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Can people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder work? What kind of work can they perform?
See how people with experience in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder give their opinion about whether people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Can people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder work?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a small percentage of menstruating individuals. It is characterized by intense physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the week or two before menstruation and significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.
While PMDD can be challenging to manage, many individuals with this condition are able to work and lead fulfilling professional lives. However, the ability to work may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, individual coping mechanisms, and the support available in the workplace.
What kind of work can they perform?
The type of work that individuals with PMDD can perform largely depends on their specific symptoms and how they are affected by them. PMDD symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but commonly include:
- Severe mood swings
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Intense irritability or anger
- Anxiety or tension
- Difficulty concentrating
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Changes in appetite or food cravings
- Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Physical symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, or headaches
Given the range of symptoms, individuals with PMDD may find certain types of work more manageable than others. Here are some considerations:
- Flexible work arrangements: Jobs that offer flexible schedules or remote work options can be beneficial for individuals with PMDD. This allows them to adjust their work hours or environment to accommodate their symptoms and seek necessary support.
- Low-stress occupations: High-stress jobs can exacerbate PMDD symptoms. Individuals may find it helpful to work in occupations that have lower stress levels, such as administrative roles, creative fields, or jobs that involve working with animals or nature.
- Supportive work environments: A supportive and understanding work environment can make a significant difference for individuals with PMDD. Employers who are willing to provide reasonable accommodations, such as flexible breaks or reduced workload during symptomatic periods, can greatly contribute to an individual's ability to work effectively.
- Self-employment or entrepreneurship: Some individuals with PMDD may find that self-employment or entrepreneurship allows them to have more control over their work environment and schedule. This can provide the flexibility needed to manage their symptoms effectively.
- Healthcare and wellness professions: Some individuals with PMDD may be drawn to careers in healthcare or wellness due to their personal experiences. They may find fulfillment in helping others navigate similar challenges and can use their own experiences to empathize with patients or clients.
It is important to note that PMDD affects individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is crucial for individuals with PMDD to prioritize self-care, seek appropriate medical treatment, and communicate openly with their employers or supervisors about their condition.
In conclusion, individuals with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder can indeed work, but the type of work they can perform may vary depending on their specific symptoms and the support available to them. With understanding employers, flexible work arrangements, and appropriate self-care, individuals with PMDD can lead successful professional lives while managing their condition.
Diseasemaps
Can work if you have support in any field. I am a nurse
Posted Mar 2, 2017 by Kristina 1145
Yes! Of course they can work!
Its different for everyone of course as to how much energy they have and how effected they are by their symptoms, or how well their treatment is working for them.
Many people with PMDD have been able to go on and obtain degrees and work in high demanding jobs.
Its different for everyone of course as to how much energy they have and how effected they are by their symptoms, or how well their treatment is working for them.
Many people with PMDD have been able to go on and obtain degrees and work in high demanding jobs.
Posted Mar 2, 2017 by Natalie 505
It is difficult to know what percentage of individuals who live with PMDD work in a specific sector because so many of us are unable - for a variety of reasons - to disclose our illnesses, especially in the workplace. Anecdotally, I am a master-level licensed social worker who supports families with children who are chronically and/or terminally ill. With the proper support from my psychiatrist and my vigilant self-care, I am able to do this hard work. Finding a way to continue to embrace our passions, despite the medical conditions that may seem to define us, is vital to our mental health.
Posted Mar 17, 2017 by khdrou 350
I am a flight attendant and also a law student. I did not completely understand my condition until recently otherwise I may have planned differently. That is not to say l would not have done either, but I would have had intermittent FMLA in place at my job and joined a support group of similarly situated women to have a plan of action for both areas of my life. My grades and work performance would have suffered less.
This condition has definitely created doubts about my professional career in both fields. There are opportunities and roles that I would like to take on because I know my skills sets would be perfect, however, being conscious of my limitations, I shy away from roles that will involve increasingly more responsibilities over time.
I would not ever tell someone not to do a certain job or go into a field of work they are passionate about because of this condition. But I would strongly encourage them to understand their limitations and have a tried and tested plan of action ready to cope with the challenges that are inherent to PMDD.
This condition has definitely created doubts about my professional career in both fields. There are opportunities and roles that I would like to take on because I know my skills sets would be perfect, however, being conscious of my limitations, I shy away from roles that will involve increasingly more responsibilities over time.
I would not ever tell someone not to do a certain job or go into a field of work they are passionate about because of this condition. But I would strongly encourage them to understand their limitations and have a tried and tested plan of action ready to cope with the challenges that are inherent to PMDD.
Posted Mar 23, 2017 by HP 750
I have had a range of jobs, when I was younger I could cope working with horses, even when I was constantly faint due to tiredness. Now, I would not be able too.
I have lost many of jobs through ringing in sick due to depression or going on mad benders, and then I come on my period the next day.
