Navigating the Sandwich Years: My Journey with Mental Health and Menopause

This Mental Health Awareness Week, I find myself reflecting on my own mental health journey—a journey intertwined with the dual demands of menopause and managing a multi-generational family. Like many women in their midlife, I am part of the 'sandwich generation,' caring for both my children and aging parents, all while navigating the challenges of my professional life which for me is being an entrepreneur and self-employed small business owner.?

The Complexity of the Sandwich Years

The term 'sandwich years' vividly captures the essence of being squeezed between the needs of aging parents and one's children. For me, these years have been a test of endurance, balancing daily responsibilities with the physical and emotional changes brought on by menopause. Although my children are now 29 and 19, so are independent, they still require my support and guidance. In addition, my parents are 90 and 86 respectively and in addition to ‘typical aging’ requirements they both have complex needs, all of which require my focus and energy. Anxiety and low mood have been my frequent companions during this period, which are exacerbated by sleepless nights worried about a parent's health scare or a child's needs.

Menopause and Mental Health

?Menopause is not just a biological process; it is a mental health challenge of its own. The fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone can wreak havoc on our emotional state, leading to anxiety and significant mood changes. My experience with these symptoms was initially overwhelming, and still often leaving me feeling lost, isolated and fatigued right when I needed to be most present for my family and my work. It’s crucial that we talk about these symptoms, not just as medical issues but as critical mental health concerns that need addressing.

Strategies and Support

Finding balance during this tumultuous time has been key to managing my mental health. I've incorporated regular physical activity into my routine, which has been a cornerstone in maintaining my mental equilibrium. Mindfulness and meditation have also been invaluable in managing stress and anxiety. For me, just remembering to take a few moments to stop and ‘breath’ have been game changing. Importantly, creating an open dialogue with my business partner about the specific challenges of menopause has led to practical support at work, like flexible hours and understanding during particularly tough days.

Advocating for Change

We need to broaden the conversation around menopause and mental health. It’s time for all of us—healthcare providers, employers, families—to acknowledge and address the unique mental health challenges faced during the sandwich years. By sharing our stories, we can break down the stigmas and foster a supportive community that recognises the strength it takes to manage these overlapping pressures.

The sandwich years bring complex challenges, but with awareness and support, they can also be a time of great strength and resilience. This Mental Health Awareness Week, let's commit to supporting each other, to expanding our understanding of menopause, and to fostering environments that recognise and adapt to these life stages.

I invite you to share your own experiences and strategies for managing life during the sandwich years in the comments below.

Call to Action

As we share our stories and support each other, I encourage you to not only engage in this conversation but to take a step further in managing your own journey through these demanding years.

?If my story resonates with you and you're seeking support, I warmly invite you to explore our EMPOWER:MENOPAUSE coaching sessions. These sessions are designed to offer you a safe space to gain clarity and craft a personalised action plan. They’re tailored to help you build confidence, clarity, and resilience during menopause.

Special Offer

In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Week and to make this opportunity more accessible, we are offering our transformative 90-minute sessions for just ￡99 until the end of May. These sessions typically cover strategies that I wish were available to me five years ago, during my transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship.

To book your session and begin a journey of empowerment, please email us at [email protected] with the code ‘May99’. Let's embrace this stage of life together with strength and community support.

Together, let's advocate for change and support one another through these challenging yet transformative years.