Reality star Vicky Pattison has opened up about her “terrifying” experience of “crippling” anxiety and insomnia amid her latest health update.
Vicky, 37, shared on Instagram how a bout of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects her wellbeing and mental health. She also illustrated how the condition affects her with a video montage of symptoms and emotional lows she suffers.
Shocked followers were quick to offer their sympathies as brave Vicky went on fans she wanted anyone else who lives with PMDD that they are “not alone”.
Vicky Pattison shares health news update on Instagram
Ex Geordie Shore cast member Vicky also revealed how bloated her stomach gets when she is in pain.
The clip also displayed a range of reactions from Vicky, including tears, lethargy, and high energy dancing.
She explained in her post’s caption: “It’s always a bit of a mixed bag with my PMDD. Some months aren’t so bad and I feel hopeful. And other months it just completely takes me out and I feel hopeless. Usually there’s no real rhyme or reason.
It just completely takes me out and I feel hopeless.
“But last month I knew I was in for a bit of a rough ride. I hadn’t done anything that I know helps alleviate my symptoms. I hadn’t been consistent with my supplements, my diet was atrocious and my schedule was just unrelenting. So I went into my luteal phase not really standing a chance. But despite my concerns, nothing could have prepared me. It was terrifying.”
‘The fog, the darkness and the depression will pass’
Vicky also related how low she’d been left feeling recently.
“I rang my sister and told her that I didn’t know what I was going to do. That I genuinely didn’t know what I was capable of,” she told fans.
“And after a week of crippling anxiety, insomnia, my inner critic finding fault at every turn & dark thoughts…I know I meant it.”
Vicky continued: “And that’s the thing with PMDD. One week you’re this bright, shiny, brilliant woman who is strong, smart and ready for anything life throws at you. And then PMDD fog sets in and your brain convinces you that you’re worthless.”
Nonetheless, she maintained: “I’m telling this story, not for sympathy, but because I know I’m not alone. I want anyone dealing with PMDD, anyone feeling the things I did last month to know that you are not alone and regardless of what your brain is telling you – you are an incredible person and world is better for having you in it.
“The fog, the darkness and the depression will pass and in its place will be beautiful moments, happiness, success, pure unfiltered joy! You are a warrior. You are powerful. And you are unstoppable.”
How fans reacted
Followers were concerned for Vicky, but also grateful to her for raising awareness.
“I’m sorry you have to go through what you do but just know you’re seen,” one told her in her post’s comments section.
“Sorry you don’t feel good,” sympathised a second fan.
And a third added: “I’m so sorry the PMDD makes you feel that way.”
However, someone else thanked Vicky: “I love that you are highlighting this.”
“Thank you for your realness and being your authentic self with the world!” added someone else.
And yet another person who engaged with the upload remarked: “This is so essential to raise awareness of this debilitating condition, thanks for sharing.”
