SOS for PMS! Giveaway and Review

I enjoyed this book. As a thirty-something mom who has only recently begun to experience real PMS I have to say this book was very informative. Mary gives you practical ways to decrease the symptoms associated with your monthly hormonal changes and encourages you strive for a healthier lifestyle- spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I interviewed Mary about the book and she was a pleasure to communicate with. I encourage you to read through the interview to get a better idea of what the book entails. I also have a book to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by Friday, October 10th at midnight. One winner will be chosen at random.

Hi Mary! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.

It’s my pleasure!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m the mother of two (a son and a daughter), wife of one , and am a work-at-home mom who loves the flexibility of being my own boss but who also understands that growing a business and a family under one roof can be extremely difficult. Like most women, I’m doing the best I can to keep everything “balanced” (although I’m not sure there is such a thing) and to raise healthy, responsible children.

After reading your book it seems as though we are long lost friends. What you have put into words has truly opened my eyes to many things that I honestly felt shame for previously. I’ve only recently begun to experience most of these symptoms (recently turned 33) and as a confident woman I felt that made me weak. It was almost as though I had to submit to this “problem” 3-4 days every month. Do you hear that from women often? What do you say to them?
Rather than denying I had a problem, I wish I would have recognized it sooner. It would have saved me a lot of angst and emotional pain. Acknowledging a problem is the first step to addressing it. I admire you for being able to do so. Now that you have, it’s more likely that you’ll be willing to proactively develop a personal coping plan.

I was able to collect a good bit of information from your book about research and statistics and I found it all fascinating. How did you go about doing the research and was there anything in particular that you were startled to find?

My initial research was very informal. I simply started talking with other moms and listened to their stories. I was startled to find that I wasn’t alone and that so many women were struggling with PMS. This energized me and gave me an excuse to start formally researching by reading books and interviewing physicians. As I got deeper into the subject, I realized there was hope and I wanted to share what I learned with other women.

While reading through the chapters I began to relate more and more to the examples mentioned. I had no idea, okay let me rephrase that, I never would have admitted that I had PMS so I never even sought out information about it. I assume others may be thinking along those same lines too. Can you give us an example of some of the symptoms we should take note of?
The obvious ones are irritability, impatience, and anger. The less obvious ones, but perhaps the more insidious ones are self-loathing, depression, and extreme sadness. The first group affects my family more deeply; the second group affects me more deeply.

And finally, What would you say to those who might believe that PMS is a fabricated excuse? I speak from experience because prior to my own experience, I was once one of those people.
Just because you don’t suffer from PMS doesn’t mean it’s not real. It is. Some people will never believe that. But it’s not my job to change their mind. It is my job to make sure I work to proactively manage my symptoms each month. I’m very careful to make it clear to readers that PMS should not be an excuse for poor behavior. PMS is an explanation for why we behave the way we do; not an excuse. By acknowledging this we can change from victim to victor.
6. Is there anything else that you would like for our readers to know? It is possible to change your PMS response. I’m proof of that. I’ve been able to identify my three toughest days each month and I’m careful not to overschedule or overachieve on those days. That, plus making wiser food choices, exercising a little more on the tough days and getting more sleep when my resistance is lowest have made a big difference. I’ve also admitted my struggle to my husband and he’s been great about stepping up when I need to step back. Bottom line: if you’re struggling each month, it doesn’t have to continue to be so miserable. There is hope.

Thank you so very much, Mary for taking the time to visit with us!
Thanks for having me!

SOS For PMS
Description:
In her latest book, Mary Byers explores an often frustrating topic, the symptoms of PMS, and offers practical advice and encouragement for mothers. Readers will find comfort in the stories shared by other moms, realizing that they are not alone in their struggles with PMS.

With this book, you will find suggestions designed to inspire healthier lifestyles, relationships, and daily choices for all women.

Gather any group of moms together and the topic of frustrating PMS symptoms rises up in conversation along with the guilt and concern about its effects on family members.

Now Mary Byers, author of The Mother Load, offers mothers encouragement, help, and camaraderie as she shares:

~women’s stories-the good, bad, and the hopeful

~overlooked symptoms and how to manage them

~foods and activities to avoid or indulge in

God’s first aid for stress, depression, and anxiety a call for help-how husbands can come to the aid of their wives

This gathering of useful advice and shared experiences will comfort readers who have ever felt alone in their PMS plight and will inspire healthier lifestyles, relationships, and daily choices for all women.

To read an excerpt go here: http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/texts/excerpts/9780736921701_exc.pdf

A Word from the Author

“It’s my hope that this book will bring help, hope and healing to moms who suffer from PMS. It’s been a source of despair in my own life but things are looking up now that I’ve developed my own coping plan. Those I interviewed for this book shared intimately about their own battles and I believe their stories, along with that of Callie’s (the main character in the book) will convince other women that it is possible to change their current response to PMS and encourage them to start today.”

Visit the blog tour site:

http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com/2008/09/sos-for-pms-blog-tour.html

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