Menopausal Depression : A (Very) Brief Introduction
9 Jul
Understanding the complexities of menopausal depression is crucial for effectively treating women experiencing menopause or perimenopause.
Menopause, a natural phase marking the end of menstrual cycles, can bring about hormonal changes that contribute to a range of physical and emotional symptoms. While most people are aware of the physical symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats and sleep issues, the psychological symptoms - including depression - can be overlooked or written off as unrelated to perimenopause and menopause.
Midlife Bloom: Cultivating Joy During Menopause
Discover how to cultivate joy and embrace changes during menopause with Midlife Bloom. Learn how to navigate through perimenopause and menopause with positivity and self-care strategies.
I’m in Perimenopause - What’s Happening With My Hormones?!
The perimenopausal period is a time of huge hormonal fluctuations, and is often the period of a woman’s life that is the most tumultuous. A recent survey undertaken by Dr Linda Dear (aka the MenoDoctor) on approximately 1500 Australian women, indicated that 23% felt that life was not worth living, and 88% reported that perimenopause hada negative impact on their relationship.
Mental Health and Menopause - Clinical vs Subclinical Presentations
There is ongoing conversation (often disagreement) around the role menopause in and of itself, plays in women’s mental health. Some say mental health challenges are quite common in menopause. Others say, there is no evidence to suggest mental health issues are common but that there are particular at-risk groups.
Perimenopause and ADHD: A Series - Part 1 : Some Important Stuff First
Before I begin, I want you to know that these articles are written by me, Kirstin, a perimenopausal ADHDer Clinical Psychologist. I’ve written these from my professional knowledge of both peri and ADHD (from research and my clinical practice) and my lived experience. They are written for you, the perimenopausal possibly or definitely ADHD woman.
Perimenopause and ADHD: A Series - Part 2: Introduction to Perimenopause and ADHD - What are They?
I’m being increasingly asked about ADHD during perimenopause and to be honest, I’m really happy that these questions are being asked. Because it tells me that awareness about these two ‘conditions’ is growing amongst people in the broader community. That can only be a good thing as there is considerable misinformation about each on its own, let alone when they present together.
Perimenopause and ADHD: A Series - Part 3: ADHD Diagnoses in Women in their 40’s. What’s Going On?
You are probably aware of the discussion ‘out there’ about the increase in adults being diagnosed with ADHD and in particular, women in their 40’s being diagnosed with ADHD. This is accurate. And I’ll add, the fact that this is being discussed so widely is a really good thing and I hope it continues.
Perimenopause and ADHD: A Series - Part 4: ADHD and Perimenopause: Which One is it? Is it Both?
How do we know it’s ADHD when so many of the ‘symptoms’ overlap with some of the symptoms of perimenopause? Super good question.
There is a fair degree of overlap between some of the challenges of ADHD and some of the symptoms of perimenopause. Hmmm. Frustrating right?
Perimenopause and ADHD: A Series - Part 5: When ADHD and Perimenopause Collide - Assessing ADHD
There is some overlap in the cognitive and psychological challenges of perimenopause and ADHD. I also gave some examples of the subtle differences in how they ‘show up’ for perimenopausal versus ADHD women (albeit for most, but not ALL ADHDers). Now, if you’re reading this it’s because you want to know more about this. And so here are some more things for you to mull over if you’re wondering if you’re an ADHDer or if it's ‘all just perimenopause’.
Perimenopause and ADHD: A Series - Part 6: When ADHD and Perimenopause Collide - Treatment
Once again, I want to remind you of the neurodiversity paradigm. A paradigm that is founded on the belief that all brains are unique and that it’s important to understand, accept and embrace these differences. With this, there is no single ‘right’ neurotype even though the world is largely set up to best support a ‘neurotypical’ brain. This means that neurodivergent folk often feel like ‘square pegs in round holes’ and have to ‘work harder’ to meet the social and cultural expectations of society.