Writing emails to my mental health provider

The first time I had a Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder episode, after going on the generic version of Lexapro I was a wreck. I felt depression all over again and had self negative talk constantly on my mind. The thought of having to write an email to my doctor to try and fix what was happening was a constant source of stress. On top of all the other perceived stressors. 

I don't want worry to stop anyone from seeking help. Especially from a trusted professional. Therapists, psychologists and doctors are here to help us deal with our lives, and aid us in becoming a better version of ourselves. Over time, they get to know us as who we really are, flawed individuals who want to live a better life. 

These are all ideas that helped me write my emails. Use my ideas to build your own emails, to tell your own story. We are all so beautifully unique, don't allow that light to dim during your low points. 

Find a way to flourish. 

Things I kept in mind when writing an email to my mental health provider:

Keep it simple: stick to key points:

*State the problem:

I am having a PMDD episode.

or 

I had a PMDD episode

*When?

State the date(s), times

*Does it fit a pattern?

I have had PMDD episodes 7 days before my period, this episode fits that pattern. 

*What happened during the episode?

I did not feel in control of my emotions during my episode. I had the following symptoms: depression, negative talk, suicidal ideation...

*What do you think was the trigger to your episode? (Super optional)

The trigger may have been I felt overwhelmed by: ___________

*How are you currently feeling?

At this time I feel sad, but I called the hotline number I was provided and feel more in control. 

Or 

I am feeling very sad and angry. 

Be honest. 

*Finally: What is that YOU need?

I would like to speak to you about adjusting my medication. 

Or

I need to schedule an appointment with you to discuss next steps. 

Or

What do you suggest the next steps should be?

Or

I have made the following adjustments...

I hope this helps someone feel less overwhelmed about writing to their doctor(s). 

Love always, 

Kathy 

Pictures - Jewelry making as a PMDD hobby - plus random things

Hi!

Some pictures!

Reworked this necklace due to its poor construction. 

I ended up loving the new design even more. 

 This picture doesn't show the detail

This is my daughter's, she arranged the colors and I added the clear beads.

Check out Agenda Free TV on Youtube - They specialize in Live breaking news!

Organizing stones by size 

The tray is from the Target $1 Spot. 

I use it for everything, slime, paint, food. 

Noah picked out the beads and made the whole thing himself!

We talked about measurement, counting & estimating how many beads he needed. 

I used a picture from Alaska as inspiration for these necklaces

The gradient is from green to white, but now I wish I would of gone white to green

They look better as separate pieces

This next picture I love! But the necklace broke! I'm still learning.

I had to re-do a majority of my pieces, my clasps were not on properly. Live and learn. 

That's my hair, looks so shiny! Sunny days in L.A.

I made this for my husband's birthday. It's a box I made into a door? lol what is this. 

Our kids collected the leaves and painted them by using watercolors.

Why paint leaves? 'Cus kids need creativity. Collecting leaves, picking the best ones and then making them their own. I'm sure nature approves. It lives with us.

I tied it up with a ribbon, added pipe cleaners as a door knocker, tiny branches as door handles and it looked like a little house 

(I'm a dork)

 

PMDD has taught me to be honest about my baggage

Writing is a weapon I tend to use against myself. 

I'll write sad things, angry things. 

Talking is also a weapon I use.

Either on myself or against others. 

So, sometimes, I just want to STFU. 

Just be silent. 

People can have so much to say, but all I can do is agree (often with a nod), disagree (with a 

disapproving nod), or smile. I have wanted to call my mother for 3 weeks. I want to be honest with her, 

but I don't want to be vulnerable. I want to tell her the hell I've gone through all these years. Be honest 

about my thoughts and their impact on my life. My inability to see beyond them without medication 

and psychological help. I don't want to upset anyone. Be misconstrued. Point fingers. None of it.  I just 

want to speak my truth. 

I am healing my inner child. 

The woman who as a child, a teen, felt alone. Unloved. Unheard. Misunderstood. 

I needed mental help for years and years and years. 

It was all taken as me being a fucking bitch. I just needed fucking help. 

How to heal that in a year, filled with loss, and changes? 

I want to be love, and love others.

Keeping a secret regarding mental health from my family is somethings I don't want to do anymore. 

I can't be me without saying that sometimes I feel terrible and it isn't me, it's my brain, it's my period, 

my hormones. But none of that will define me. I will learn to live with this and thrive.