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Powerful Tips To Conquer Menopause Depression

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering if the emotional struggles you’re facing could be signs of menopause depression. It’s a common concern, even for women who’ve always handled life’s ups and downs with grace.

After working with chronic patients for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand how menopause can impact emotional well-being. And how important it is to address these feelings with understanding and care.

I think back to my early 20s, fresh out of university, when everything felt so full of possibility. I couldn’t wait to dive into life. I had big dreams and a clear plan: get married, start a family, buy a house, and build a career I loved. I knew I’d get there; I just wished it would all happen faster.

Now, in my 50s, life feels different. If someone asked me what I wanted now, I’d probably pause for a while before answering.

What I do know is that I don’t want to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unhappy. I want to feel good, and I want to find out what “happy” looks like for me today.

Menopause depression can feel like a heavy weight, but the good news is that there are ways to lift it. After years of working with women navigating these challenges, I’ve learned that understanding your body and mind is key to feeling better.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone—there’s help and support waiting for you.

Bookmark this post for future reference

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Life in Your 20s vs. Life After Menopause

In my 20s, life was a whirlwind of discovery. I was filled with boundless energy and optimism, eager to carve out my path.

Every day was an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded souls. Sure, there were challenges and doubts, but they were just stepping stones on my way to a future that seemed bright and limitless.

Now, looking back from my 50s, I can appreciate how those years shaped me. The experiences, friendships, and even the struggles all contributed to who I am today.

While I may not have the same youthful energy, I carry the wisdom and resilience that only time can bring.

The Unseen Impact of Menopause on Mental Health

It’s amazing how quickly 30 years can go by.

I remember when my kids were little, and all I wanted was a good night’s sleep. Now, decades later, I’m still seeking that restful sleep, but this time the culprit isn’t my children—it’s my hormones.

Menopause brought with it a whole new set of challenges.

The busy days of driving kids to and fro have been replaced by quieter moments where I reflect on who I am now that they’ve moved on to live their own lives.

I often look in the mirror and wonder, “Who is this person staring back at me?”

Rediscovering Your Identity After Menopause

In the rush of life, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are.

As women in our 50s, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, feeling disconnected from the vibrant identities we once had.

Whether it’s because of societal expectations, the demands of family and career, or just the passage of time, that sense of self can feel buried and distant.

I know this feeling well, as I’ve questioned where the ambitious, spirited woman of my youth has gone.

But through this self-inquiry, I’ve discovered that many women are on a similar path later in life. It’s never too late to reclaim our sense of Self.

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Understanding Menopause Depression

On the surface, women over 50 may seem to have it all together. We might have stable careers, comfortable retirements, and independent children.

But beneath that exterior, there are often deeper struggles—stress, identity shifts, and health concerns that can lead to feelings of depression and unhappiness.

Why are we unhappy?

One major factor is financial insecurity. Many women over 50 are still grappling with the long-term effects of the gender pay gap, career interruptions due to caregiving, or insufficient retirement savings. These challenges can create stress and anxiety about the future, leaving us feeling unsettled despite outward appearances of stability.

There’s also the societal pressure to remain youthful and beautiful. As we age, we often feel invisible or undervalued in a culture that places immense emphasis on youth. The constant marketing of “anti-aging” products can leave us questioning why we’re being told to erase the very signs of a life well-lived.

On top of that, menopause often coincides with life’s major transitions—empty nests, retirement, or emerging health issues. These changes can result in a loss of identity or purpose. The grief of losing loved ones or facing health challenges only adds to this emotional burden.

Emerging research highlights just how interconnected these factors are with menopause-related depression. A 2021 study published in Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society found that women going through menopause are at an increased risk of depression due to a combination of hormonal changes and life stressors.

The study emphasizes the importance of understanding both the biological and psychological components to address the challenges women face during this stage of life effectively. Read more about the study here.

Recognizing the signs of menopause depression is the first step toward finding meaningful support. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and there are tools and strategies to help navigate this complex phase of life.

Finding Your Way Through Menopause

Recognizing unhappiness is vital, but figuring out why can be tricky. It’s not always one clear thing; it’s often a mix of factors like unmet goals, strained relationships, health worries, or feeling societal pressure. 

This complexity means it takes time to untangle. It’s like peeling an onion, layer by layer. It’s okay to take it slow and ask for help if needed. 

The key is patience and self-reflection, as each step forward brings more clarity and understanding.