I recommended a job with a variety of tasks to keep your mind focusing on different things.
A boring job is not good
I have lost many of jobs through ringing in sick due to depression or going on mad benders, and then I come on my period the next day.
I recommended a job with a variety of tasks to keep your mind focusing on different things.
A boring job is not good
Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Rachel 850
It depends on how severe the condition is for each person and how successful their treatment plan is.
Posted Apr 12, 2017 by Maribel 1000
Yes they can work, if they feel they need time off or cannot go into work they are covered under the Americans with Disabilities act.
Posted May 16, 2017 by Kristie 1125
Of course we can, part of this problems is that we think a lot, so if you are busy and doing something that you like, it helps a lot
Posted Jul 24, 2017 by Limerencia 2070
People with PMDD are able to work around their symptoms however on days when symptoms are severe, people with PMDD should not work and should be supplied with a doctor's certificate to access their right to sick leave.
Posted Aug 3, 2017 by Lynda Pickett 700
Yes, I work full time as a project manager, I plan my month so that in my bad week I work from home and do reduced stress tasks
Posted Sep 10, 2017 by son678 2000
I am a nurse and I have worked all my life. It is hard and I missed a lot of work due to severe anxiety, depression, physical pain but I still help a job. I would recommend getting FMLA in place.
Posted Oct 22, 2017 by Deanna 2550
Coping with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) in any aspect of your life is a challenge. Dealing with PMDD at work can be especially difficult. Maintaining a business demeanor when you are experiencing violent mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, and often physical pain related to PMDD can seem an impossible thing to do. You may find that you need to be absent from work while your PMDD symptoms are at their most severe. You may wonder if you can do that without losing your job. There are some measures you can take to ensure that you can take the time off work that you need in order to cope with your PMDD symptoms without losing your job.
What you should know
You may be entitled to job-protected leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when leave is needed due to the symptoms of PMDD.
You may also be entitled to receive reasonable accommodations at work under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There is no comprehensive list of accommodations that employers are required to consider/provide and so each situation must be addressed case-by-case. A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that enables you to perform job duties when limited by your medical impairment.
To receive an accommodation under the ADA, you will need to explain that you have a medical condition impairment that limits your ability to perform job duties/meet standards or may require you to sometimes take time off from work.
If you request an accommodation, or time off from work, you may need to have your healthcare provider substantiate that you have a medical impairment or serious health condition that requires accommodation and/or leave.
When to Disclose
Deciding when/if to disclose information about your medical impairment to your employer, or a prospective employer, is up to you. You will need to disclose in order to access resources, receive reasonable accommodations, or invoke protections that may be available to you. Choosing to disclose should include preparation. Steps to take before disclosing include assessing how you feel about sharing information about PMDD and obtaining the necessary documentation needed to substantiate the existence of your medical impairment.
If choosing to disclose when applying for a position, perhaps during the post-offer stage of the hiring process, have a well-documented plan for working around your PMDD days and share this plan during the accommodation negotiation process. When deciding to disclose during the interviewing process, it may be beneficial to seek out companies with a solid background of supporting those with mental and physical disabilities. It is also important to remember that disclosure should occur before performance suffers, not be reserved until right before termination is imminent. (i.e. you're about to be fired).
https://iapmd.org/pmdd-and-the-workplace/
What you should know
You may be entitled to job-protected leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when leave is needed due to the symptoms of PMDD.
You may also be entitled to receive reasonable accommodations at work under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There is no comprehensive list of accommodations that employers are required to consider/provide and so each situation must be addressed case-by-case. A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that enables you to perform job duties when limited by your medical impairment.
To receive an accommodation under the ADA, you will need to explain that you have a medical condition impairment that limits your ability to perform job duties/meet standards or may require you to sometimes take time off from work.
If you request an accommodation, or time off from work, you may need to have your healthcare provider substantiate that you have a medical impairment or serious health condition that requires accommodation and/or leave.
When to Disclose
Deciding when/if to disclose information about your medical impairment to your employer, or a prospective employer, is up to you. You will need to disclose in order to access resources, receive reasonable accommodations, or invoke protections that may be available to you. Choosing to disclose should include preparation. Steps to take before disclosing include assessing how you feel about sharing information about PMDD and obtaining the necessary documentation needed to substantiate the existence of your medical impairment.
If choosing to disclose when applying for a position, perhaps during the post-offer stage of the hiring process, have a well-documented plan for working around your PMDD days and share this plan during the accommodation negotiation process. When deciding to disclose during the interviewing process, it may be beneficial to seek out companies with a solid background of supporting those with mental and physical disabilities. It is also important to remember that disclosure should occur before performance suffers, not be reserved until right before termination is imminent. (i.e. you're about to be fired).
https://iapmd.org/pmdd-and-the-workplace/
Posted Aug 9, 2018 by April 3000
