Menopause can be an incredibly difficult time for so many women. Your mental health is important at any age, but during menopause you may experience severe feelings of depression or mood swings that you may never have dealt with before.
Besides some of the obvious physical changes that can accompany menopause, such as weight gain, lack of sexual desire, hot flashes and insomnia, there can be emotional adjustments as well. Menopause often corresponds to a time in many women’s lives when their children are leaving home, their parents are aging and they are dealing with increased financial stress due to children attending college. These and other life events can add stress during your menopause years.
Below are some tips to help try and keep your mental health on track and cope with these feelings:
- Exercise is an excellent way to deal with stress and also conquer some of the other physical menopause issues like weight gain. Just thirty minutes of some sort of physical activity per day is recommended to help with both mental and physical health.
- Look for creative ways to destress yourself. Some suggestions: read a book, take a hike, take a leisurely stroll in the neighborhood, talk to a special friend, attend a fun event, etc. Despite your busy and hectic schedule, it is vital that you make enough time for yourself.
- Do everything you can to get enough sleep. Sleep is very important in maintaining mental stability. Be careful to not have caffeine, large meals or be involved in heavy physical exercise before bedtime.
- Seek counseling if necessary. Some women feel they are literally going crazy during menopause. It’s okay if you need to seek out the help of a professional counselor.
- Speak with your doctor. There’s nothing to be ashamed about if you have to take prescription medications to deal with emotional swings. However, your doctor may have other suggestions to help you cope during this time so talk to them first.
Mental Health Month
Mental health is important all year round, but May is mental health awareness month! If you are experiencing severe mental stress that is beginning to affect your health, we advise you to consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Have you found a doctor that you feel you can trust? If you are looking for a women’s wellness doctor in North Florida who will listen to your physical and mental health needs, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Visit our OB/GYN knowledge center for more information regarding mental health during menopause, as well as WomensHealth.gov.