Living with PMDD is tough, but with the right PMDD accommodations, you can thrive even in the workplace or college. Whether it’s support from your colleagues or adjustments made by your manager, these accommodations can make a significant difference. To help you navigate the situation, the team at Belle wants to share a few tips on how to approach this subject, as well as resources like templates to make requests from your employer and get support from your physician.
Read more: Understanding PMDD Symptoms & What Doctor to See for PMDD?
Why Ask for PMDD Accommodations?
PMDD can affect your focus, energy levels, and even your emotions, which might make certain tasks more challenging at times. By requesting accommodations, you’re advocating for your health and ensuring you have the support you need to perform your best, even on difficult days. Accommodations might include flexible work hours, remote work options, or a quiet space to regroup when symptoms flare up.
Read more: PMDD and Work: Navigating Challenges
PMDD is a severe mental health condition that can impact your performance and relationships. Understanding the stigma surrounding it and learning how to address it can further empower you in advocating for your needs.
Read more: PMDD Stigma: Breaking Barriers
How to Start the Conversation about PMDD Accommodations
It can feel intimidating, but talking to your employer about PMDD doesn’t have to be daunting. A good way to begin is by sharing how this condition affects your work and suggesting adjustments that would help. It’s also helpful to provide a doctor’s note, which gives credibility and clarifies your needs.
Read more: How to Explain PMDD to a Man
To make it easier for you, we’ve included two templates below – one for emailing your employer and one for your doctor’s note. Feel free to adapt them to suit your situation!
Template Resources for Employer and Physician
Employer Accommodations Request Template
Subject: Request for Workplace Accommodations
[DATE]
[SUPERVISOR OR HR REPRESENTATIVE’S NAME]
[COMPANY NAME]
[COMPANY ADDRESS]
Dear [Name of Recipient],
I am writing to make a formal request for reasonable accommodations in the workplace due to a chronic health condition, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). This chronic condition significantly impacts my daily functioning at certain times during the month.
PMDD is a severe and chronic health condition recognized as a mental health condition in the DSM-5. It affects 2–8% of individuals with a menstrual cycle and is understood to be caused by abnormal neurological responses to normal hormonal fluctuations. It can unfortunately cause debilitating symptoms including [add or remove symptoms based on your experience: extreme mood swings, severe fatigue, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and physical pain], all of which can affect my ability to fully perform my job duties.
PMDD is also recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a condition that can limit various work and life functions. The ADA ensures that individuals with such impairments are entitled to reasonable accommodations that allow them to continue fulfilling their job responsibilities. Examples that may fall under this might be job restructuring, modification of working schedule and/or location, extended leave, telework, or reassignment to more suitable positions.
In order to effectively manage my PMDD symptoms while maintaining my job performance, I am requesting the following reasonable accommodations:
- Flexibility in taking up to 1–3 days off per month during the days when PMDD symptoms are most severe.
- The ability to work remotely on days when in-office work is challenging due to severe symptoms.
- Extended deadlines or flexibility in task completion during times when symptoms interfere with my ability to meet tight deadlines, given appropriate communication.
- Access to a private, quiet space in the office to manage symptoms if needed.
I would be happy to discuss these or any alternative accommodations that might work best for both the company and my well-being. My goal is to ensure that I can continue to contribute to the workplace while managing my health condition in a way that supports both my performance and health.
I have attached relevant medical documentation that confirms my diagnosis. If you need any further documentation or would like to discuss additional accommodations, I am more than willing to provide that information.
I appreciate your understanding and support in this matter. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request, and I look forward to discussing how we can implement these accommodations to help me manage my condition while continuing to meet my professional responsibilities.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
Read more: PMDD Treatment Guidelines
Physician Letter of Support Template
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern or [Insert Manager/School Administrator Name],
I am writing to confirm that I have been attending to [Patient’s Name]. I can confirm that [Patient’s Name] has been diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and is experiencing severe premenstrual symptoms consistent with this diagnosis.
PMDD is a recognized mental health disorder and therefore has a significant impact on [Patient’s Name]’s daily life. Symptoms are both physical and mental in nature, resulting in a substantial functional burden. I kindly request that this be taken into consideration regarding her [workplace/school] performance, including her attendance and ability to meet deadlines or contribute to [workplace/class] tasks during symptomatic times.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Doctor’s Name]
[Doctor’s Title and Contact Information]
Read more: PMDD and Mood Regulation Free Guide
Additional Tips for Thriving at Work with PMDD
- Build a Support Network: Identify trusted colleagues or a manager you feel comfortable discussing your condition with. A supportive workplace can make accommodations easier to implement and maintain.
- Track Your Symptoms: Using a tracker or journal can help you recognize patterns in your symptoms. Share this information with your healthcare provider to tailor your treatment plan effectively.
Read more: PMDD Symptoms Quiz
- Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize activities that help reduce stress, like mindfulness exercises, physical activity, or engaging with PMDD support communities.
Your body gives signals—this ring helps you decode them
Read more: PMDD Memes to Raise Awareness
Don’t let PMDD disrupt your career. Focus with Belle.
You’ve Got This!
Remember, you deserve to feel supported at work. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself – taking this step can make a world of difference. If you have any questions or need more guidance, feel free to reach out in our community channels!
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