Should everyone learn about the menopause?
If you’ve made it this far past the title well done, some people won’t because it is still something that has a taboo or shame attached.
So, should we all learn about it? In a word, yes. Why? Because whether it’s directly or indirectly, it’s likely to affect us all at some point.
Even if you don’t go through it yourself, it’s really likely that you will have someone close to you who will.
It’s simply where hormone levels (mainly Oestrogen) decrease and over months or years means a woman isn’t able to get pregnant.
But it comes with all sorts of physical and psychological effects which can make it a really tough time.
Physically, it’s common to see symptoms like tiredness, night sweats, insomnia, hot flashes and tension. These on their own can be pretty challenging to put it lightly.
The average time for symptoms is around 4
Does menopause effect mental health?
Absolutely. Just those physical symptoms alone would have an impact on mental health but then we factor in things like:
- Memory loss.
- Stress.
- Sadness.
- Exhaustion.
- Difficulty concentrating.
And it’s bound to take an emotional strain. Menopause is also linked to an increased risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and in some cases, schizophrenia.
Don’t worry though, help is available, and these symptoms will pass but by everyone learning about the menopause, understanding it and offering support we can make it much easier on everyone.
6 tips for getting through the menopause
1. Sleep light
Wear thin pyjamas and have a wet cloth to hand to help with hot flashes at night. Also invest in a good fan to keep the air moving.
2. Don’t suffer in silence
Speak openly with your friends and family about what’s going on. Even if they can’t directly, they can support you in getting support and it helps them to understand what’s going on.
Don’t be afraid to speak to your GP if you’re worried.
3. Self care isn’t selfish
Try to set aside some time each day for self-care. It can be a bath, reading a book, a long walk, tai chi or yoga, whatever works for you.
If you can’t every day try not to stress but see if you can get at least 15 minutes.
4. Prioritise sleep
Get into a good sleep routine. That means avoiding bright screens in the evening, using blue light glasses, doing something calming and avoid big meals before bed.
5. CHallenge your brain
6. Create a task list
You could create a small and simple task list every morning and set about ticking off what’s on the list. Just remember to keep them small, achievable and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t manage to tick everyone off.
Try things that boost your Oxytocin levels. Meditation, music, massage, stroking a fluffy animal or hugs are all great for this.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
To create a simple self-care plan you only need to write a list of 10-15 things that you enjoy doing or have helped you in the past. Keep that list handy and refer to it when times get tough.
