In the many years I've run Power Surge, I've communicated with
literally hundreds of thousands of women suffering from all
sorts of anxiety issues, and like them, and many of you, I,
too, am all too familiar with the fears, anxiety, depression
and frustrations that occur during this transitional time of
life. Fluctuating hormone levels, coupled with all the
issues associated with menopause and getting older, often
produce anxiety

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COPING MECHANISMS FOR THE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
ASSOCIATED WITH MENOPAUSE
Author Unknown
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Here are some common symtoms and basic guídelínes for ...

Copíng With Stress, Anxíety & Depressíon

Most people with anxiety disorder appear to be ín control on
the outside, but internally they are anticipating the worst.
Many people don’t realize their problems - both physical &
emotional - are anxiety related.

Common symptoms of anxiety would include:

• Nervousness
• rapid heart beat
• dizziness
• panicky feelings
• diarrhea & stomach problems.

Irrational fears about:

• losing control
• dying
• losing your mind
• embarrassing yourself
• having a heart attack.

Personality types most associated with anxiety & depression:

• extremely analytical
• emotionally sensitive
• overreacts
• sensitive to criticism
• low self-esteem
• need to appear ín control at all times
• obsessive thinking
• inner nervousness
• high expectations
• guilt ridden
• easily irritated
• worrier
• hypochondriac
• sensitive to negative stimuli

Episodes of depression are normally marked by persistent (2
or more weeks) sadness & crying, low self-esteem, bleak
world-view, guilt, change ín sleep (insomnia or
oversleeping), change ín appetite (weight loss or gain) & a
general loss of interest & pleasure ín life. Many people who
suffer from anxiety disorders slowly become depressed to
some degree. The kind of depression that most often coexists
with anxiety is DRIVEN by the anxiety. The good news is - íf
you can remember that anxiety preceded the depression, you
have a good idea as to the cause of the depression.

Here are a few guidelines you can use to help alleviate your anxiety.
Recognize and admit that you are feeling stressed & anxious.
[list]
[*] Become aware of your body’s symptoms. Don’t let them scare
you, let them talk to you.

[*] Try to pinpoint what ít ís you are anxious about. What
happened yesterday? What were you thinking about before you
went to bed? If you can’t pinpoint ít, don’t worry about ít
and move on.

[*] Give yourself permission to feel anxious about whatever
ít ís that ís bothering you. Of course I feel anxious about
this problem, anyone would. But how much anxiety ís too
much?

[*] If you do know what ít ís that ís bothering you, what can
you do to eliminate or minimize the situation ín some way so
that ít isn’t so stressful?

[*] Most importantly, how can you react differently so you
won’t be so affected by this situation?

[*] Listen to the dialogue within yourself. Are you filling
yourself full of negative thoughts about a certain
situation? What could you say to yourself that would feel
more comforting?

[*] Listen to the dialogue of those around you. Is someone
around you being negative and dragging you down with them?
If so, how could you change your reaction to their negative
attitude so that you would be less affected by them?

[*] Are you overwhelming yourself with shoulds & high
expectations? If so, which ones would you eliminate?

[*] Are you blaming someone else for your anxieties,
unhappiness, poor health, lack of success or whatever? How
can you take responsibility for yourself and make some
positive changes?

[*] Give yourself positive reinforcement for even the
smallest accomplishments.

[*] Find a source of relaxation. Whether it be in prayer,
yoga, meditation or guided imagery, the positive affects of
daily relaxation are well documented.

[*] Exercise is extremely important for people suffering from
anxiety and depression. Consult your doctor about a
reasonable schedule, pace and type for you.

[*] Take a break. Simple changes in routine can help give you
a different perspective.

[*] Treat yourself with love & respect. Watch not only your
self-dialogue, but the images you entertain. Are you
needlessly scaring yourself?

[*] Practice positive, self-loving imagery. Picture yourself
in places that make you feel good.

[*] Get busy. A healthy, fulfilled life is one well balanced
in work and play.

[*] Being depressed is NOTHING to be ashamed of. It does not
mean you are weak, mentally ill or doomed to a life of
sadness and despair. In fact, despite severity, depression
CAN be treated. Recovery from anxiety and depression is a
process. Most physical & psychological changes take time and
practice.

[*] Discuss your feelings with an informed supporter. Your
family, friends and physician can provide valuable
perspective.

[*] If your depression is severe and lasting, so that pain
and problems outweigh pleasure most of the time, it is time
to seek professional help.

[*] Anger rarely helps in any situation. Think before you
respond -what do you really want to happen in the situation?
Are you being angry over something you have no control over?

[*] Your best chance for recovery from anxiety & depression
involves a full life-style approach.


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I know all about anxiety and depression and that it's not easily
resolved, especially during the menopausal transition.

I also know that anxiety and depression can be relentless and affect
our quality of life to the point of isolation and feelings of utter despair.
We also know that we're not always in control of our hormones, which
are often the catalysts of these emotional feelings.

