Our counsellors and psychotherapists in Hampstead and online work with people of all ages to overcome a range of different problems, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, bereavement, relationship issues, life transitions, and so on. One area that doesn’t receive the attention it deserves, however, is menopause and perimenopause.
This is a phase of life that all women go through, leading to a series of potential physical issues, such as hot flushes, disturbed sleeping patterns, or feelings of fogginess, among other symptoms. These problems are well known, but often the emotional impact that stem from menopause and perimenopause is overlooked.
Although progress has been made recently, there still remains a considerable stigma around discussing women’s health - in particular fertility and ovulation. Women generally don’t feel comfortable speaking about these issues, even to close family members or friends. And when it comes to menopause, it can feel like more sensitive. If you are experiencing menopause your mood can change, you may feel more vulnerable, more emotional, and perhaps behave in a different way. Women going through menopause often have less patience with others, which can cause friction in social circles.
Everyone experiences menopause differently, but one thing that extends across all women is that it is an important and significant life transition. It is only in the past few years that there is a greater awareness and openness to talk about the menopause. Many people who experience perimenopause feel anxiety about what is to come, while those going through menopause will often speak about it as if it were a bereavement, due to the way that it is a life event that involves something coming to an end.
Being alone with these feelings only makes the process harder. Women going through this life transition need to feel supported, not alone, and have someone who understands their difficulties and emotions as they embark on this journey. Menopause is a challenging time, but it is also a process of letting go, of coming to terms with and ultimately embracing a new stage of your life. While it is the case that some women do grieve during menopause, they can also feel freer, and more like themselves.
If you are someone who is going through perimenopause or menopause and want to talk through your feelings as you explore this chapter of your life, we are here to offer confidential, personalised menopause counselling in Hampstead or online. Please get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.