Discussion Menstruation and suicidal ideation

[Heartaches]

As the title suggests, I created this post to discuss the possible link between menstruation and suicidal ideation (or suicide in general). It's not something I had given much thought until recently.

For many individuals, menstruation comes with significant emotional and physical ailments, with varying degrees of severity and length.

Until recently, not much research had been done regarding the relationship of the menstrual cycle with suicidal ideation, planning and attempts. And despite recent studies, there's still a lot which professionals and the general public don't know.

I'll leave some articles discussing studies about the topic, as well as particular cases.

"Suicide risk is higher in certain phases of the menstrual cycle" — by The Conversation

"What's the relationship between the menstrual cycle and suicidal ideation?" — by National Elf Service

"Menstrual cycles affect day-to-day suicide risk, UIC researchers find" — by UIC Today

PMDD related articles

"Living with PMS That Makes You Want to Die" — by VICE

"Why are some people more susceptible to severe PMS? Psychologists seek answers" — by the American Psychological Association

PCOS related articles

"Persons diagnosed with PCOS face 8-fold increase in suicide risk" — by Medical News Today

"New Study Reinforces PCOS-Suicide Connection" — by Psychiatrist.com

In my personal experience, I've noted my emotional state significantly worsens some days prior and during my cycle, almost until the very end. My suicidal ideation is turned up to 11 and I'm more prone to harming myself in some way. Not to mention, the physical baggage that makes it hard for me to do almost anything.

When I had my first attempt almost a year ago, I was in the middle of my menstrual cycle. I'm unsure if it was a significant factor in my decision.

I'm not under any treatment to help me during my cycles. I simply take my prescribed antidepressants and hope it passes fast enough.

How about you? What's your experience been like? Have you noticed a similar pattern during your cycle? Are you under treatment to especifically help you combat this issue? Has it been useful?

 

[Forever Sleep]

I'm usually in a terrible state the day before. Sometimes it's a relief to realise it's that causing it to be especially bad. It's not exactly causing my ideation- that's been there for decades but, it definitely intensifies it. I don't really trust medication though- unless it's absolutely necessary. I just check the calander- or, the app on my phone, figure it's that making me feel especially shit and sit it out.

 

[NearlyIrrelevantCake]

Another way it can be Hell: AFAB trans folks having to deal with the whole menstruation bullshit.

 

[NoPoint2Life]

Adding to the list: when perimenopause starts and makes everything even worse!

 

[NearlyIrrelevantCake]

Adding to the list: when perimenopause starts and makes everything even worse!

My mother bled for a year straight with practically no breaks. Hell.

Hot flashes have started coming for me this year.

 

[Heartaches]

Another way it can be Hell: AFAB trans folks having to deal with the whole menstruation bullshit.

I would add trans women on E as well. I don't know too much about the subject, but I've heard from some that they get almost identical symptoms (such as cramps and emotional dysregulation) to menstruation after sometime on HRT. And some intersex folks as well. But I agree with your statement.

If I do some additional scouring, I may add some articles on menstruation in relation to trans and intersex individuals in the future.

Truly, the bullshittery of menstruation transcends gender, sex, class, race and disability.

 

[IWasAlmostHere]

I finally caved and made an account so I could reply to this specific thread. My meds keep me stable, but when my period begins, all hell breaks loose. And I fall for it every single time. Today, I woke up excited and happy to spend my Saturday, and by lunchtime I was deep in SI, only realizing I was 1.5 days into my menstrual cycle. This has been a fascinating thread to read - thank you.

 

[Heartaches]

I finally caved and made an account so I could reply to this specific thread. My meds keep me stable, but when my period begins, all hell breaks loose. And I fall for it every single time. Today, I woke up excited and happy to spend my Saturday, and by lunchtime I was deep in SI, only realizing I was 1.5 days into my menstrual cycle. This has been a fascinating thread to read - thank you.

Welcome, I hope you find yourself comfortable around here. Happy this thread has been a good read. :)

I'm really sorry for what you've gone through, I relate a lot to your experience. I've been depressed but not too bad for a while, but now that I'm in my cycle, I am deeply suicidal, after many months of being relatively stable.

Much love to you and thank you for sharing