Breaking Free from Menopausal Depression: Meghna’s Path to Happiness

Hello everyone??, Dr. Sukumar Munje here, and welcome back to Manpravah’s Healing Journey Saturday Edition. Today, I’m sharing the story of Meghna (name changed), a middle-aged woman who seemed to have it all—a successful career, a loving family, and a stable life. Yet, beneath the surface, she was silently battling feelings of emptiness and emotional distress. Her journey sheds light on menopausal depression, a condition often overlooked but deeply impactful.

A Life That Seemed Perfect… But Felt Empty

Meghna, a 50-year-old Class 1 officer in the Government of India, had built an impressive career. She was happily married to Rakesh, a country head of a multinational corporation, and together, they had raised two bright children, both pursuing higher education in the US.

From an outsider’s perspective, Meghna’s life appeared to be complete and successful—a loving husband, accomplished children, financial stability, and a fulfilling career. However, internally, she felt lost.

She began experiencing a deep sense of loneliness and purposelessness. It wasn’t that anything major had gone wrong in her life; rather, it was a feeling that she couldn’t explain—a sense of "What have I done in life?", "Did I waste my years?", and "Am I just a burden now?"

When her children moved abroad for their studies, these feelings intensified. The empty nest syndrome hit her hard, making her feel abandoned and irrelevant. Her once vibrant personality started fading, and she withdrew into her own world.

A Silent Struggle That No One Understood

At home, Rakesh noticed Meghna’s change. He saw that she had lost interest in life—in things she once enjoyed, in conversations, and even in her work. Her mood swings became intense, and there were days when she would break down emotionally for no clear reason.

Being a loving and supportive husband, Rakesh tried to comfort her. He reassured her that she had done so much for their family, that their children were successful because of her, and that she had every reason to be proud. But no words seemed to reach her.

As her condition worsened, Rakesh grew concerned. He didn’t know how to help her anymore. That’s when he decided to consult Manpravah Clinic.

Understanding the Root Cause: Menopausal Depression

During our first consultation, we carefully analyzed Meghna’s situation. Based on her symptoms—emotional instability, mood swings, feelings of emptiness, and a loss of purpose—we diagnosed her with menopausal depression.

Many women go through hormonal changes during menopause, but the emotional toll it takes is often ignored or misunderstood. The shifting estrogen levels can affect brain function, leading to depression, anxiety, and emotional instability.

When we explained this to Meghna and Rakesh, they were relieved. Understanding that her feelings weren’t just in her head but were a real, medical condition helped them see a way forward.

We assured Meghna that she wasn’t alone and that with the right treatment, she could regain control of her emotions and rediscover her joy.

The Healing Process: A New Perspective on Life

To help Meghna overcome her menopausal depression, we designed a personalized therapy plan using a combination of Hypnotherapy, CBT, REBT, and Mindfulness.

1. Releasing Negativity and Guilt Through Hypnotherapy

• Meghna had deeply rooted guilt and self-doubt, feeling that she hadn’t done enough in life.
• Through hypnotherapy, we helped her release these subconscious negative beliefs.
• She started understanding that her self-worth wasn’t defined by her children or external achievements.

2. Finding a New Purpose Through CBT & REBT

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helped Meghna identify the negative thought patterns that were leading to feelings of worthlessness.
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) helped her shift her perspective and focus on what she had accomplished rather than what she thought was missing.
• We helped her explore new interests, hobbies, and passions, guiding her toward activities that gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

3. Staying Present Through Mindfulness Practices

• Meghna often found herself trapped in the past or worried about the future.
• We introduced her to mindfulness techniques, which helped her stay present, appreciate the small moments, and enjoy life as it is.
• Daily meditation and breathing exercises became an integral part of her healing journey.

4. Strengthening Her Relationship With Rakesh

• We also worked with her husband, helping him understand how to support Meghna without overwhelming her.
• By making small lifestyle changes together—spending quality time, travelling, and engaging in shared activities—their bond grew even stronger.

The Transformation: A New Beginning

As Meghna progressed through therapy, she began feeling lighter, more positive, and emotionally stable. She stopped feeling like a burden and started engaging with life more actively.

She rekindled old hobbies, joined a social group, travelled with Rakesh, and most importantly, accepted this new phase of life with grace and confidence.

Her relationship with her husband flourished, and even though her children were far away, she no longer felt lonely or purposeless. Instead, she looked forward to her new journey and all that life had to offer.

Key Takeaways from Meghna’s Journey

1. Menopausal Depression is Real and Treatable: Many women go through emotional instability during menopause, but the right therapy can help them regain control.
2. Self-Worth is Not Defined by Others: Meghna learned that her identity wasn’t just as a mother or a wife, but as an individual with her own purpose and dreams.
3. Support from Loved Ones Makes a Difference: Rakesh’s understanding and patience played a huge role in her recovery, proving that emotional support is key to healing.
4. Mindfulness Helps in Every Phase of Life: Staying in the present and embracing each moment is crucial in finding joy, no matter the circumstances.

Conclusion

Meghna’s story reminds us that no matter how perfect a life may seem from the outside, internal struggles can be real and deep. Menopausal depression is often ignored, yet it impacts thousands of women. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the first step to healing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing similar emotional struggles, Manpravah Clinic is here to help. With the right therapy and support, it’s possible to rediscover happiness and embrace life once again.

See You in the Next Healing Journey

Thank you for joining us today. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in Manpravah’s Healing Journey series, where we explore the power of resilience, recovery, and self-discovery.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Sukumar Munje