Here’s why menopause can be such an emotional time
While menopause is famously associated with hot flushes and other physical symptoms, not everyone is aware of (or prepared for) its emotional effects. The thing is, irritability, mood swings, brain fog, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, reduced motivation and low self-confidence are all associated with menopause.1 Symptoms of depression and anxiety are also associated with perimenopause (the lead up to menopause) even if they weren’t a challenge in previous years.1 Sometimes, these symptoms can come on quickly or may feel like a constant state of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Menopause can be a significant time of life for many other reasons as well. These can be children leaving home, caring for elderly parents, divorce, career pressure, body changes, financial pressures, general ageing or illness. Sometimes the combination of these is a challenge to manage.
How will menopause affect me?
It’s impossible to say exactly, as menopause is different for everyone. Your experience may be impacted by:
Your age.
Beginning menopause before you were expecting to may add a layer of challenge.
Your expectations.
Expecting to experience difficult symptoms can make it more likely that this happens.
Your knowledge.
Understanding the phases of menopause helps our mind deal with the experience.
Your background.
Our ethnic and cultural heritage can affect our symptoms and perceptions
Your attitude.
"Flipping the script" and thinking positively can make a difference to how you feel.
Susan Lee
TerryWhite Chemmart
Valley Road Devonport, TAS
These steps can help manage our menopause mental health
1. Know your phase of menopause and the possible symptoms
(it’s easier to deal with something we understand)
2. Ensure your doctor understands your mental health history so far
3. Identify the other areas of your life which cause stress
and share these with your doctor
4. Ask your doctor about an individualised treatment plan
(this may include menopause hormone therapy, psychological therapies and lifestyle changes)
5. If work stress is impacting you, consider speaking with your manager about a plan
6. Continue to foster healthy lifestyle habits
(quit smoking and get plenty of rest, movement, water and good nutrition)
7. Non-medical treatments
(such as meditation, relaxation and cognitive behaviour therapy) can boost resilience and improve our reactions to stress2
8. Stay connected with your friends
and turn to each other to vent, laugh or share experiences