At 48 years old, Lesley Powell was caught off guard by a sudden and severe decline in her mental health, coinciding with the onset of menopause. Juggling a bustling life, she was deeply in love and on the brink of marrying her partner, who had recently moved in with her. With five children, three still attending school, a PhD focusing on brain function, and a thriving career in academic research, she found herself in the midst of a mental health crisis linked to menopause.
Dr. Powell enjoyed a fulfilling life, with a joyful connection to her future spouse John, until she experienced a mental health crisis. According to ABC News’ Aran Hart, she described her life as “wonderful” before the sudden shift. She expressed it as going through a period of “menopause mental health decline,” stating, “Life was wonderful… Until suddenly it wasn’t. I went nuts.”
Struggling to Care for Myself
Experiencing a sudden mental health decline during menopause was a bewildering shock for this woman, who had never faced such challenges before. It left her feeling completely helpless.
She expressed, “Every morning became a daunting task. Simple activities like taking a shower or getting dressed seemed impossible to navigate.”
Without any prior indication, she found herself in a state of utter confusion and incapacity.
Dr. Powell and John tied the knot in 2001, shortly after Lesley experienced a breakdown. According to ABC News’ Aran Hart, Lesley expressed, “And within two days, I couldn’t look after myself at all.” Subsequently, she started having suicidal ideations. With the support of her concerned partner and mother, Lesley was hospitalized at Joondalup Health Campus, where she eventually found herself in the mental health unit. Recalling the experience, she mentioned, “I can’t remember a lot of it … but I went completely insane.” The breakdown Lesley endured was attributed to menopause-related mental health decline.
If you or someone you’re familiar with requires assistance with menopause mental health decline:
Understanding Menopause Mental Health Decline
Researcher and menopause specialist Jayashri Kulkarni has dedicated years to studying the impact of menopause on mental well-being, highlighting that Lesley’s story is a common one.
Kulkarni reveals that around half of women going through menopause or perimenopause will experience a decline in their mental health.
According to Professor Kulkarni, it’s not solely about severe depression but also the subtle yet debilitating changes like sporadic anxiety, intense panic episodes, and cognitive issues such as brain fog, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Impact of Menopause on Mental Health
According to Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, around half of women go through a decline in mental health during menopause and perimenopause, as reported by ABC News.
Women experiencing this phase may encounter emotions like tearfulness, rage, fatigue, and overall physical discomfort, leading to concerns about their well-being.
Dr. Powell faced a mental health crisis over twenty years ago and feels grateful for receiving prompt recognition and treatment from a psychiatrist.
She was prescribed a personalized blend of hormone therapy and antidepressants, which gradually alleviated her symptoms over the following 18 months, although she continues with the treatment.
Dr. Powell emphasizes the importance of her antidepressant medication, noting that missing a dose can lead to a sense of detachment and isolation by late afternoon.
How ‘Art has been my saviour’ during Menopause Mental Health Decline
Dr. Powell credits the transformation in her life not only to the medications she received but also to the therapeutic power of painting. This creative outlet became her solace during her stay in the mental health unit and continued to be a source of comfort after the loss of her husband five years ago.
Reflecting on this period, she expressed, “I turned to painting as a form of healing.”
Dr. Powell rediscovered her passion for painting following her mental health decline during menopause, finding it to be a therapeutic outlet. According to ABC News’ Aran Hart, she expressed, “Engaging in painting helps divert your thoughts, allowing you to escape from overwhelming concerns.” She further shared, “I immersed myself in painting, especially during the initial phase of grieving, as I was determined not to regress to the challenging state I experienced during menopause. Painting has truly been my lifeline.”
Risk of Suicide in Relation to Menopause Mental Health Decline
Professor Kulkarni highlighted the potential risk of suicide associated with menopausal symptoms, particularly those affecting mental health. Women may tend to downplay these symptoms or minimize them due to concerns about career advancement and being overlooked for promotions at work.
To discover more local stories and videos, check out ABC Perth’s Instagram page. According to a statement, there is a common belief among women that menopause-related mental health decline is a natural part of life and should not be a cause for concern. However, the truth is that individuals facing significant mental health challenges during menopause are at risk of suicide. It is crucial not to overlook this as a normal process, as it can be an intense mental health struggle for many women. Dr. Powell found solace in art therapy during her own experience with menopause-related mental health issues. Professor Kulkarni highlighted that mental health issues linked to menopause often affect women in their early to mid-40s, sometimes before typical menopausal symptoms like hot flushes appear. This could indicate the onset of perimenopause, occurring during a particularly demanding phase in a woman’s life. Lesley Powell reignited her passion for painting while hospitalized following a menopause-related mental health crisis. Women face numerous pressures in various aspects of life, such as work, raising children, managing relationships, and caring for elderly relatives. Many women express struggling to manage these responsibilities during menopause. Hormonal fluctuations can impact women’s resilience during this period, particularly affecting those with a history of trauma. Hormonal therapies have the potential to bring about rapid and significant improvements in mental health, acting faster than traditional antidepressants or mood stabilizers and leading to positive changes in brain chemistry.
The Comprehensive View of Menopause
Professor Kulkarni emphasized a fresh perspective on menopause, highlighting the fusion of biological, psychological, and environmental elements leading to groundbreaking treatment approaches.
“Menopause mental health decline is no longer confined solely to gynaecologists or endocrinologists,” she explained.
Menopause and Mental Health Decline: A Growing Conversation
Professor Kulkarni expresses optimism about the increasing dialogue surrounding menopause and mental health decline. She notes a shift towards a more holistic approach, with various professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers acknowledging the impact of social factors in the workplace. Additionally, exercise physiologists, dietitians, and other primary healthcare providers are actively involved, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive community-wide effort.
Furthermore, Professor Kulkarni observes a rising interest among men in addressing menopause-related issues, leading to the establishment of a Senate committee dedicated to exploring menopause and perimenopause. She anticipates significant advancements for women in midlife as discussions continue to gain momentum.
Exciting developments in this field will be shared by Professor Kulkarni and Dr. Powell at the upcoming Menopause Alliance Women’s Life Cycle Summit in Perth on March 16.
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Explore More Topics
Discover more about Menopause, mental health decline, and related topics:
- Anxiety
- Brain and Nervous System
- Depression
- Health Policy
- Menopause
- Mental Health
- Mental Wellbeing
- Perth
- Suicide
- Wellness
- Women’s Health
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