upset, hopeless, angry, anxious or overwhelmed. As well as breast tenderness or swelling, joint and muscle pain, headaches, bloating and trouble sleeping.
Asked about her diagnosis, Carla said: "I was officially diagnosed with Severe PMS in 2015, however, when I finally got to see the specialists in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (London) they formally diagnosed me with PMDD. Mr Panay is a specialist in PMDD due to the research he has carried out.
"Four months prior to this diagnosis I ended up voluntarily admitting myself into a Mother and Baby unit to keep myself safe. After having a baby the hormonal fluctuations caused me a lot of distress and led to me trying to take my own life on a few occasions, which of course upset the whole family, not just me.
"The diagnosis helped me see that it wasn't me and there was a reason why I sometimes behaved the way I did. I was like Jekyll and Hyde and even though I had the same face and could be fine one minute, I could be in complete distress the next. It was very hard for everyone living with me. Having a diagnosis helped my family too.
"The treatment that eventually worked for me was antidepressants, these took the edge off of the symptoms to a small degree along with exercise, although this is very tricky to stick to when feeling depressed and have no motivation.
"The first time I really noticed a difference was when I was put into a chemical menopause (zoladex known for cancer treatment). I no longer had this heavy weight pulling me down and I could finally see what it would be like without this condition. It's worth noting this is not for long term use, it is used to see whether or not surgical menopause would be a suitable option and in my case it seemed like it would be.
"I rang my GP daily asking them to expedite my hysterectomy because the Zoladex was wearing off and I could not cope with the feelings anymore, especially when I knew it might be resolved with a hysterectomy. I had my hysterectomy (a procedure to remove the womb) on July, 5, 2021 and it was the best decision I have ever made and I am so much happier.
"I am still affected by PMDD now as although I no longer live with the condition, all of my life already has been surrounded by this condition. I am now learning who I truly am, two years after the hysterectomy. I am learning that I am not who I once was and I am actually a well-rounded and resilient person."
Speaking of Emmerdale's decision to highlight PMDD, Carla said: "It really is amazing that a big soap like Emmerdale are covering such a personal story close to my heart. It is great to see the distress it causes both Gabby and the family around her as I had not seen it from that point of view before.
"I think they are portraying the condition well, however, I do believe the condition can get much worse than what is currently being portrayed, but it is an evening soap made for younger viewers too. The absolute distress it causes the person as an individual with PMDD is just debilitating and cannot be turned off and we cannot switch back to being rational the next moment.
"I do like how they are showing how she can be rational one minute and irrational the next. It is clear to see she is distressed with not knowing what's happening to her and I can relate to that very much. When I was growing up, I didn't think I was normal and considered myself as a fraud due to the up and down emotions and behaviour. I though if I was depressed and anxious, then surely that is what I would be a majority of the time and not up and down.
"It might be difficult to portray her ending up in a Mental Health Unit or having a hysterectomy but I think it would be great if the show could follow the storyline through to showing what is it like to live with manageable PMDD and highlight the treatments that would be available to her at such a young age.
"The end treatment inevitably would be a hysterectomy but she is so young (as was I) and it isn't suitable for everyone. I think it is important to highlight the IAPMD website run by Laura Murphy who also has lived experience and has created such a great website which has everything you would ever need if you think you might have PMDD.
"I am hoping by Emmerdale coving PMDD people will be able to notice familiar behaviours in their children or family members, allowing them to access help. But also professionals who watch the programme to see that there are other causes of mood swings in teenagers. It all just depends on the severity of them and how it impacts their lives. It is not always just a case of a hormonal teenager, Bob Hope does mention this in the beginning of the storyline too."
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