Menopause And Depression

Research suggests that women are more likely to suffer from depression during and after menopause and it is important to determine the difference between feeling low or anxious and depression. Depression is a mental health illness, which is characterised by continuous low mood, a loss of motivation and enthusiasm, feelings of sadness, helplessness and worthlessness. It is important that depression is dealt with effectively, as it tends to get worse without treatment and it can have a very negative impact on day to day life and even result in suicidal feelings and attempts to end your life.

Menopause is a distressing and confusing time for many women and there are various factors, in addition to dropping hormone levels, which may increase the risk of depression, including relationship strain, children leaving home for university or to set up a home of their own, bereavement and illness (often menopausal women are dealing with caring for ill parents, for example). If you feel low for a protracted period of time, don't suffer in silence; see your GP or seek help from charities, such as MIND and the Depression Alliance.


Sometimes, medical treatments are used to treat depression, but there are also self-help techniques, which may help to lift your mood and make you feel more positive; these include:

  • exercise: exercise is a natural mood booster and it's also great for keeping you fit, meeting new people, building confidence and enabling you to develop new skills. Exercise is also proven to reduce tension, stress and anxiety and it can help you to channel anger and frustration.
  • spending time with people who love you, such as friends and family
  • pursuing hobbies and interests
  • taking some time out from work or social or family commitments
  • listening to music

Life After Menopause (postmenopause) ยป