I am struggling to pay bills and do my shopping as I hit the menopause
DEAR DEIDRE: NOW that I am going through the menopause I am struggling to pay bills and do my shopping.
I suffer from dyscalculia, a learning disorder that affects my ability to do maths.
I am a 52-year-old single woman.
I was diagnosed at school by a teacher who picked up on it.
I excelled in most other subjects but always struggled with maths.
I get so stressed trying to work out how much I owe in shops, how much change I am due – it’s beyond me.
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I’ve developed anxiety because of it.
I struggle to manage my own finances without help.
Luckily I have a supportive family and my sister often helps me but she has her own life and I can’t rely on her all the time.
The menopause has made everything seem a hundred times worse.
My anxiety has gone through the roof.
I am avoiding shopping because of it.
I have tried to get help but nobody wants to listen.
READ MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE
DEIDRE SAYS: We often overlook the menopause’s psychological effects.
Many women experience confusion and anxiety as part of it.
Some have found cognitive behaviour therapy helps but do talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy which helps control menopause symptoms.
The British Menopause Society (thebms.org.uk) will help you find expert treatment locally.
My support pack Living With Anxiety may help too.
You can also find support at The Dyscalculia Association (dyscalculiaassociation.uk).