If women could write a book of words to describe how they feel during the perimenopausal and menopause stages, it would probably be a best seller. The title could very well be, “Menopause: The Dictionary of Emotional Angst.” Not bad, right? Let’s go through some of the emotional changes experienced during menopause.
While considered a normal part of the process, some of the emotional changes experienced by women undergoing perimenopause and menopause can include: irritability; feelings of sadness; lack of motivation; anxiety; aggressiveness; difficulty concentrating; fatigue; mood wings; and tension.
Irritability and feelings of sadness are the most common emotional symptoms of menopause. Often, they can be managed through changes in your lifestyle, such as learning ways to relax and reduce stress.
While most women have experience these feelings over their lifetime, these feelings can also raise their ugly heads during menopause. Although they are not caused by menopause, some women do exhibit the symptoms of depression during this time. If you are feeling unable to cope, please see your doctor.
Here are some tips that may make it easier for you to handle your up and down emotions:
Exercise and eat healthy;
Find a calming skill to practice, such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises;
Avoid alcohol;
Engage in a creative outlet that invokes a sense of achievement;
Stay connected with your family and friends
Just when you think it’s over, along comes post-menopause. This is also a time of physical changes, and you can expect some emotional responses to these changes, both positive and negative, as well.
While menopause does not create serious emotional issues for most women, it is common to feel unsettled about the body changes which are occurring and seem to be beyond what you can control.
Some of these issues involve: loss of fertility; aging; loss of sexuality; mood swings; embarrassment over hot flashes and sweating; weight gain; and of a serious illness, such as cancer.
You can cope with these symptoms by eating well, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding excess caffeine, alcohol, and simple sugars. This will improve your emotional and physical well-being.
Have a positive attitude about menopause, even though it’s difficult. Tension and anxiety can make your symptoms worse. Use relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, yoga, and regular exercise to manage stress. If you need to, talk to loved ones, friends, or support groups where you can discuss common issues that come up before and after menopause.
Changes occur in life; they could be either outside the boundaries of your home, or within. The main component in dealing with menopause and its emotional angst is to use the recommendations mentioned, and try not to get stressed over that which you cannot control.
Take care of you; be good to you; and the rest will follow.
