Can mental health counseling help with menopause symptoms? Yes!
When we were children, most of us went through some sort of health education, prior to hitting puberty. I remember being at school one day in 5th grade. They separated the girls from the boys and showed each group a film that talked about what was happening to our bodies as we reached this stage in our life and what we could expect as our bodies changed and grew.
After the films were over, recess began and the boys and girls came together, giggling as we shared “our part” of the information with the opposite sex. We had finally reached that stage of life where our elders gave us “the talk”. Later, at sleepovers, this information would be dissected and ruminated on as we imagined how these changes would affect us.
That was years ago, and health education has morphed into something far more robust than an afternoon film. What is shocking, however, is that we have somehow missed sending out the memo for the health class that educates all of us grown women as to what we should expect and how to deal with one of the most profound changes we will go through as women…menopause.
Menopause, and the period leading up to it (which can be as long as 10 years), is a time with fluctuating and decreasing hormones that, for many women, leads to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hot flashes, irritability, brain fog and other symptoms. In addition, this transition may bring about thoughts of death, pondering the meaning of life, and feelings of isolation as children leave the family home. Caring for ailing parents may become part of the story, leading to additional stress and thoughts about what lies ahead.
Although, for some, thoughts of this stage are happy, filled with images of traveling, time for hobbies, and increased time spent with grandchildren, for others anxiety and depression, brought about by these physiological changes, lead to thoughts that can be disturbing and scary.
For some women, this stage comes far earlier in their life than expected (for some as early as their thirties) and this can lead to additional and/or different concerns than those that experience menopause later in life.
Although we are seeing an increase in people talking about menopause and perimenopause (the time leading up to the last period), the information is littered with misleading “facts” and miracle cures that have no basis in science. I am all about using alternative therapies and remedies…but…they must be proven, not just anecdotal information based on someone’s YouTube channel or TikTok video.
As a mental health counselor and a certified holistic health coach, I get asked, a LOT, whether counseling sessions can help with menopause and perimenopause symptoms. The resounding answer is yes! Our bodies and brain are intricately connected and therefore all mental health issues have a physiological connection. It is critical to address both the physical and mental aspects of menopause.
Counseling can be incredibly helpful to women in this stage of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction are just two of the many therapies that counselors can use that have been proven to lessen menopausal symptoms. Participation in menopausal therapy support groups has also been shown to be effective in providing relief, while also adding in social support and connection with others experiencing similar life challenges. (Click here for more information about current group openings at Mighty Acorn Therapy.)
You do not have to go through this time of life alone, wondering how in the world you are going to get through this transition and feeling as if your world has been knocked off its axis. There are health professionals out there who can help. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms are not simply something you have to put up with as part of reaching this stage of life.
Menopause is a natural and expected part of a woman’s life. However, much like going through puberty, being educated about what is happening and how this may affect us is an important part of making this transition one of excitement, rather than fear. Many changes that occur during menopause are not what most would call positive, however, this stage of life can bring all sorts of opportunities for increased joy and meaning in your life. Working with a counselor may help you to find the beauty in life again and begin to release the worries that plague you with feelings of anxiety and replace them with feelings of safety and support.
At Mighty Acorn Therapy, a great deal of study and education has been put into understanding the unique mental health needs of women going through perimenopause and menopause. Proven techniques, interventions, and therapies are used to provide you with relief and support as you move through this natural transition of your life as a woman.
It’s important to share this journey with others who understand what you are experiencing and can assist you in relieving your symptoms. If you’re in Parker, CO or the surrounding area, please call, email, or text for in-person appointment availability. Telehealth appointments throughout Colorado are available as well.
If you’re outside Colorado and looking for a therapist for menopausal symptoms, make sure to do your research and ask lots of questions. You want a counselor who is familiar with this stage of life and all the physiological and psychological aspects of menopause, as well as the therapies that are proven to be effective.
Be brave, reach out, feel better.
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