Dealing with Menopause Depression or the Menopause Blues

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she stops getting her menstrual period.

When a woman reaches her 40s or 50s, her reproductive hormones naturally decline. The result is not only the cessation of her period, but also various other physical and mental changes. While many people talk of hot flashes, menopause depression is a very real issue for many women.

The Connection Between Menopause & Depression

The body’s hormones are responsible for everything from metabolism to your mood, so when hormone levels change suddenly or drastically, it can throw your whole body and mind off balance. When it comes to menopause, the body’s reproductive hormones like estrogen will start to decline. Not only are these hormones related to reproduction, but they can also play a role in a person’s mood. For some women, this may just mean the “menopause blues,” but for others, it may lead to depression.

While menopause is not believed to be the sole cause of depression, it can be a contributing factor. During this same time period, some women may also be dealing with empty-nest syndrome, divorce, the loss of a parent, and the struggles of being a parent. All of these situations can be stressful, and together they can lead to depression. Women who previously struggled with depression or are more prone to mental illness may also find that menopause pushes them over the edge and leads to depression.

How to Cope with Menopause Depression & The Menopause Blues

While symptoms of depression during menopause may be common, these symptoms can vary in severity. Instead of just chalking it up to something you cannot control, try these methods of coping with menopause depression and the “menopause blues.”

Try Natural Remedies

For women with less severe symptoms, natural remedies may be an effective means of managing these symptoms. You can try everything from special teas to herbal supplements.

Learn How to Cope

When you are feeling down or depressed, it is not uncommon to turn to alcohol or drugs for comfort. These solutions create unhealthy coping habits that may eventually lead to an addiction. Avoid the need for dual diagnosis treatment by focusing on better ways of coping that do not include these substances.

Get More Sleep

It is not uncommon for women going through menopause to also struggle to get enough sleep. Hot flashes and other physical changes can all lead to poor sleep. If this pattern continues, it will negatively impact a person’s mood. Focus on getting better sleep and see if your mood improves.

Find Support

There are several other women out there who are going through the same situation as you and understand what it feels like firsthand. If your friends are not yet at that point in their lives, you may need to look for outside support. Read a book on the subject, join a support group, or look online. All of these resources can help you feel like you are not alone.

Get Treatment

While depression due to menopause is often a normal part of this process, symptoms that are severe and long-lasting require professional help. A depression treatment center can help you find ways to address these issues through therapy or medication. Especially if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to get professional help immediately.

Menopause anxiety and depression symptoms are all common during this time in a woman’s life, but when these symptoms are severe or long-lasting, it may be more than just menopause. At Banyan Mental Health, we are a mood treatment center in Boca that helps patients move past these disorders so that they can enjoy their lives.

Instead of letting poor mental health dictate your life or the life of your loved one, do something about it. Mental illness can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through this alone.

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To get more information about our treatment programs and our facility, reach out to us now at 888-280-4763.