For many women coping with menopause, there is more to it than just hot flashes. There have been many women experiencing signs of anxiety and depression. Brain fog is one good example. In this week’s post, we’re going to examine a few common examples of mental health challenges of menopause and four different ways you can find mental health support if you’re a woman dealing with it.
Examples of Mental Health Challenges of Menopause
There are various forms of mental health challenges that many women going through menopause could experience. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common ones that come to mind. The changes in your hormones usually have an impact on your mental well-being. Mood changes are usually common during the perimenopause stage. According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, four in 10 people experience problems with irritability, low energy, sadness, or difficulty concentrating. The physical symptoms that women in menopause experience can cause stress or fatigue. I even shared another mental health symptom related to menopause, called brain fog, in a previous blog post. Loss of self-esteem and loss of confidence are other examples of mental health challenges related to menopause.
Types of Mental Health Support for Women in Menopause
If you’re a woman who’s experiencing some serious mental health challenges during menopause, there’s help available for you. You could utilize help in various areas from professional mental health therapists, peer support groups, medical support, and even help from your family and friends. Let’s examine these different types of mental health support that could help you get through this natural transition in your life.
Therapy and Counseling Help
Many women have been turning to professional therapy and counseling for help with anxiety and depression. It’s not for everyone, but most have found it helpful. Some examples of different forms of therapy are talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or mindfulness-based counseling. If you’ve been thinking about turning to this form of support, consider looking into therapists who specialize in working with women’s health.
Peer Support Groups
There are also various support groups women in menopause could turn to for help with their mental health. Some women utilize both professional therapy and support groups for help with their issues. But peer support groups are a good resource for women to seek assistance from fellow women who are also going through the same issues. These support groups could be in-person or virtual, where small groups meet together each week to share their menopause issues. Here are some examples of support groups related to mental health for women in menopause.
Medical Support Assistance
Besides professional therapy and support groups, there’s also medical-related assistance. Gynecologists and primary care doctors are both good resources for women in menopause coping with mental health issues. They can also refer you to a good psychiatrist. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common form of treatment medical professionals give to help women in menopause improve their mood and overall well-being. Research has shown that HRT could lead to reduced depression, mood swings, and irritability for women in menopause.
Support from Family and Friends
Besides support from fellow women coping with menopause, women must also be able to seek support from close family and friends. If they could find someone they know, trust, and could talk to about their feelings, they would feel supported. Talk to your mom, sister, or other older females who have gone through this change of life. They could provide you with any questions or advice on how to deal with the mental health challenges of it all.
How Women Can Find the Right Support
Finding the right mental health support takes time, but it does exist. Consider professional therapy or medical support from a gynecologist. Joining a peer support group may not be such a bad idea. Always turn to experienced women, perhaps family or friends, who can provide the support you need. Whatever support you utilize, you can be able to get quality mental health assistance when you’re in menopause.
If you’re coping with menopause, what mental health resources have you been using? Have you been talking to your doctors about menopause support? Share your thoughts about this issue in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman you know coping with this issue.
