Going through menopause and suddenly feel like life’s stresses
have just become a thousand times more difficult to deal with?
Find yourself crying at Oprah more than you used to, or worse,
crying at reruns of the Flintstones? Finding that your cute
3-year-old nephew or granddaughter is suddenly… well… a little
childish, making you irritable? Finding yourself depressed?
You’re not alone, and it’s not just a case of the blues.
Menopause alters your core body chemistry, after all – and with
that, the physiological ways in which you manage your emotions
are also changed. However, there are a few simple ways in which
you can stabilize what’s going on in your head:
Get some sleep! Unfortunately, a common side effect of menopause
is the inability to sleep, either due to night sweats or other
aches and pains. For night sweats, lower your room temperature
(even use the air conditioner year-round, if you must!), reduce
your caffeine intake, and get some exercise. All of these
things, of course, contribute to sleeping well throughout your
life, but those who sleep soundly and deeply when approaching
menopause are mentally better equipped to deal with stresses.
Watch what you eat! Let’s face it – we all get a little down if
we find ourselves sagging or having gained a few pounds, and in
menopause, we don’t metabolize calories as quickly as we did
when we were younger. In general, eating more healthily, as well
as reducing your daily calorie intake by 200 calories (about 1
candy bar) will not only keep you fit, but keep you from
grabbing the Ben & Jerry’s out of late-night-depression.
Talk to someone! Of course, if what you’re feeling is beyond
melancholia or “the blues,” please speak to your doctor openly
and honestly about what you’re feeling. He or she may recommend
a number of treatments, therapies, or even medications to get
you through this difficult time.