Menopause and Mental Health
My Perimenopause Burnout: A Personal Journey
Some women breeze through their midlife and menopause transition, but for others, like myself, midlife can be a rocky road full of bumps, sharp edges, and holes. One moment, you're gliding along in tip-top form, and then suddenly, you hit a rock and tumble, unable to get up or find your feet.
The Beginning of My Journey
About 9 or 10 years ago, I was living and working overseas, heading up a digital team for a global advertising agency. At the time, I had never heard of perimenopause and had no idea how my high-octane, stressful career was affecting my mental health, weight, physical fitness, and hormones.
Then, at 47, I experienced what I now know to be a perimenopause burnout that lasted at least two years. I left my career, my marriage, and my life. For years, I suffered from lack of sleep, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of depression. I lost myself.
Uncovering the Cause
I didn't realize that my stress levels, anxiety, and depression were directly related to my perimenopause transition and that this phase was reopening old, unresolved wounds. For some women, like me, who have experienced trauma such as the loss of a baby, this is a sensitive time that can result in symptoms of high anxiety, depression, or panic attacks. Even hot flushes and night sweats can be exacerbated.
Mood swings in perimenopause can feel very much like the emotional chaos of post-traumatic stress. Whether or not hormone fluctuations in perimenopause can trigger a recurrence is unknown, but to the woman suffering, the lack of emotional control can cause anxiety and hypervigilance, utterly disrupting our lives.
The Lack of Awareness
I had no idea this was happening to me. I felt unable to cope, lost in a world of mental stress. If I had been better informed at the start of my perimenopause, I would have chosen a different path—100%.
Many women have no idea that the hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can necessitate help with stress management, mental health, and physical health. It's only in recent years that the topics of perimenopause and menopause have started to be openly discussed, but we still have a long way to go.
Knowledge is Power
Understanding and learning about midlife hormonal changes and the impact of modern life on our health and wellbeing is one of the most effective tools for empowering women to take control of their health. That’s why I have spent the last four years studying and immersing myself in women's health. I am passionate about improving women's mental health throughout the menopausal transition and am training to become a Therapeutic Coach for Women under the guidance of the fantastic educator Jenny Burrell from Burrell Education.
Prioritizing Mental Health
I know all too well that if we don’t prioritize our mental health during this period, no amount of green juices, face creams, or ice dips will suffice.
If you are struggling with mental health issues and don’t know where to turn, please reach out for professional help. Don’t go it alone. I have included helpful websites below (UK only).
If you notice a family member, friend, or coworker struggling, ask if they are okay.
🙌 Let’s break the stigma and start conversations together to help women prioritize their mental and physical wellbeing. 🙌
Helpful Resources:
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