Bennett says that every person experiences menopause differently. She suggests learning as much as possible about how your symptoms might be related to hormone changes. “Menopause affects half the population, yet many medical professionals haven’t received adequate training about menopause, so they may minimize or misdiagnose symptoms,” she said. “Mental health symptoms of menopause such as brain fog, short-term memory [problems], or uncharacteristic anger can frighten people who don’t realize why it is happening.”
She says it’s important to establish specific self-care strategies to manage your well-being, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep. Talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also help manage the physical and mental health symptoms of menopause.
Bennett adds that your relationships can provide some emotional support. “If your loved one is experiencing a challenging menopause, allow them space to talk about their symptoms and experience, understand what is happening, support them to seek medical help, and work out the best way to find the right support for them,” she said.