

Favorite
January 29, 2008 at 1:16 AM • Comments: 0 Faves: 0
Subscribe
Print
Depression and PMS: What is the connection?
By Smarty
Depression is one of the many symptoms of PMS that you may experience in the two weeks before your period starts. The major difference between depression experienced during your period and clinical depression is that PMS related depression goes away after your period starts. Clinical depression stays all month and beyond.
Emotional and behavioral symptoms of PMS
You probably experience some of these symptoms during your monthly cycle:- Depression and mood swings
- Irritability and anger
- Anxiety and tension
- A change in appetite, food cravings
- Feeling withdrawn
- An inability to sleep
- An inability to concentrate
How to alleviate the emotional symptoms of PMS
Getting moderate exercise has been shown to reduce depression and other PMS symptoms. Shoot for 30 minutes, 4 or 5 times each week. Take your vitamins, and be sure to get enough calcium. Eat a balanced diet, full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good fats. Sometimes cutting back on caffeine, chocolate and salt can help.Symptoms of clinical depression
When you feel depressed, you feel helpless and hopeless. It is hard to complete daily tasks, and social interaction is a chore. You have no interest in activities that you once enjoyed. Some other symptoms of depression are:- Feelings of isolation
- Can't sleep
- Appetite loss
- Severe nervousness