Vicky Pattison recently shared how her husband’s intervention saved her life during a challenging period before her participation in Strictly Come Dancing. In a candid revelation, the Strictly hopeful opened up about grappling with suicidal thoughts and recounted a moment when she reached out to her husband, Ercan Ramadan, expressing uncertainty about her actions.
Partnered with Strictly pro Kai Widdrington on the renowned BBC show, Vicky disclosed that she suffers from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), characterized by hormonal mood disturbances, as outlined by NHS.
PMDD manifests with symptoms such as depression, mood fluctuations, anxiety, hopelessness, anger, and physical manifestations like muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, and bloating. The condition often leads to suicidal ideation, according to reports.
During a recent interview, Vicky recounted a distressing incident that transpired earlier this year while preparing for her appearance on Strictly. She recalled a moment of despair when she was alone with the dogs at home while Ercan was out playing football with friends. Vicky confided in him, expressing her inner turmoil and uncertainty about her situation.
Ercan’s supportive response of highlighting the positive aspects of their life, including their dogs, holidays, and family, resonated with Vicky and brought her comfort in a moment of darkness. Reflecting on the episode, Vicky emphasized that Ercan’s presence on the phone was instrumental in preventing a potentially tragic outcome.
Revealing her state of mind during that challenging period, Vicky shared her feelings of inadequacy and a belief that the world would be better off without her. She clarified that her turmoil stemmed not from a desire to end her life but from an inability to envision a future in her distressing state.
Vicky has been vocal about her struggles with PMDD, having previously acknowledged her decade-long battle with undiagnosed mental health issues before receiving a conclusive diagnosis. The validation of her condition provided her with a sense of liberation, dispelling earlier notions of weakness and depression.
PMDD is attributed to an abnormal response to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, though the exact cause remains elusive, according to NHS. Treatment options for PMDD encompass contraceptives, antidepressants, induced menopause, lifestyle modifications, and therapy to manage the condition effectively.
To access further information on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), visit the NHS 111 Wales website for comprehensive details. Additionally, emotional support is available through the Samaritans helpline at 116 123, email contact at jo@samaritans.org, in-person visits to local Samaritans branches, or by visiting the Samaritans website.
