What's happening

[User1964]

So, I'm a 54 almost 55 year old female, going through menopause. I have never felt so anxious, sad, and basically uncontrollable emotion as I feel now. I've been on numerous antidepressives since I was about 25. I'm currently taking 20 mg. Celexa. When I took Lexapro I got super irritable. I think Celexa is almost the same. I'm not sure what to do. I do not like my psychiatrist. I don't think he understands. Was thinking about talking to my regular Dr. about this and then following up that way. Do any of you ladies have this awful anxiety problem??

[Fearoffear]

Hi I'm in perimenopause and my hormones are playing games almost every month. It messes with everything especially medicine. Ask your psychiatrist if there is anything recommended for hormonal anxiously depressed women if they don't understand ask for a psychiatrist that understands menopause hormones and medicines that will work with it. Also you might want your pc to run bloodwork to check your hormones and thyroid as these can go haywire during the change and well afterward. You are not alone even though you feel like someone told you if you can't get out of this room in 20 minutes you will die and locks the door behind them. Where was this in sex ed? It was you will become a woman and they will come until you are in your 50's and then they will stop. Hahaha yeah sounds great.....reality😰😥 Good luck and gentle hugs!!

[Dolphin14]

Also consider talking to your gyn. They may be able to help you.

I've been through it. It certainly is " the change of life" haha.

Messes up a lot of things.

[Hidden]

Omg yes. It’s like having the worst pms ever but different it’s exhausting. Are you taking hormone replacement therapy ? I am it helps. It sucks your body changes lose hair gain hair lose muscle get a tummy. Try to rest and get exercise. I find I need alone time more after anything I do. Try to eat clean. It’s a given we get older try to keep stress down i found out from women I worked with most of them wound up on antidepressants to get through a year or three. Holy hey?!! So take on less additional things and give to yourself.

[Boo1229]

Dear Fearofffear,

I’m going through this delightful change too. I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety from 18 onward. I’m now 47. All off the sudden, last summer, I became easily angered, annoyed etc. and the depression and anxiety got worse. I changed psychiatrists and most of my meds. I also started birth control to regulate my hormones. I’m still trying to find the right fit.

One thing I do is to try and set reasonable goals. I often worry about tasks not being done. I get up by at least 9:00 am and work till 5:00. At 5:00, if everything I absolutely have to get done for tomorrow is done, I get to relax. At that time, I try to go for a walk, read, watch tv, cuddle with my husband, etc. I’ve noticed I do better when I have outside time and eat fresh foods (no tv dinners or fast food). Eating healthier has also helped me loose weight. If you have a weight issue, seeing that scale go down by even a pound or two does wonders for my mood.

Also, during this time off lock down, Skype with friends, play board games with your family. If you are single, definitely keep in contact with friends and family. Talking to others will usually give my mind a break from my ruminating thoughts.

Last, at night if I’m too anxious to sleep, I read. I usually read action/ adventure that I can just get lost in. I’ll read until I can’t keep my eyes open.

This is the actual last thing: if you are religious try having some symbol with you during your day. I’m Catholic. Since I’m at home due to covid, I wear my rosary around me neck a lot. I also have a little statue of Mary next to my bed. It helps me remember that there is a higher power that’s helping me even when I’m not necessarily feeling like there is. Actually touching the object makes it feel more concrete. It’s weird to talk about religion because not everyone is, but I wanted to offer you all my ideas that could help you.

Aim to find one positive thing about today. Keep trying. I’ll keep you in my prayers

Boo (my husband’s nickname for me)