What To Expect?
Supporting Mental and Emotional Health During Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of life, but for many women it brings more than just physical changes. It can have a profound impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. While hormonal shifts are at the core of this transition, the effects can ripple through all aspects of life – relationships, work, self-identity, and sense of stability.
If you’re experiencing increased anxiety, low mood, irritability, or simply don’t feel like yourself anymore, you’re not alone and you’re not imagining it. The emotional side of menopause is real and valid and, with the right support, it is possible to navigate this transition with greater ease and understanding.
What Is Menopause
Menopause marks the end of menstruation and reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It’s officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. However, many of the changes begin earlier during the perimenopausal phase, which can last for several years.
During this time, levels of key hormones – particularly oestrogen and progesterone – fluctuate significantly. These changes don’t just affect the body, but also have a direct impact on the brain and nervous system, influencing mood, cognition and emotional regulation.
Common Mental and Emotional Symptoms
The experience of menopause is unique to each person, but some common emotional and psychological symptoms include:
- Low mood or depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Mood swings or irritability
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Loss of confidence or self-esteem
- Fatigue or low motivation
- Sleep disturbances, which can worsen emotional symptoms
- Feelings of grief or loss related to ageing, fertility, or life changes
You may also find yourself feeling overwhelmed, tearful, or emotionally disconnected. These symptoms can be particularly confusing or distressing if you’ve never struggled with mental health issues before.
How Menopause Might Be Impacting You
The emotional challenges of menopause can be far-reaching. You might feel like you’re losing your sense of self or struggling to cope with roles and responsibilities that once felt manageable. Relationships may become strained due to mood changes, communication difficulties, or changes in libido and intimacy.
For some, menopause also coincides with other major life events – such as children leaving home, career changes, or caring for ageing parents – which can intensify feelings of stress, isolation or identity loss.
It’s easy to feel like you ‘should’ be coping better or to minimise what you’re going through. But emotional health is just as important as physical health, and it deserves attention and care – especially during a time of significant transition.
My Therapeutic Approach Can Help You
It is my experience that therapy, counselling, and coaching can be powerful and supportive resources during menopause. I provide a space where you can talk openly, make sense of what you’re experiencing and develop strategies for emotional resilience. One of these strategies may be ‘sign-posting’ you to dedicated menopause clinics. A route that previous clients of mine have experience of and I am able to endorse. I am very aware that some women experience responses to their symptoms that are dismissive and ignorant of the impact of this period of change. A diagnosis of ‘anxiety’ or ‘depression’ without cognisance of the physical hormonal changes a woman may be experiencing is sadly all too common. Specialist clinical support, alongside the counsel and therapy I offer, can really help.
Having a safe place to explore your feelings, reflect on changes, and be met with empathy can make a world of difference.
Therapy can help you:
- Understand the emotional impact of hormonal changes
- Process feelings of loss, confusion or frustration
- Develop coping strategies for anxiety, low mood or irritability
- Rebuild self-esteem and reconnect with your values and strengths
- Navigate changes in identity, roles and relationships
- Improve communication and emotional connection with others
- Explore lifestyle or behavioural changes that support wellbeing
For those also experiencing depression or anxiety during menopause, therapy offers practical tools for symptom management and emotional regulation.
Why Work with an Experienced Therapist
As an experienced therapist I understand the multifaceted nature of menopause – physiological, emotional and psychological. I can help you untangle what’s hormonal from what’s situational or historical, and guide you toward strategies that are grounded, realistic, and compassionate. This, alongside informed clinical care, can be life transforming.
Whether you’re navigating mild emotional shifts or significant mental health challenges, the right therapist can offer both validation and guidance. You don’t have to go through this alone.