Vicky Pattison has shared the enormous privilege she feels to be self-employed whilst battling premenstrual dysphoric disorder, noting that others can’t take time out for their health like she can
Vicky Pattison shares ‘debilitating’ PMDD battle(Image: Vicky Pattison/Instagram)
Vicky Pattison has taken to social media to encourage fans to help fight for period-related medical issues to be added to the Equality Act, as she notes her ‘privilege’ amid her battle with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The 38-year-old has been open about her health since being diagnosed with the disorder, which is a severe medical condition causing intense emotional and physical issues prior to starting a period. Now, she has opened up about how she feels ‘privileged’ to be self-employed, as it means she can put her health first, in ways other women cannot.
On her Instagram stories, Vicky shared a screenshot of her WhatsApp chats with her husband, Ercan, in which he supported her. She wrote over the top: “Got my period through the might…. and even though I seem to be getting a handle on my pmdd symptions, the pain this month woke me up through the night… so I’ll be staying here with my hot water bottle, puppies and book as long as I can get away with it… That god I’ve got a kind husband who understands.”
She then added that her self-care routine got her thinking about all the other women dealing with period related medical issues such as endometriosis and poly-cystic ovary syndrome. “Got me thinking, though,” she added. “I’m privileged in that I’m self-employed and can take a morning off, but a lot of women suffering with endometriosis, PMDD, adenomyosis, PCOS and haven’t got that luxury.
“And if every month, they’re facing these debilitating symptoms that leave them in agony, consumed by dark thoughts and unable to get out of bed… what does that mean for their jobs and their relationships with their employers?”
In another post, Vicky continued: “Now some may have incredibly understanding bosses, but others may feel like their workplace environment doesn’t exactly foster empathy for these women’s health conditions… which unfortunately I feel may be all too common a narrative.”
The former Geordie Shore star then shared a screenshot of a petition titled ‘Add gynaecological conditions, e.g. Endometriosis, to Equality Act 2010 Guidance’ along with a link to sign it. She said over the top: “So I’d like to ask you all to consider singing the petition below. It’s asking the government to add gynaecological conditions as ‘impairments with fluctuating or recurring effects’ into the Equality Act 2010 Guidance.
“If this happens, it will hopefully ensure employees disabled by debilitating chronic conditions such as Endometriosis are supported with reasonable adjustments and protected against disability discrimination in the workplace by law… it is a step in the right direction for those dealing with women’s health issues and one I support wholeheartedly! Please sign if you agree.”
Vicky was diagnosed with PMDD four years ago, after suffering from crippling cramps, anxiety, and depression. She has previously had to hit back at trolls who claimed she was lying about her symptoms to “stay relevant”.
Responding to the taunts, Vicky posted a video of herself dancing around her bedroom, sporting a blue jumpsuit, sticking her middle finger up. Revealing the abuse she’s been dealing with since sharing her diagnosis, she wrote in text over the video: “Things I’ve had said to me since I got diagnosed with PMDD.” The reality star captioned the video: “You’ve got to laugh… But also, respectfully f*** all the way off.”
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