BUT, if this information provokes thought and the suggestions can even
in some small way assist you in coping with your anxiety and depression
issues, it's worth saying . . . and reading.

Dearest

I am 48 and it seems like I'm heading into menopause. I had been on Effexsor for 3 years and went off about 4 months ago. Had a rough time -- huge mood swings, etc. Now it seems like my depressive episodes are getting more frequent. Have had some panic attacks too.
Haven't had any blood tests, but the symptoms -- mood swings, irregular periods, breast tenderness, depression, anxiety, etc. seem to indicate that I'm in perimenopause. I've tried acupuncture, St. John's Wort, SAMe, and am taking an herbal blend with Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Chasteberry, etc. Anyone have advice about dosages for these herbs? General advice about depression and mood swings? Before I was on Effexsor I tried Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin and Lexapro. Should I try Prozac?

Hi noranancy,
I too am 48. I tried Effexor or should I say (side effexor) lol. I tried a number of AD's and finally had good results with Prozac. The trick for me was to take the starting dose recommended by my Doctor and cut it in half and work my way up slowly. I know Doctor's don't like that but I had such horrendous side effects that my anxiety levels went through the roof. Not to mention severe insomnia. I don't even try Herbs any longer. Too tough to regulate the dosage. Be sure that you eat small meals frequently. I noticed AD's cause my blood sugar to take big drops if I forget to eat. Don't give up. If you made it to 48 you have done pretty well. My peri hell started in my early 40's. It was a nice midlife welcome.....NOT!!! Debra

Thankyou for that Dearest!.....yes, anxiety and stress caused me to be depressed about 8 years ago...I started on a AD (Lustral in UK = Zoloft in US) and over a period of 3 years I took it on and off...but the 3rd time I had such TERRIBLE side effects that I vowed never to take an AD again (I did not want to take them in the first place, but was so desperate after the birth of my daughter).......what really put me off was that my neighbour's son was on Prozac, because of a failed marriage, and he ended up with committing suicide. That was it for me...definately no more AD's!

Anyway...I tried cognitive behavourial therapy...this helped a lot, but then I moved from UK to US, albeit reluctantly (my husbands job moved) and seemed to hit peri-menopause at that time too...boy, what awful symptoms....insomnia, heart racing, panic, anxiety, stomach upsets etc., etc.,

Now 4 years on...yes, 4!....I am post by 16 months (I Hope!)...and most of my worst symptoms have calmed down...I sleep somewhat better and the anxiety and panic are eased.....

But now I seem to have overall health anxiety!.....from one end of my body to the other!!!!!...I won't go into that!

I just started a meditation class a few weeks ago and am practicing it at home nearly every day, and I feel a little calmer. Being able to calm my thoughts and body I think will help me enormously.

My personality is that of which you describe in your vulnerability list....and I have taken note of those things you suggest....I DO know what I should and shouldn't do to control my anxiety...but, It's just not easy to control my own personality!

I will try though...even more than ever....for I must take control of what I can change for the future of my own happiness.

God bless you Dearest!

Caz x

Hi Everyone:

I am new to the website but am thrilled that I found something to help. I started menopause about 4 years ago, with anxiety as my main symptom. I was caught very off-guard, had no clue that anxiety was a symptom of menopause. I would lie awake at night worrying about my life, my kids life, finances, you name it. I tried two different meds, which I swore I would never take. I think I tried both Zoloft and Effexor but had horrible vertigo that I stopped after 3 days. I went to Whole Foods and spent two hours in their "woman's section". I found something called "Mood Balance" that was a proprietary blends of natural stuff with the main ingredient being St. John's Wort. It did help after a while, and I kind of did okay for the next couple of years. Then the hot flashes started, and being in the business world, it was very embarrasing to get a hot flash in the middle of an important presentation. Went of HRT for close to a year....absolute miracle, loved it, but had an underlying feeling that it just wasn't a healthy way to go, so stopped a few months ago. What I didn't realize was that I went through the whole anxiety thing again as if I was starting menopause all over again. Ugh!! I haven't had a period now for about two years, but still have pretty brutal hot flashes and night sweats (those are the worse). Lately, I have been feeling really sad, anxious, and just want to cry and be alone. The holidays don't help, the economy is freaking me out, my daughter got laid off so we are helping her out. So money is a worry...my husband (as great as he is) just doesn't get it and thinks it is all in my head. He still has a healthy libido, but mine has literally gone (and I was one that was all about sex, even more so than my husband). I have always been the strong, "go-to" person of my family and extended family. Right now, I would love to just curl up on the couch and watch my soaps. It sounds pathetic, but it is true. I have never had much tolerance for people feeling sorry for themselves, and feel that I am becoming one of those people. Okay, I will stop now.

