I think that if you weren't experiencing some sort of mood swings that there is something wrong with you.
That being said, I have to believe that this is one of the hardest things that one could ever go through. I have a counselor that I started seeing last fall to help me deal with the grief over my mother's terminal illness, and have stayed with her now for my M issues. (Haha, what marriage??) Both she and my OBGYN have suggested that I consider antidepressants if I should get to the point where I feel I can't handle this. .
Also, being the resourceful little bee that I am, I have done A LOT of research into managing the M-crises, and nearly every resource says that every one of us should AT LEAST have a counselor, and may need a short course of medication to help manage this rotten burden.
For myself, I have thus far chosen not to take up the offers. I have an unfortunate amount of experience with mental illness and medication, and after living with maniac/bipolar/borderline family members for so long, I think I am pretty in-tune with myself. I am aware of when I cycle and I am able to (in most instances) step back and recognize when my emotional responses are inappropriate and probably due to more than what is actually happening.
Does that make sense??
The bottom line: If you don't have an individual C for yourself yet, please consider getting one. They can help you monitor your 'emotional pulse' and help you learn to identify critical moments. Working with that C is the single best way to determine whether medication is warranted. Drugs can be great, but they are also over prescribed.
YOU have the final word. Drugs won't make it all better, but they can help.
