Both menstruation and mental health have been topics rarely broached within an Indian household. So it comes as no surprise that there is a huge gap in awareness when it comes to the impact of one on the other.
Earlier, reaching menopause signified that a woman’s life was nearing its end, but with modern inventions in medicine, women tend to live a third of their life after menopause. Women are now battling physical and mental complications that accompany menopause with no significant breakthrough in treatments. Ageing women require support and understanding coupled with therapy, not just some photograph of a positive platitude inscribed in aesthetic calligraphy sent via WhatsApp.
Mental Health In India
India has been a hotspot when it comes to mental health issues and depression. Lack of education, stigma and societal pressure makes it all but impossible for people to get help when they need it. This stigma added to the stigma surrounding menstruation ensures that women going through mental as well as physical changes during the time rarely speak up about the discomfort they face.
Symptoms
In India, a large population of women still have to contend with the patriarchal systems that control most aspects of their lives. This is not only physically draining but also mentally. