The Emotional Rollercoaster of Menopause
Menopause can be a confusing time for women. You may feel like you’ve been caught off guard by everything you’re going through. Many women aren’t aware of what kinds of emotional and physical changes menopause can bring. Furthermore, menopause is characterized by significant hormonal changes, further contributing to the feeling that you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. And on top of it all, menopause signifies that you’re entering a new chapter in life, which can stir up many complicated feelings.
All of these emotions are perfectly normal. Here are a few life changes that you will likely experience in menopause and how you can practice self-care.
Before you dive in, remember that our professionals are always here to help
Mental Health Symptoms
The hormonal shifts that women experience during menopause can influence a wide range of emotional responses. You might catch yourself feeling more irritable than usual, or you may even notice higher stress and anxiety levels. Sometimes, you might feel sad for seemingly no reason. In fact, some women experience more severe symptoms of depression during menopause. Finally, mood swings are also a common frustration during menopause. Knowing that these emotions are normal can help you feel a bit more grounded throughout menopause.
Physical Health Symptoms
In addition to the emotional symptoms that you might be dealing with, menopause can bring lots of physical changes as well. As your hormonal balance changes, your menstrual cycle can become unpredictable before it eventually ceases. You might also experience hot flashes or fatigue. At times, your physical symptoms may be mild enough to manage while going about your daily life, but at other times, they may interfere with your usual routines.
Changing Role
In the midst of dealing with these physical and emotional symptoms of menopause, you might also be coming to terms with your changing role in life. Even if you never wanted children or have had all the children you wanted, you may be conflicted about these changes in terms of your fertility. Women are often exposed to negative narratives around aging, but years bring new wisdom and experiences. Although it isn’t always easy to process these changes, you can take heart in the fact that growing older does not diminish your importance in the lives of your loved ones.
Caring for Your Body
Throughout menopause, it is necessary to take good care of your body. You may want to develop an exercise routine that suits your fitness level. Gentle forms of exercise, like yoga, riding your bike around town, or going for long walks with friends, can be great choices. Furthermore, eating a healthy diet can help you support your hormonal health. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole carbohydrates, and lean proteins in your meals. Getting plenty of sleep is also vital for your overall health!
Caring for Your Mind
During menopause, you’ll want to go the extra mile to support your mental health. Sometimes, finding a close friend whom you can talk to about what you’re going through can be very helpful. Friends who have already been through menopause can offer you words of advice. Writing about your feelings in a journal or taking up meditation can also be highly beneficial. If you’re having trouble with your mental health during this time, or you suspect that you might be experiencing symptoms of a severe condition like depression, it may be time to reach out to a therapist who specializes in working with women.
Are you struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of menopause? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.
