Image from BBC Womens Hour
Around five years ago – roughly around the same time I started my business, I started feeling anxious. Not just a little bit stressed and uptight, but super anxious, anxious, in a panic attack way, that made me feel like I was going insane and was slowly losing grip on reality.
I was also waking up on average of six or seven times a night with intense, bed drenching night sweats. Luckily I was my own boss so could manage my time so that I could lie in bed a little longer in the morning, or go home if I felt an anxiety attack coming on. But I shared my situation with very few people, as I didn’t like the fact I wasn’t coping and couldn’t understand what was happening to me.
After a discussion with my doctor and some hormone tests, I was relieved to find out it was peri menopausal. It helped to know what it was – but apart from HRT the doctor could offer me no help. I carried on as normal – or as normal as I could be on 4 hours sleep – and approached the menopause as I had with periods, pregnancy and ongoing bouts of insomnia.
If I’d had a normal job, where I had to be on time every day, attend meetings and manage a team, I would have found it almost impossible, as some days I could barely function and would have burst into tears had anyone been even slightly mean to me.
Would I have told my co-workers what was wrong and been honest if I needed a day of, if I’d been an employee – probably not. As I am from a generation that cracks on and is determined to prove we are only having a period/pregnant therefore not ill and as capable as men of getting the job done. Mentioning ‘female problems’ is/was taboo – unless you wanted to get out of games at school – despite the fact you could be writhing in agony with pain, or homicidal with hormones.
Myra Hunter, emeritus professor of clinical health psychology at King’s College recently published one the first major studies to look at how symptoms such as hot flushes affect women at work, tracking 124 female employees in the public and private sectors. They found that symptoms could have a significant impact, but that following a simple programme of CBT, using a self-help booklet, the level of symptoms could be reduced to a manageable level.
Hunter told the Guardian that menopausal symptoms remained a “taboo issue” in many workplaces and, while policies to support pregnant women are now standard, there is still little awareness of the impact that the menopause can have on women who are often at the peak of their career.
“Often there’s a will to address this among managers, but they just don’t know how to talk about it,” said Hunter. “Women want it to be raised if appropriate. They don’t want to be treated as ill, they just want some understanding and awareness of it.”
As discussions become more public and the media start to raise awareness of the symptoms of menopause, things can only get better. But are these subjects of interest to anyone apart from those going through it? When sharing the fact your breasts are leaking milk/you’re having a painful period/hot flush are not met with horrified looks in the work place, we might get somewhere, but we have to be willing to put it out there. With some women not even willing to admit their age in public and undergoing all sorts of procedure to halt the ageing process – just how ready are we to start speaking out about menopause?
Luckily my symptoms are easing, or perhaps I have just learnt to live with them, and I’m not sure about the idea of CBT (would you offer ‘mind over matter’ therapy to someone with flu?) but I’m willing to give it a try.
Myra Hunter has written a book called Manage Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: A cognitive behavioural self guide to menopause, which you can buy here.
Also check out last weeks Womens Hour which covered the menopause in detail.
Orthodontic treatment has a psychological impact as well. Many patients report feeling more confident and happier once their teeth are aligned. A straight smile can improve self-esteem, social interactions, and even professional opportunities. Orthodontists understand this emotional benefit and aim to provide results that not only improve health but also positively influence patients’ lives. This blend of physical and https://grandoaksorthodontics.com/ emotional transformation makes orthodontic services an invaluable investment in both appearance and well-being.
Maid cleaning services can also extend to laundry and linen management. Some companies offer additional services like washing, folding, and organizing clothes or changing bed linens. This adds another layer of convenience for clients who want comprehensive household help. With these extras, homeowners https://maidinto.ca/ can return to a fully refreshed space where not only the floors and surfaces are clean, but fabrics and bedding are also spotless, creating a more comfortable living environment.
Many crypto investors struggle to track trading activity, calculate gains, and understand how different transactions are taxed. Count On Sheep makes this process much easier by offering a complete review of all crypto-related activities. Their specialists carefully evaluate every trade, transfer https://countonsheep.com/ and transaction to ensure accuracy. They help clients avoid costly mistakes and penalties, giving them peace of mind that their tax obligations are handled correctly and professionally.
Cleaners play a big role in pool and spa care because they remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that build up over time. Canadian pool owners often choose automatic or robotic cleaners for convenience during busy seasons. These devices save time and improve water clarity by consistently scrubbing surfaces. With many lakes, trees, and windy https://kjleisure.com/ days across Canada, having a strong cleaner ensures your pool stays inviting and safe for daily use.
Same-day flower delivery can enhance romantic moments by adding an element of surprise. A beautifully arranged bouquet arriving https://tonicblooms.com unexpectedly can brighten a partner’s day, reignite connections, or celebrate love spontaneously. The immediacy of delivery amplifies the emotional resonance of the gesture.
Modern security guard companies use advanced technology to improve efficiency and safety. Surveillance systems, access control tools, and real time communication devices help guards monitor situations effectively. This http://www.citysecurityservices.com integration of human expertise and digital tools ensures quick responses to potential threats while maintaining a strong, visible deterrent against criminal activities.
The shopping experience at a premium weed dispensary is both educational and enjoyable. Customers can sample scents, learn about terpenes, and https://thepurpleshopcannabis.com explore various effects. This interactive approach makes cannabis purchasing more experiential and less transactional.
Commercial properties such as hotels, resorts, and fitness centers also benefit from Covers in Play systems. These enclosures http://www.coversinplay.com allow businesses to offer swimming amenities year round, improving guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. The elegant structures also add a premium aesthetic appeal that attracts clientele and increases overall revenue potential.
Many commercial detox drinks contain herbal blends, vitamins, and diuretics that temporarily increase urine output. While these https://naturalcleansedetox.com ingredients may contribute to a feeling of cleansing, they do not meaningfully change how the body metabolizes chemicals. Their perceived benefits often come from hydration rather than targeted detoxification effects.