Menopause: A Personal Tale of Emotional Turbulence and Hard-Won Wisdom

 

Menopause—it's one word that carries a whirlwind of emotions, both chaotic and transformational. For so long, the struggles surrounding it were locked away, often leaving women to navigate its challenges alone. It wasn’t until recent years that society has begun to shine a light on this natural yet complex phase of life.

My own experience with menopause was a wild journey, but what makes it even more poignant is reflecting on my mom’s experience. She went through menopause at a time when there were no open conversations, no accessible resources, and certainly no Pinterest boards offering guidance or support.

Looking back, my mom didn’t even realize what was happening to her. All she knew was that she often felt "off." She struggled with bouts of anger and irritability, mood swings that left us walking on eggshells, and an emotional weight she couldn’t put into words. I now recognize that she was dealing with the mental and physical toll of menopause without a clue as to how to handle it—or even what it was.

This made her, at times, incredibly difficult to connect with. As her child, I found myself frustrated, confused, and often hurt. But the truth was, she was crying out for support in the only way she could.

Fast forward to my own journey. Armed with more knowledge than my mom ever had, I thought I was ready. I knew the typical signs: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, and so on. I was prepared—or so I thought. And yet, despite the wealth of information at my fingertips, I still found myself blindsided by the emotional rollercoaster menopause brought.

The mental aspect of menopause is something few people truly prepare you for. The overwhelming sadness that can sneak up on you, the sudden flashes of anger, the anxiety that spirals out of nowhere. Even though I was aware of these possibilities, experiencing them was another matter entirely. Some days, I felt like a stranger in my own skin, battling feelings that didn’t feel like my own.

The Signs to Watch For If you’re approaching or in the middle of menopause, here are some of the signs and emotional challenges to keep in mind:

·        Physical Symptoms: Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, night sweats, and joint pain are common.

·        Mental & Emotional Stress: Mood swings, feelings of irritability or sadness, and even sudden bursts of rage are tied to hormonal changes.

·        Brain Fog: Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating can leave you feeling frustrated.

So, How Do We Cope? Here’s what I’ve learned from my journey:

1.     Give Yourself Grace: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed—be kind to yourself as you navigate this transformation.

2.     Lean on Support Systems: Whether it’s friends, family, or online communities, sharing your experiences can make a world of difference.

3.     Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, therapy or medical advice (like hormone treatments) can help you regain balance.

4.     Prioritize Self-Care: From mindfulness practices to a consistent exercise routine, taking care of your well-being is crucial.

Looking back, I wish I could have been more understanding of my mom’s struggles, just as I hope others will understand mine. The emotional and mental toll of menopause is real, but it’s also a reminder of our resilience as women.

So now, I’d love to hear from you. Are you or someone you love going through menopause? What challenges or questions do you have? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s create a space where we can support and uplift each other.