Menopause and Depression
Do women going through menopause experience depression differently? Does the onset of menopause create depression?
Depression is defined as feelings of being overwhelmed, unable to cope with life’s day-to-day demands, a loss of concentration and energy. Simply feeling sad, hopeless or crushed by unresolved issues is another manifestation of depression.
“Depression that is never ending, versus the occasional sense of being sad or overcome is one thing,” Beth told me. “Menopause made that process even more confusing at times."
Many women during perimenopause or menopause --whether they have been diagnosed clinically depressed or not -- experience symptoms of depression like mood shifts, diminished energy and mental changes.
Other related symptoms during menopause include a loss of interest in pleasures, fatigue, loss of vigor, extreme restlessness and irritability, loss of self-respect and self-confidence, guilt, lack of self-worth, thoughts of suicide, insomnia, and a loss of appetite.
To be sure you are not clinically depressed, versus experiencing symptoms due to menopause, it is advised that you seek professional help. Clinical depression differs from the symptoms of menopausal depression because it meets specific criteria related to mood disorders. A doctor can help to determine whether your depression is normal and temporary or not.
Depression during menopause is common and there is good reason.
The hormonal fluctuations which occur during menopause affect the entire system, including the seratonin levels which give us a sense of well-being. Research shows the brain is highly active and in flux during menopause.
Focus and concentration falter when hormones are raging. Think of puberty’s emotional roller coasters and the connection with hormonal jack knifes during this stage. The same holds true for women experiencing menopause symptoms.
Many doctors believe symptoms of depression are caused by a decrease in progesterone and resultant rise in estrogen.
What can be done?
There are several approaches to minimize and address mood shifts and full on depression during menopause. There are natural and medical interventions which can support women during this change of life. Contacting a health care provider is one of the first steps, regardless of which approach you choose.
For women who have symptoms of depression, but who are not diagnosed with clinical depression or a mood disorder, can follow a natural approach using behavior modification, stress management, supplements and holistic health practices.
Many women find their depression is related to changes they need to make in their daily lives and ways of coping with stress and emotions. If a lifetime has gone by where a woman has put her own needs after all others, menopause may be a time that signals a change must occur. Even the simplest forms of self-care, after years of self-neglect, can create a feeling of wellness and renewed optimism.
By supporting the changing needs of the body during menopause, from adding exercise to reduce stress, taking a natural melatonin supplement to get a better night’s rest, or seeking counseling to discuss ways to make positive changes in one’s life can all help target underlying causes of depression.
This approach targets the causes of depression by encouraging the body to produce more serotonin and balance hormones and neurotransmitters naturally.
Beyond non-invasive approaches, there are many women who benefit from antidepressants or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Other things you can do to support yourself through menopause
• Exercise, do a little every day
• Learn to manage your stress carefully so you do not get overwhelmed
• Promote good sleep by avoiding things that stress you out and indulging in things that relax you like hot baths
• Eat a well-balanced diet, avoid refined sugar and high carb foods
• Make time to do something you enjoy EVERY day
• Be realistic about the expectations you put on yourself
