For years now, I have lived in the shadows of my mind, grappling with the overwhelming effects of my reproductive system and the impact it has had on my mental health. These hormonal shifts, which are so often dismissed or minimized, led me down a path I never imagined—into the depths of suicidal thoughts. As a woman and a mental health professional, I felt caught between two worlds: one where I was expected to provide care and support for others, and another where I was silently battling the darkest moments of my life.
The cyclical nature of PMDD often brought intense waves of hopelessness and emotional instability. With every month, I felt as though I was losing control of my mind, and no matter how much I tried to fight it, the pull of suicidal ideation became harder to resist. As I entered perimenopause, this mental turbulence intensified in ways I couldn’t anticipate. The hormonal shifts during this transition were relentless, amplifying anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
Together Towards Tomorrow underscores my belief that sharing our stories is a cathartic act and a powerful way to foster connection and change. When I finally found the courage to speak about my experiences, I realized I wasn’t alone. Many women have walked this path, but too often, they walk it in silence. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to step out of the shadows, to find their voice, and to seek support.
This talk is also about the future—how we, as a community, can create safe spaces for women to share their experiences without fear of judgment or dismissal. It’s about building bridges between sufferers, healthcare providers, and support networks to ensure that no woman feels abandoned in her time of need. Together, we can work towards early recognition, compassionate care, and a deeper understanding of the emotional toll female reproductive health can take on a woman’s mental health.
My experience is one of pain, but also hope. By sharing our stories, and advocating for change, we can move towards a future where women navigating these life stages are supported, seen, and empowered to find their way forward. Together Towards Tomorrow is not just a theme—it’s a vision for a world where no woman feels alone in her suffering.