Feeling Like Yourself Again During Menopause: Let’s Talk Mental Health on World Mental Health Day

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day. And while we often hear about mental health, how often do we really talk about it—especially when it comes to menopause?

You wake up feeling tired before the day even begins. The night sweats hit again, leaving you restless, and now you’re dragging yourself through the day thinking, “Why can’t I get it together?”

You’re used to handling it all—work, family, life—but lately, everything feels heavier. "I’m just not myself anymore.”

It’s more than just a bad mood. It’s emotional swings that come out of nowhere, and anxiety that makes even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. And you think, “Why don’t people talk about this part of menopause?”

Why Mental Health During Menopause Deserves a Spotlight

On World Mental Health Day, it’s the perfect time to bring this conversation into the light. Menopause affects your body, yes—but it also affects your mental health in ways you might not have expected.

If you’re feeling:

• Forgetful, like you’re constantly walking into a room and forgetting why.
• Irritable, like you’re snapping at people you love over the smallest things.
• Anxious, wondering why everything feels like too much…

You’re not alone. These feelings aren’t “just in your head”—they’re a real part of menopause.

Menopause and Your Mental Health: The Untold Story

What many people don’t realize is that menopause throws your mental health off balance, too. Here’s why:

1. Mood Swings: It’s like flipping a switch—one minute you’re fine, and the next, you’re on edge. It’s frustrating because you used to be patient, but now? “Why am I snapping all the time?” Hormonal shifts are messing with how your brain processes emotions.
2. Anxiety and Stress: You used to juggle everything without breaking a sweat. But now? The smallest things make your heart race. “I didn’t use to be like this.” That’s because hormonal changes make it harder to manage stress.
3. Sleep Issues: Remember when a good night’s sleep was normal? Now, it feels like a luxury. “How can I manage my mental health when I can’t even sleep?” Sleep disruption during menopause leads to exhaustion, which only makes everything else feel harder.

Acknowledge the Struggle: Why Mental Health Deserves Your Attention Now

World Mental Health Day is about recognizing that mental well-being is just as important as physical health—and that’s especially true during menopause. It’s easy to think, “I’ll be fine,” but pushing through without addressing your mental health will only make things harder in the long run.

Here’s What You Can Do Right Now to Start Feeling Better

1. Acknowledge That You’re Struggling—and That’s Okay

First things first: give yourself permission to admit that things are tough right now. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Just saying, “This is hard,” is a huge step toward managing how you feel.

2. Make Time for Yourself

You’ve spent years putting others first, but now? You need space for you. Even 10 minutes a day, whether it’s a walk, journaling, or just sitting quietly, can make a difference.

3. Move Your Body

When your mind is racing, movement can calm it down. It doesn’t have to be intense—just a 30-minute walk can lift your mood. It’s your body’s way of hitting the reset button.

4. Talk to Someone

Don’t keep everything bottled up. Whether it’s confiding in a friend or seeing a therapist, sharing what you’re going through lightens the emotional load. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to talk until I did.”

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help

If things feel unmanageable, it’s okay to seek help. Therapy or holistic solutions might be options to consider. “I deserve to feel good again.”

Conclusion: You Deserve to Feel Good Again

Menopause might feel like it’s throwing everything off balance, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and acknowledging that is the first step to feeling like yourself again.

On this World Mental Health Day, take care of you. Ask for help, find support, and remember—this is just a chapter in your life, not the whole story. You’ve got this.