July 2019 • happiful.com • 47“For those who need extra
support to be able to cope with
their menstrual cycle, it can be
a long journey to find the right
treatment – which may include
any combination of hormonal
treatments, antidepressants,
talking therapy, and lifestyle
changes such as moderated work
schedules and dietary changes,”
Simone says.
OK, so the bad news is that our
menstrual cycle can be linked
to some pretty difficult mental
health challenges. The good news
is, with knowledge comes power.WHY YOU SHOULD START
TRACKING YOUR CYCLE
Cycle tracking may sound a little
scientific, but it’s actually really
simple. There are countless apps
to help (we love Clue, Moody
Month, and Flo), but you could
also make notes in a journal.
The key things to keep track of
are the day of your cycle (the first
day you bleed is day one) and how
you’re feeling. Over time you’ll
have a better understanding of
your cycle, and how it affects you.
“Menstrual cycle awareness
helps people identify where their
strengths and vulnerabilities lie
in the cycle,” says Claire. “Each
phase of the menstrual cycle
may benefit from a different
approach to self-care, work, orBlogger Lyzi Unwin shares
how her menstrual cycle
affects her.“Even though my cycle is pretty
much like clockwork, I still find
myself frustrated and confused as to
why I feel so down every month.
“A day or two before my period
is due, I suddenly have an
overwhelming, crippling bout of self-
doubt and anxiety. I am convinced
that I’m awful at everything, the
ugliest creature to have ever walked
the earth, and that everyone hates
me. Even if everything in my life is
running smoothly, the thoughts are
always the same.
“I haven’t yet found anything
to stop the thoughts, but using
an app to track my moods, and
remembering it will pass, is helpful.
Having a quiet day, and an early
night can be really beneficial, as is
talking to friends who understand.”Lyzi Unwin blogs about mental
health, fashion and lifestyle at
beinglittle.co.ukrelationships. Tracking helps to
reveal how to live more in flow
with this internal rhythm.
“Many women find their mental
health needs more attention on
certain days of the cycle, and this
awareness itself can literally save
lives. I look forward to the day
when our mental health systems
integrate and prioritise menstrual
cycle awareness.”
So, what can we do when we feel
our cycle impacting our mental
health? Claire says it’s all about
self-care.
“At more vulnerable points in
the cycle, the best kind of self-
care includes a combination of
getting professional and personal
support, taking some space, and
having personal boundaries,
moving slowly, drinking lots of
water, and sleeping as much as
possible. Knowing where our
sensitivities lie in the cycle, and
being tender with ourselves at
these times, is excellent and
transformative self-care.”
Raising your awareness is your
first step to gaining control, and
if you think you would benefit
from professional mental health
support at any time, don’t be
afraid to reach out.Learn more about Claire’s coaching
services and menstrual awareness
courses at thisislifeblood.comWhat is PMDD?
“Women living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can
experience a huge impact on their quality of life, due to the constant
cycle of deep depression that lasts for extended periods each month.
Relationships and work can also be affected due to social anxiety, and the
debilitating effect of severely painful periods, which can also affect self-
esteem and libido.” – counsellor Simone Ayers
Simone is based in Hertfordshire, but also ofiers online counselling sessions and supports
those with PMDD. Learn more and get in touch via simoneayerscounselling.comUsing an app to track
my moods, and
remembering that it
will pass, is helpfulLyzi | Instagram: @being_little
August 2019 • happiful.com • 47