Feeling low and not yourself because of 'the Change'? Approximately 13 million British women are thought to be experiencing menopause-related symptoms at any one time. And yet despite advances in menopause education, many women report feeling alone in their struggles.
Is my anxiety and depression hormone related?
An independent British study that interviewed over 3000 women found that 47 per cent of those with menopausal symptoms felt depressed, and more than a third reported issues with anxiety. [2]
Mental health issues are as much a part of menopause for some women as the more well-known physical symptoms of hot flashes and weight gain.
New research shows that while in rare cases anxiety and depression during menopausal years are only a result of hormonal shifts, in general it's a far more multifaceted issue, and needs a holistic perspective. [3]
Menopause and mental health
For example, the physical symptoms of menopause and ageing, such as a lowered sex drive and weight gain, can alone cause self-esteem and identity issues.
Menopause also hits at the same time many women are dealing with life challenges like children leaving home, taking care of elderly parents, and divorce.
Does my mental health matter?
The anxiety, depression and mental fog that menopause can bring can affect all areas of our life. We can find that we are:
- pushing away those we love
- snapping at our children
- no longer feeling at home in our own bodies
- struggling to connect with our partner or friends
- neglecting our self-care and physical health
- feeling alone and misunderstood
- having negative thoughts or even feeling self-destructive
- relying on substances like drinking too much alcohol or food bingeing
- not doing well at work.
According to the Menopause Charity, 10 per cent of women in the UK leave their jobs because of menopause symptoms.
When does it all end?
Menopause can last anywhere from four to 15 years, when including perimenopause and the years of continuing symptoms after periods stop entirely. The idea of just 'waiting for it to be over' if you are struggling can mean a long, difficult journey.
The benefits of talk therapy for menopause
Menopause counselling provides a confidential and safe space to:
- process your thoughts and feelings
- feel heard and understood at last around your menopause concerns
- learn evidence-based techniques for handling stress, negative thinking, and low moods
- troubleshoot family relationship problems, work issues, or health concerns
- discuss your changing life roles and identity
- set new life goals and have support to bring them to fruition.
Menopause counselling and CBT at Harley Therapy™, London
We recognise that what you are going through is serious and challenging.
And we provide you with only carefully vetted psychotherapists and counselling psychologists who are highly rated experts in their field and truly care about their clients.
Furthermore, we have several psychiatrists, should you need further specialised support.
Ready to feel yourself again?
Call us today or complete our online booking form for a confidential first session with one of our highly experienced menopause counsellors in the City of London, Harley Street or London Bridge. We look forward to helping you.
Footnotes
[1], [2] according to a study of over 3000 women carried out by not-for-profit healthcare provider, Nuffield Health UK.
[3] Bromberger, Joyce T, and Cynthia Neill Epperson. “Depression During and After the Perimenopause: Impact of Hormones, Genetics, and Environmental Determinants of Disease.” Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America vol. 45,4 (2018): 663-678. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2018.07.007.
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