A is for Anxiety
Covering the A-Z of Menopause and it’s impact in the workplace.
Find out more about the following:
Brain Fog, Confidence, Diversity, Eye Problems, Fatigue, GSM (Geno-urinary Syndrome of Menopause), Hot Flushes, Ignorance, Knowledge, Low Mood, Memory Problems, Neurodiversity, Osteoporosis, Palpitations, Questions, Reduced Concentration, Skin Issues, Tearfulness, UTI’s, Vaginal Atrophy, Weight Gain, Xena, Yearning, Zzzz Sleep Problems.
Anxiety is a very common problem for women during the peri menopause and menopause years, with women in the workplace between 45 and 55 reported feeling more stress, depression, and anxiety than any other group.
Changes in hormone levels may influence neurotransmitters in the brain and the decline in oestrogen is responsible for many menopausal symptoms including fatigue, low mood and joint pain. Disturbed sleep is particularly common at this time, and sleep deprivation over time can increase anxiety and mood swings.
Cortisol, otherwise known as the stress hormone, is responsible for keeping our senses and reflexes at peak level, especially during fight or flight situations. Our bodies are designed to cope with stress in short bursts, not the relentless pressures of modern-day life. More of us are living and working with chronic stress as we navigate kids, teenagers, aging parents, financial worries, and work.
Anxiety is a biproduct of fear and as we enter the menopause years it is common to start to feel more anxious about things that we previously handled without a second thought. For example: Women who have spent their lives driving as part of their job, suddenly fear the prospect of getting behind the wheel, driving in the dark or on motorways.
When we are chronically stressed our bodies go into survival mode. Fat becomes stored around the middle of our body as a natural energy source for the fight or flight response, internal stresses such as aging, unresolved anxieties, food intolerances, medications, nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, blood sugar, and chemicals and toxins built up over the years and all add up to a feeling that we are out of control.
Anxiety can cause even the most confident of people to doubt themselves and is often the cause for them to step back from responsibility in the workplace or start to doubt their ability. If this is happening to you, where do you turn to for support?
Does your company openly support people going through menopause in the workplace? If not, then maybe it’s time they did. I can help with both. I offer 121 coaching as well as training in the workplace to make businesses more menopause friendly.
Get in touch at sarah@themenopauseatwork
