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For partners, family and friends

For partners, family and friends of someone with PMDD: what helps, what does not, and how to look after yourself.

• The person you love has not changed. Their brain is reacting to normal hormone shifts, for a few days to two weeks each cycle.
• Do not argue with the feelings, and do not blame everything on PMDD either. Try: "That sounds really hard. What would help right now?"
• Take things off their plate during the hard stretch, without being asked twice.
• Learn the warning signs in their safety plan, and know the crisis numbers.
• Look after yourself too. IAPMD runs groups for partners.