Vicky Pattison has revealed she’s been diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that’s left her battling “dark thoughts” and “exhaustion”.
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with symptoms including insomnia, extreme fatigue, depression, mood swings, and feelings of extreme hopelessness.
The TV personality, 35, has said that she broke down in tears after finally being diagnosed with the “unrelenting and debilitating” illness she’s been suffering from for five years.
Sharing a health update, Pattison told fans on Instagram: “I have struggled with my periods my whole adult life, but over the last 5 years or so my PMS symptoms have been completely out of control.
“It has affected my relationships, my work and my quality of life.
“At times, it made me feel like I was going insane. I just do not recognise myself for two weeks of the month and ever so gradually that time frame is becoming longer,” she said.
“Sometimes, when I’m properly in the midst of this and totally consumed by my own dark thoughts I convince myself that I’m never going to get better, that these feelings & thoughts aren’t temporary.
“That this is who I am now. And that terrifies me.”
The former Geordie Shore star said she was previously made to feel “hysterical” by the medical community in her search for answers.
She explained: “I was made to feel like I was hysterical and unable to deal with the physical and mental ramifications of a period like every other woman could.”
After being pushed to breaking point, the I’m A Celeb alum said she was fed up of feeling “exhausted and overwhelmed” trying to hide her symptoms.
Pattison admitted: “It’s like my brain hates me. I am depressed, despondent and hopeless with no interest in things that usually bring me so much joy.”
The TV star was finally diagnosed with the condition after going through private medical care and said she feels “more positive” for the “first time in ages”.
"I cried because I felt f***ing heard in a medical setting for the first time in years and also I cried because hopefully now I can start trying to manage this rather than just ‘get on with it’ like I feel like women are expected to,” she concluded.
“For the first time in ages.. I feel more positive.”
After sharing her journey, the former reality TV star was inundated with messages of support from followers and friends who thanked her for shedding light on the condition.
