Perimenopause and Menopause Health: Am I going to have a nervous breakdown or am I starting perimenopause? The crosslink of mental health symptoms and perimenopause. Written by Erika L. Brown, LCSW
As a therapist, I have seen plenty of women, a few in their mid to late 30’s and most in their 40’s presenting to therapy because they feel like they are losing their minds: “I used to be able to handle everything and now I cannot get anything done. I am anxious all of a sudden and I do not understand why. I have been shaking. I can’t sleep, my mind is racing. I wake up and my heart is pounding; it feels like it is racing-I must be starting heart issues. I am panicky and I find myself crying more. I am forgetting things. I can’t think of the word. It is like this fog has come over my brain. I am completely exhausted. I have never had migraines and now I am getting migraines. My body hurts; I guess it is from all my weight gain. I am sweaty and feel gross all the time. I peed on myself the other day while walking. I am falling apart; it is like I am going crazy.”
On the surface, this may seem like a mental health complaint or a complaint about various medical issues. The therapist not trained in women’s health issues, specifically in menopausal issues may issue the classic Generalized Anxiety Disorder and/or Major Depressive Disorder diagnoses after hearing these concerns when in reality, it is a biological phase of life complaint.
Let’s define it: Perimenopause is the phase where the female body begins hormonal changes as it approaches the menopause phase. This phase can start with what seems like random symptoms that can escalate a woman to seeking all kinds of help from their PCPs, cardiologists, rheumatologists, orthopedics, neurologists, therapists, and sometimes two or more gynecologist before they get help and get informed that all of these random, multi-system problems are symptoms of a specific life cycle phase.
What are the symptoms:
What are the mental health symptoms: brain fog, anxiety, depressed or low mood, forgetfulness, disorganization in daily tasks, tearfulness, feeling angry or resentful, irritability and agitation, feeling rushed and overwhelmed. Physical symptoms can include: sweating, night sweats, hot flashes, cold flashes, change in body smells, incontinence, palpitations, racing heart rates, weight gain, incontinence, change in sexual functioning, joint pain, shoulder pain, headaches, migraines, general body tension and more.
Here is what you can do: Find a menopausal affirming physician, check out the menopausal society and see who is certified menopause practitioner in your area, follow Dr. Mary Claire Haver who has been a major leader in women’s menopause health and awareness, talk to a therapist who identifies the special needs of women during this phase of life. You can ask the question: Are you informed and researched beyond medical school in women’s perimenopause and menopausal health? You can join social media groups who support growth and knowledge in this phase and age group.
Perimenopause has long been experienced and during its presence, women have been labeled as neurotic or hysterical. Women have been told: “It’s part of life; you are going to have to deal with it.” Finally, perimenopause is now getting the recognition it deserves as a powerful phase in a woman’s biological and psychological life phases. Women’s issues are now being honored that while a normal phase of life, the symptoms can be significant and are treatable. Please be empowered to contact a menopausal friendly physician who can help you decide the best option for treatment and care of yourself during this last third of your lifespan.
A therapist who is informed and experienced in this special phase of life change can help you through normalizing, validating, assuring you that you are not losing your mind or sense of self, refer you to the right physicians, help you learn about your body and mental health wellness, help you with coping skills, and get you feeling confident again about your body and life. Mindful Therapeutic Practices is willing to walk you through this step.
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