How Does Menopause Affect Mental Health?
Menopause. Only 3 syllables but its meaning holds both beginnings and endings. A commonality in the clients I support who have or are experiencing menopause is loss— the loss of their identity as they knew it.
I had one client say that the idea of not being able to carry children (despite being done having children) or having a monthly period made her feel lost.
This is what we are told our purpose is, she’d say.
When asked if she had any family or friends who’ve been open about their experiences with menopause, she stated that it was never really talked about— that for her it was framed as just something women did. This narrative can be applied to many of the big transitions women experience over the course of their lifetimes.
We know the hormonal changes that accompany the transition into menopause can cause irritability, sadness, depression, and feelings of sluggishness. Our bodies and our minds go through incredible changes and somehow we are just supposed to accept it and move through it without much noise because we are accustomed to coping through physical and mental challenges.
But this is where noise is important!
The experience of menopause is normal and common, but women are often made to feel that their reactions are overly dramatic or too emotional. They aren’t. They’re accurate.
We want to get talking about menopause because the more we talk about it the more we remove its stigma and normalize the experience of so many women.
So, how can we support our mental health through menopause?
Therapy
One of the ways we can start this process is through therapy. Talking through the big feelings and changes we are experiencing can be incredibly helpful, and for women who have a history of mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression, it’s incredibly important to seek support during this time. Let’s not forget that in a culture where women are revered for being young, menopause equates to aging which makes it much more devastating. Having regular therapy sessions is key to strengthening our mental wellness and working with a therapist can ensure we are staying on top of any drastic changes in our thinking and feeling.
Support Network
Community is an essential part of feeling supported. During a time when we feel isolated and unlike ourselves, spending time with people who understand and support us is important.
Get your friends together and create a support group and safe space for women who have/are experiencing menopause and talk about it.
All of it.
Or join a group that is already established and make new connections!
Self-Care
Create a ritual for yourself that reminds you to take care of and be kind to yourself.
Make some lifestyle changes that support more exercise, better sleep, and lower stress to help reduce menopausal symptoms.
The majority of the research on menopause encourages the same message: do not struggle alone. There are solutions. Reach out to your OBGYN, your therapist, your naturopath, your acupuncturist, your massage therapist, your most trusted friends and family- your community- to support you in taking care of every part of you. Kindness to yourself goes a long way.
This post was written by wellbe’s social worker Tiffany Lewis. If you are in need of support, you can book a virtual visit with our social workers here.