Everything MAFS UK's Kristina Has Said About Her Struggle With PMDD
September 18, 2024, at 12:45 PM | Revised: September 18, 2024, at 5:01 PM
Kristina Goodsell, a bride from Married at First Sight UK 2024, has candidly shared her experiences with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Here’s a summary of what she discussed.
The specialists from Married At First Sight UK, Paul Brunson, Mel Schilling, and Charlene Doughlas, matched Kristina Goodsell with Kieran Chapman in one of the most significant reality television experiments.
Before joining MAFS, Kristina expressed that she was seeking a partner who would "understand and embrace" her challenges with PMDD. PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a mood disorder characterized by intense emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that women experience during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, as defined by Google.
Kristina, a dog walker, shares that this job plays a significant role in her life, prompting her to seek a partner who can appreciate that. As a devoted animal enthusiast, she has been candid about her situation both on the show and on social media.
Understanding PMDD: What It Means
PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a condition that impacts a small number of women.
The NHS states that it occurs when women have more intense symptoms of PMS, which stands for premenstrual syndrome. PMS encompasses a range of symptoms that some women may face in the weeks leading up to their menstrual cycle. These symptoms may include mood changes, feelings of sadness, bloating, acne, and others.
According to the NHS, PMDD symptoms are significantly more severe and can seriously disrupt your daily life. These symptoms may involve intense feelings of anxiety, anger, depression, or suicidal thoughts, as well as issues with overeating and trouble sleeping.
Kristina, a bride from Married At First Sight, has shared her experiences with PMDD. Here’s a summary of what she revealed:
The MAFS star has a TikTok account where she frequently talks about raising awareness for PMDD. In a video that's pinned at the top of her profile, she shares, "I've dealt with my menstrual cycles for as long as I can recall, probably since I first got my period."
"My PMS symptoms have varied significantly over the years, and I've tried nearly every form of contraception available. I've used everything from standard combination pills to implants, coils, and different hormone mixes."
She mentioned that she's faced a lot of challenges and has never truly felt completely at peace with herself. In 2014, she consulted with doctors after doing some research and discovering PMDD, but they diagnosed her with depression instead and prescribed various antidepressants for her to try.
She described how her symptoms worsened with age, mentioning that she experienced intensified emotions, unpredictable behaviors, and chaotic thoughts and feelings. She also noted that she often felt overwhelmed, had deeply sad thoughts, and dealt with significant bloating.
Explaining her menstrual cycle, she mentioned that for half of the month, she felt like her usual, cheerful self, Kristina. However, during the other two weeks, she found herself feeling like a person she couldn’t even identify.
When she finally received her diagnosis, she was prescribed a new antidepressant along with a monthly injection. Although she didn't mention the specific type of injection, she did indicate that it could lead to early menopause.
Although Kristina hasn't shared much information about her health lately, she did recently upload an uplifting TikTok where she discusses the ups and downs of PMDD. She expressed that "sometimes you feel overwhelmed, and other times you're on top of the world. I'm always thankful for the highs, no matter how big or small they are."
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If you’re having thoughts of suicide or facing mental health challenges, consider contacting the Samaritans, who offer a 24/7 helpline. You can reach them by calling 116 123. If you prefer texting instead of talking on the phone, you can reach out to Shout by sending SHOUT to 85258. Additionally, SOS (Silence on Suicide) provides support online, through text, or by phone at 0808 115 1505.
