Tips for Supporting Your Mental Health During The Menopause Transition and Beyond

Reviewed by Dr. Ariel Dalfen, CEO, Co-Founder, betterbria.com

At the National Menopause Show 2024, psychiatrist Dr. Ariel Dalfen offered practical advice on caring for your mental health.

“Mental health isn’t just about diagnoses, it’s about emotional wellbeing, resilience, and knowing when to seek support,” she shared.

Here are 5 tips she shared to protect your mental health during menopause:

✅Understand your own risk: If you have a history of mental health concerns, particularly around your menstrual cycle or related to pregnancy, you may be at higher risk in the menopause transition when hormones shift dramatically. Knowing your risk can help you manage it in advance.

🤝 Stay Connected: Meaningful relationships can reduce feelings of isolation and act as emotional anchors and protect people from mental health issues

🛑 Set Healthy Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying no to what drains you, as much as you possibly can.

💤 Prioritize Sleep, Nutrition & Movement: These core habits are essential for feeling good, protecting mental health, and for treating symptoms or depression and anxiety and intense anger.

📞 Seek Professional Help: If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, or rage, talk to an expert healthcare provider. Talk therapy or medication may be needed. Sometimes a combination of both are key to feeling better.

As Dr. Dalfen reminds us: “ You do not need to suffer in silence. Make sure you address your mental health needs.”

Going through the menopause transition can affect more than your body. It can affect your mind and your emotions. You deserve support that addresses both of these areas.