  • Take time to reflect on the sources of unhappiness and explore underlying emotions. Journaling, meditation, or therapy can help gain insight into feelings and identify areas for growth.
  • Focus on self-care practices that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can include regular exercise, nutritious eating, adequate sleep, and activities that bring joy and relaxation.
  • Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups for encouragement and understanding. Sharing feelings with trusted individuals can provide validation and perspective.
  • Engage in hobbies, activities, or experiences that bring fulfillment and excitement. Exploring new interests can reignite passion and purpose in life.
  • Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Setting realistic expectations and celebrating progress along the way can boost motivation and confidence.
  • Practice gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of life. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply expressing thanks for small blessings can shift focus away from negativity.
  • Spend time outdoors connecting with nature, whether through walks in the park, gardening, or outdoor recreational activities. Nature has a calming and rejuvenating effect on mental well-being.
  • Consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor who specializes in mental health and well-being. Professional support can offer strategies for coping with challenges and developing resilience.
  • Maintain social connections with friends and loved ones, even if it requires making an effort to reach out or participate in social activities. Social support is essential for emotional health and resilience.
  • Incorporate mindfulness practices into daily life to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help manage negative emotions and promote inner peace.

women's hands on top of each other in a circle - menopause depression

Peace over Happiness

As we age, the pursuit of happiness takes on a deeper meaning. 

For women over 50, like myself, it’s become clear that happiness isn’t always easy to grasp. That’s why I’ve found myself focusing more on cultivating inner peace. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure within myself—a sense of calm that keeps me grounded amidst life’s uncertainties. 

For me, inner peace means accepting myself fully, flaws and all, and finding gratitude for the simple joys of each day. It’s about forgiving past mistakes, both mine and others and prioritizing my well-being. 

Through this journey, I’ve learned that true happiness isn’t about chasing fleeting pleasures; it’s about finding tranquility within myself, no matter what life throws my way.

Yoga And Vedic Astrology

I have been a yoga practitioner for 30 years. This has helped me through all the ups and downs of life, and now more than ever.

Classical Yoga philosophy, as outlined in Patanjali’s Sutras,  is a comprehensive toolkit to guide us toward holistic well-being and Self-realization. 

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras introduce the concept of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which collectively form a holistic path to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Each limb offers specific tools and practices that can help manage the ups and downs of life.

Over the past few years, I have been studying Vedic Astrology, or Jyotish, which translates to ‘The Science of Light’. It has been mind-blowing. 

In a nutshell, Vedic astrology and the birth chart give insights into life patterns, health predispositions, emotional phases, and spiritual tendencies.

Together with this knowledge, and the tools of Yoga, it has helped me gain perspective on what my strengths are, what I need to work on, what I need to let go of, and what my life purpose is.

In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, it is stated that to achieve clarity, inner peace, and spiritual growth, we must cultivate two fundamental principles: consistent practice (Abhyasa) and detachment from outcomes (Vairagya).

The wisdom of Vedic astrology and the principles of yoga, have given me a holistic approach to self-discovery and inner peace. 

RELATED: A Tool For Reinventing Yourself in Your 50’s

Everyday Concerns

Listen, I am like every other woman in their 50’s. I still want to look good, feel good, and be the best version of myself. 

As I approached menopause, it felt like my life was on pause. 

Physically, I was dealing with hot flashes and fatigue, which made me slow down. 

Emotionally, the hormonal changes left me feeling unsettled, like I needed a moment to catch my breath. 

Socially, I was reassessing my roles and relationships. 

But amidst this pause, I see it as a chance for growth. 

Menopause isn’t an end; it’s a new beginning, where I can embrace wisdom and redefine my path forward.

It is with this in mind that I created this blog.  This blog blends everyday stuff like taking care of our bodies and money with a bigger goal: finding inner peace. 

It’s all about striking a balance in life. We will dive into self-care, money matters, and staying mindful to help you feel calm and centered, even when life gets hectic. It’s important to look after both our outer and inner worlds for a happier, more fulfilling life.

And we do it all in a down-to-earth, relatable way because finding peace should be accessible to everyone.

So dive-in! Together, let’s find the wisdom within us to move Forward After The Pause. 

If there’s anything you want to read about or learn more about, comment below!


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2 Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this. I’ve just been diagnosed as Perimenopausal and I’m struggling with the mental health side, I love the tips you’ve shared and your own experiences!