My panic attacks are worse now that I’m going through the menopause

DEAR DEIDRE: I live with terrible panic attacks and they have been ten times worse since I started getting menopausal symptoms.

I’m 51 and I’m finding life so difficult at the moment. I work as a nurse and I’m expected to be on the ball at all times but sometimes when we have a new member of staff, I can’t even remember my own name. It’s ridiculous.

I have big problems with brain fog now. I’ve suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since I was a student nurse and a young teenager died on my shift.

He’d been ill for a long time and his death wasn’t unexpected but I felt overwhelmed with the upset of it all, wondering if I’d given him the correct medication and whether it was my fault.

Now I get panic attacks at least once a month. I can’t sleep and I get night sweats and hot flushes. I feel like I’m falling apart.

DEIDRE SAYS: You are suffering from PTSD as well as severe menopause symptoms. The death of this teenager wasn’t your fault.

After going through that, you’ll be constantly concerned about making errors due to your brain fog if you don’t sort this out.

My support packs on Menopause and Panic Attacks will show you where to find help. Use the employee assistance programme available through the NHS and/or talk with Assist Trauma Care (assisttraumacare.org.uk, 01788 551919).

Keep open lines of communication with colleagues who can offer support.

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