Learn About Menopause and Mental Health
With changes in hormones and physical health, your mental health may also be affected as a result of going through menopause, but this is often overlooked as people focus more on the physical symptoms. Here, we discover how menopause can impact mental health, and what support and resources are available.
The Impact of Personal and Cultural Challenges on Menopause
Menopausal experiences vary from one person to another, and it’s not just about what’s happening in your body. You may be trying to juggle full time work, dealing with parents that need more care, your children leaving home... navigating all of these responsibilities whilst undergoing physical changes can inevitably have an impact on our mental wellbeing, too.
As well as this, cultural differences can also determine your unique menopause experience. For example, research suggests that in societies where younger women are admired more highly, going through menopause can cause someone to feel less valued by society, worsening their symptoms of menopause and as a result, their overall mental wellbeing.
What Are Some of the Psychological Menopausal Symptoms
What Are Some of the Psychological Menopausal Symptoms?
It’s not uncommon to experience feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, alongside:
Anger and irritability
Anxiety
Forgetfulness
Loss of self-esteem
Loss of confidence
Low mood and feelings of sadness or depression
Poor concentration – often described as ‘brain fog’ and/or lost words
Many women going through menopause may also experience problems with their sleep. A lack of sleep and overall feelings of tiredness can also exacerbate other symptoms, such as anxiety, ability to concentrate and iterability.
Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms
There are various treatment options available that can help to relieve some of the psychological symptoms of menopause, such as:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Counselling
Practicing mindfulness/self-care
Whilst you may experience low mood as a result of menopause, this should not be confused with depression, and so antidepressants should not be used as a first line of treatment for psychological symptoms of menopause.
As with many other mental health conditions, incorporating exercise and a healthy, balanced diet into your daily routine can help to improve some menopause symptoms
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition or suicidal thoughts and is in need of immediate help, there are resources available:
Do You Need Further Support with Menopause?
Do You Need Further Support with Menopause? Please visit the NHS - Menopause Help and Support website listed below:
Mental health services and urgent help are available through the NHS and local mental health charities and services. Please visit the NHS - Local Mental Health Charities Services website listed below: