Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Baby on September 12, 2020, 01:00:52 PM
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Do any of you know about rights at work to do with menopause. I only work two days a week 2pm till 10pm but struggle with panic before I go. Would it be within my rights to start early and finish a bit earlier. X
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I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. Could you talk to your manager/supervisor about your situation? ie. changing up your shift, or help you find ways to ease your anxiety?
Hope you find some relief!
C.C.
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Well I've done a bit of research today and found out that employers DO have a legal right to help employees through the meno if they are having problems and some ladies have took their companys to court and won their cases. Also I have spoken to a friend of a friend who had a bad menopause and she said her company gave her flexible working. In fact she said I was well within my rights to ask for this. It's just having the nerve to ask when your self esteem is preety low anyway.
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I understand the anxiety of asking for help. Give it a shot and see what happens. You might be surprised how understanding people can be about issues like this. :)
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Well I gave it a shot and contacted work about if they could be more flexible about my start time at work because of my anxiety panic attacks. No basically was the answer. :(
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Well I gave it a shot and contacted work about if they could be more flexible about my start time at work because of my anxiety panic attacks. No basically was the answer. :(
I'm so sorry you are dealing with anxiety and that your boss isn't empathetic. Please don't let anxiety/panic win, you have a full and busy life to live, and you have the right to do so :)
I have been in your shoes, for years actually I've even ended up in A&E thinking I was having a heart attack, but it was 'just' anxiety.
I really recommend the DARE program to you, it's changed my life and I'm fully recovered from anxiety and panic. It's really easy to understand, not expensive and there's loads of support. I've also heard that hrt really improves mood and stops the panic/anxiety attacks that affect so many of us in perimenopause/menopause.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep going and things will change! :)
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Thanks Britt. I am currently into my third month of HRT. I tried everol conti no good, then the gel and utro no good then the latest one lenzo something or the other. Am on elleste solo now. It seems HRT is not going to work for me. :'(x
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Thanks Britt. I am currently into my third month of HRT. I tried everol conti no good, then the gel and utro no good then the latest one lenzo something or the other. Am on elleste solo now. It seems HRT is not going to work for me. :'(x
Oh that's such a shame, gosh it's difficult isn't it, when you're trying to find solution to a problem that won't disappear? I wish I had more to suggest to help you, can you go and see a different dr?
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Thanks Britt. I am currently into my third month of HRT. I tried everol conti no good, then the gel and utro no good then the latest one lenzo something or the other. Am on elleste solo now. It seems HRT is not going to work for me. :'(x
Definitely go back to your GP and ask to be signed off. My GP signed me off for 2 months with anxiety - work has to honour that. I am still going through it but compared to the first month or so when anxiety symptoms appeared (just as my blood test suggested hormone imbalance), i accept it now so more bearable. I am also wondering if HRT will help but everyone has said it is the last symptom to go so holding out for that. I am only 2 weeks into a new HRT regime. Evorel Conti. I so hope that this works and trying to stay confident and pushing to the 3 or so month marker - you must too ;)
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The trouble is I have had severe anxiety and panic for 12 months and it's not getting any better. I only work two days instead of full time. This meno is completely destroying me. The doctor would sign me off he's a lovely man even though he can't help me. I just worry if I go off I will never have the strength to go back. X
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I'm physically shaking as I'm on this forum. It's like nobody can help me :'(
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:'( Baby, I honestly understand because I am in your shoes - I have had anxiety symptoms 6 months and counting. Right now I am crying typing you this message as I have been sitting with anxiety non stop all day. The physical symptoms are crazy - you are not alone! And you have probably heard that a million times BUT it is true.
I am in the hope that this will pass as I have been reassured that it will. Try the Dare Response https://dareresponse.com/ - it is an eye opener.
I am only around 2 months in and have always been told that anxiety sometimes Is the last symptom to go. Keep pushing is all the help I can give. We are pushing together - I am begging to see the light 💡 and we have to be positive that it is there x
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:'( Baby, I honestly understand because I am in your shoes - I have had anxiety symptoms 6 months and counting. Right now I am crying typing you this message as I have been sitting with anxiety non stop all day. The physical symptoms are crazy - you are not alone! And you have probably heard that a million times BUT it is true.
I am in the hope that this will pass as I have been reassured that it will. Try the Dare Response https://dareresponse.com/ - it is an eye opener.
