(Source-bbc.com)
Karen Farquharson, a 50-year-old from Aberdeen, has shared her harrowing experience with menopause-related workplace discrimination. Farquharson, who successfully sued for unfair dismissal and harassment, hopes that new research will lead to fairer treatment of women undergoing symptoms of menopause.
Farquharson described her workplace ordeal as a “nightmare,” revealing that she was unfairly criticized for using menopause as an excuse for her symptoms. “Work-wise I just felt that I couldn’t cope anymore,” she said. “I just didn’t know who I was.”
New Research Underway
A new study led by the University of Aberdeen aims to explore the mental health impacts of menopause on women and assess the support and policy changes needed. The research is examining various aspects, including employment issues, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and physical pain.
Karen Farquharson, now participating in the study, has been surprised by the extent of the symptoms she has experienced. She recalled the debilitating nature of her symptoms: “Some days, the thought of even making a cup of tea is just so debilitating.”
Farquharson’s ordeal at her previous job, where her symptoms of menopause were dismissed as mere “aches and pains,” culminated in her resignation from a Peterhead engineering firm. She was awarded £37,000 last year following a successful tribunal claim. Reflecting on her experience, Farquharson said, “I didn’t actually think I was a real person anymore. The brain fog and anxiety made driving and social situations extremely difficult. I was suicidal, especially during the tribunal process.”
Expert Opinions
Dr. Lucky Saraswat, a consultant gynaecologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and advisor to the Scottish government on women’s health, is leading the research project. Dr. Saraswat emphasizes that menopause’s mental health impacts are often overshadowed by physical symptoms. She noted, “Mental health was always less addressed compared to physical health. But knowing that some of our physiological conditions can also impact mental health, I don’t think we can ignore it for too long.”
Dr. Saraswat advocates for better employer awareness and more funding for research. She believes that understanding the symptoms of menopause on work is crucial for retaining skilled employees. “They are really productive members of society, with a lot of experience, knowledge, and skills. We don’t want to lose them from the workforce,” she added.
Call for Policy Changes
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce supports the push for better treatment of menopausal women in the workplace. Director Liz Cameron emphasized the need for businesses to acknowledge the significant health and wellbeing impacts of menopause. “It is no longer acceptable for any female in the workplace to feel they must hide the symptoms of menopause,” Cameron said. “Businesses need to provide strong support and understanding.”
Farquharson’s participation in the University of Aberdeen’s study and the increasing awareness and symptoms of menopause’s impact on mental health and work underscore the need for comprehensive policy changes. As Dr. Saraswat and other experts advocate for improved support systems, there is a growing call for employers to address the challenges faced by menopausal women and ensure they receive the respect and understanding they deserve.
