Depression during your period is a real thing: This is why it happens and what you can do

• Feelings of depression before and during your period are common.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Symptoms like depression, anxiety and irritability become so bad that they can affect the person's daily activities. 

It's a week before your period and you're feeling crankier than usual – little things set you off, you feel like crying all the time, but also want to scream out in anger. More than anything, though, you have feelings of sadness that lead you to isolate yourself. Rumination takes over, and before you know it, you haven't left your house for days and have slightly withdrawn from your social groups. When those close to you question if you're okay, you say yes, and then utter the words most women do: "I'm just PMSing".

While it very well could be premenstrual syndrome (PMS), severe feelings of anxiety, depression and irritability before and during your period could indicate something else – premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

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What's the difference between PMS and PMDD?

PMS refers to a range of physical and psychological symptoms that women experience in the week or two before their period (after ovulation and before menstruation). This can include fatigue, acne, mood swings, breast tenderness and food cravings. Many link these symptoms to hormone fluctuation– particularly progestin and oestrogen.

Most of those who report experiencing symptoms of PMS are able to continue with day-to-day activities without much interruption.

PMDD, on the other hand, is a more severe form of PMS. Symptoms such as anxiety and depression, often start a week or two before the period and go away a few days after menstruation has begun. For some, treatment is needed to manage symptoms.

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Symptoms of PMDD may include:

PMS and PMDD share many of the same symptoms, according to Medical News Today. These include:

What to do:

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, it's best to seek help from a medical professional. Medications such as hormonal birth control or antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of PMDD, but finding the right treatment could require a trial-and-error approach. To get a diagnosis for PMDD, start by visiting your doctor.

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Things to try at home:

Keep track of your cycle

If you suffer from PMS or PMDD, keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help by making you more aware of when symptoms may creep up. Symptoms are usually heightened after ovulation. Knowing when they may hit could help you get ahead of it.

Exercise

Exercise could help boost serotonin levels during those low-mood days.

Reduce your stress

Be aware of the things and situations that stress you out, and try to avoid these if possible.

Diet

Eat a balanced diet that includes loads of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates while reducing your intake of salt, sugar, fat and alcohol.