Comedian Bella Humphries is breaking barriers and raising awareness with her debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe, where she turns her struggles with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) into comedy gold.
Humphries, who was diagnosed with PMDD, shares her personal experiences with the condition on stage in a show she describes as “very honest” and “a bit raw at times.” Despite the serious nature of the disorder, Humphries finds humor in her struggles, making the audience laugh while shedding light on a topic that is often considered taboo.
One of her jokes, which references suicidal thoughts, has already been named one of the best at the festival by the Times. Humphries hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness and encourage more people to seek help and get diagnosed sooner.
PMDD affects up to 8% of people who have periods in the UK, but many are unaware of the condition or dismiss their symptoms as normal PMS. By bringing PMDD to the forefront through comedy, Humphries is not only entertaining her audience but also educating them on a serious issue that affects many women.
Through her show, Humphries is empowering others to speak up about their struggles and seek help. Her candid and humorous approach to discussing PMDD is not only refreshing but also essential in breaking down the stigma surrounding women’s health issues.
Humphries’ show, “Square Peg,” is running at Just the Tonic at the Mash House until August 25th, giving audiences a chance to laugh, learn, and support a comedian who is using her platform to make a difference.