I guess I'm mad that no one really prepares you for this. I actually thought that menopause lasted a couple of months while your body had it's last hurrah with it's period, a couple of hot flashes (not thermal events as I call them), and it's over. Now I'm hearing that a lot of women are symptomatic for over 20 years. Also, I don't understand why mother nature feels we need to go through this, unless it wants us to be so difficult to live with that our husbands leave us for a younger model that can still produce children.

I'm looking forward to further exploring this website. I think there is a lot of good information on it. I'm also looking to add something to my Mood Balance regimen. ANyone know anything about taking SAMe with St. Johns Wort?

Well dear woman (and I guess a few men), that is it for now, and I know it is plenty.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Ring

good Morning,
For me this is the most difficult time of my life. I, too, never had patience for the sorry for themselves types either, I always was running around, driving anywhere and everywhere, and now, I am nervous to be even an hour away from home, esp. alone. If I go without my husband, I get nervous. What if I dont' feel well? What if I get the dizzy thing? I know my stomach will act up, and then what? It is awful. It started two years ago, when my dad died, and kids were going off to college. I can't beleive I am the person I am. I NEVER EVER would have believed it. I thought it was a time of life you just got hot every now and then. I had no idea, this anxiety, unsure thing would take over.

It is a daily struggle and I never tried SAMe with St. John's Wort. I have been nervous to use that after reading side effects to St. John's Wort. I use bcp's (yes, there are plenty of side effects there too) and xanax as needed.

I hope you find a good balance for you.

Happy New Year as well.

I too am like you ring and enough. I was always highly sexual, very accomplished professionally, optomistic, always up for an adventure. Now each day is a challenge, I live most days on an hour to hour basis, grateful for all i have and in fear of losing it. The first skipped period was my entrance to this world of peri misery. Why does it seem like those of us who have the furthest to fall, fall hardest?

People used to say to me routInely, "what are YOU so happy about?" - It's like a cruel joke.

Love to all you sisters - and much peace in the new year

Dear 'Ring'

Really sorry you are going through such a rough time.Believe me,I feel as if very few of us were in the least prepared.
From the life and soul of the party to a scared sweating wimp that was me when diagnosed as fully Menopausal at 39.

It was first thought I was having a nervous breakdown,crying all the time,insomnia, depression ,no appetite so first port of call a Psyschiatrist.Put on a low dosage of Prozac with Xanax,as needed for anxiety. There was some improvement but the real culprit was revealed at annual Gyno. check up.Ovarian failure with vaginal atrophy.

Put on synthetic HRT which did a marvellous job and made my life worth living again.I am now 57 and my Gyno.wants me off but have refused.I have tried to be without it and it was a big,bad mess.I have regular check-ups and take the full responsibility for my own health.

Whilst off the HRT I did try various vitamin supplements,no go.Exercise and Yoga really do help a lot but have to admit it will be very difficult to get me to stop HRT again.

However,we are all very different so hopefully you will find what works for you.I know there are many wonderful ladies on the Forum who go completely natural and appear to be doing very well.I am sure they will be in touch with you soon!

Meanwhile,I wish you well
Happy New Year
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

Wow ladies just cant believe all your symptoms, I can relate to nearly all of them. thought I was going round the bend stark raving!! I started having hot flushes and poor sleep about 7 yrs ago but managed with natural stuff promensil etc. Then a couple of months ago I seemed to hit a brick wall of anxiety, depression or cheerlessness and terrible insomnia any hints for help in sleeping which is the worst for me. Is there life after this, Just want to curl up on the sofa and watch dvds!!!
gilly

Hello gilie, welcome to Power Surge.

Try reading in the Insomnia section - there might be something helpful.

All the best to you.

is there sometimes a time for curling up on the sofa and watching vidoes?

for me there is, and the knack has been to discover when that's a helpful coping mechanism.....

gx

Hello- this is my first time here. Just wanted to see if I could find a chat to chat on. I am 47, soon will be 48. Ususally I´m motivated gung ho positive, whatever- today- i{ve spent all day just feeling myself and wondering why I am so sad.
I guess I figured it out- its just like pre-menopause symptoms-
I don´t feel the need to stop it or change it, just guessing what It is opens the door to other options. (Chocolate brownies?)
So hello everyone out there- its good to feel near you all- tree woman

Hello All,

I'm so thankful that I found this site. I'm 43 and believe I'm in peri. I've been having heart palpitations for about 4 years. I thought I was dying, my heart was doing all kinds of flips and extra beats. I had a stress test, several EKG's all normal. The cardiologist said it was PVC's. My doctor did prescribe Toprlol (sp) and Xanax because the heart palpitations were causing some anxiety. Well the anxiety has increased 100 percent in the last few weeks. I too am usually the "go to" person in my family. But lately all I want to do is cry, I feel so sad all the time. Not only that, I have diagnosed myself with every disease known to man. I feel like a basket case. The Xanax does help, but I don't want to become a Xanax junky. I take .25mg every (work) night to help me sleep, but lately I've needed to take .50 mg to get me through the day. I also take magnesium and omega 3's for the palps. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tawana