Peachy in the Park

Admitting this in public, AND on my business page where I risk losing business from prospective clients or respect of current ones, colleagues, peers. etc. 

It's like putting yourself on a stage, in the spotlight, in the worst way. But the purpose of the "self sacrifice" is to raise awareness and to re-humanise! 

Last night I went to see a niche play in a small auditorium at Nottingham playhouse. 

It told the story of a woman with PMDD with an accuracy that was extremely validating and pretty damn uncomfortable to watch - quite polarising feelings - ironically, a bit like the condition itself. 

#PMDD is both a strength and a weakness, depending where you are in your menstrual cycle. You're either flying or dying, all the while you're trying to be somewhere in the middle so no one notices there's 2 versions of you.

Like Tolkien's Middle-earth. The stable Shire phase; manageable, clear, peaceful, and filled with ordinary comforts. Then the sky turns heavy and dark, the borders violently collapse, exposing  the"Mordor" pre menstrual phase, all hostile and exhausting to navigate.

📖 The Lord of the Rings comparison will perhaps resonate with someone who wouldn't go and see a play about women's health 🙄🫣🥱 my point being, it's ultimately a classic story of good Vs evil.  

A FIRST?

Whilst there are many "hidden" (mental) health conditions that can be polarising (e.g. bipolar!) this play is a first giving the limelight to PMDD. As far as I'm aware, there's never been a film, a play or even a book about it.

I'm grateful I got to see it, as this was its closing night.

I HAVE IT. I find it very difficult to admit. My hubby's family might read this for example. I just want to be seen as strong, capable, fun. Because my best self is 💯 those things. Why can't she be there 💯 of the time?! 

As well as admit, trying to explain what it actually is, even to your nearest and dearest, is also hard.

My mum came to see the play with me, we shared many a knowing glance, sometimes with a smile appreciating the humour (its a comedy drama after all) and other times a sigh of sympathy, or a raised brow of wow, they are getting this spot on! 

The language, tone of voice