I am only around 2 months in and have always been told that anxiety sometimes Is the last symptom to go. Keep pushing is all the help I can give. We are pushing together - I am begging to see the light 💡 and we have to be positive that it is there x
I did the DARE programme after years of anxiety and panic episodes, which I'm sure now I look back, were connected to perimenopause. It worked 100pc for me, it changed my life, im glad you found it helpful too, you have to keep pushing through to the other side :)
I decided to go for hrt a few weeks ago too, and so far so good, I am hoping it will help with all my symptoms, all the best of luck to you! ;)
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How long have you worked for your employer? If its over 26 weeks you have a legally able to apply for flexible working, you must do it officially. Your company should have a flexible working application form. They have 28 days to respond, if they don't then they haven't followed the statutory guidelines. If they don't agree you can appeal the decision. Have a look and see if anxiety is covered under the Equality Act, you must have had it for more than 12 months, if it qualifies then I'm pretty sure you can apply for flexible working as a reasonable adjustment for a disability under the Equality Act 2010. ( look into this first, but it gives you something to go on), if its not classed as a disability and you've worked there for more than 26 weeks you can still apply, it just won't be under the Equality Act.
Hope this helps :)
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A lot more than 26 weeks 25 YEARS. X
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Did you just ask? As I said, this must be done officially, ask for a flexible working form and fill it in and get it back to them. If your condition falls under the equality act ( please check first) then you can use this as a reasonable adjustment for a disability. They have to officially look at it and respond within 28days ( statutory procedure). If it does class as a diisability and there isn't an option on the form where it says " are you applying under the equality act?" Or similar, make sure you write it where it asks for your reasons that you are applying. Im no expert but i have dealt with flexible working applications. If I can help, just ask :)
Good luck
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Baby, I'm so sorry that you're having severe anxiety. I have it as well but it's mild to moderate. I'm peri and I do hope that it won't get worse in postmeno. That"s my biggest fear. It's a real nightmare for some women here. I didn't realise that this crappy meno could really affect someone so much in the workplace and cause a disability. They should be understanding in the workplace but I feel that quite often they are not.
Karine
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Hi Karine, I'm not saying that menopause is classed as a disability but the anxiety/depression could be, depends how long you've had it and whether doctors are aware and no doubt some other factors. I hope I haven't confused anyone ??? I have dealt with flexible working and understand the difference between just applying and applying where a medical condition is classed as a disability, it makes a much stronger case if it does. Like I say I'm no expert but my husband is classed as having a disability. Not through menopause :D , although he is going through it with me ;D ;D
Best wishes
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I understand how you all feel. For example today, I woke up feeling but now I feel strange and low. It's a nightmare. I haven't had a period since January this year and it looks like I'm heading towards the menopause. That's provided I don't get another period between now and January 2021. Although I heard that the ovaries can have a last fling and some ladies get another period even after 12 months. The more I go without a period the better so hopefully I will start to feel better postmeno.
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I had mild to moderate in peri but of course never realised I was in peri like so many ladies on here. My periods went from 28 to 30 days as regular as clockwork..then I didn't see for three months, then six months then no more. I think that is why meno has hit me so hard my periods just went from regular to none existant in just over twelve months. I exist now I don't live. I have absolutely no feel good hormones it doesn't matter what I do. I swim jog do yoga, do mindfulness just full of panic and fear all day? :'(
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Oh and a friend of mine whose work were brilliantly with her when she was in meno told me menopause is although not classed as a disability in law it is classed for some women as disabling and they have a reasonable duty of care to help. It's just crazy because if I go off sick they have to pay me full pay. I am entitled to this because of my years of service. Yet they won't just be a bit flexible. Incidentally I had a girl working with me this week who doesn't usually work where I do and said she was on phased return to work so she was putting her to work with me. Obviously she had been on sick leave and I didn't ask her but she told me she had been off with stress. So why do I feel guilty about doing it? I now the answer though because all my working life whether a matter of luck because I always used to be such a healthy person and never a sick note person (we all have them at work) it just goes totally against my nature. But it just shows you are just a number at work these days. :(
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Ask them for a form, you can put your reason for applying to do with stress/anxiety. If its on a flexible working application form they are not allowed to ignore it, they dont have to agree but they have to follow statutory procedure. Have a look at citizens advice re flexible working, full of great information.
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Thank you for your posts Penguin99. They are really useful. :thankyou:
Taz x :)
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You're very welcome. I hate to see people being treated unfairly because they don't know their rights, whether it be to do with work or consumer rights. I always said I should have been a lawyer :).
I do seriously consider being a union representative, my husband says I'd make a good one ;D I don't have too many problems at work as I put them straight, my husband did though, they tried to do him out of holiday entitlement, needless to say, he got it in the end ;D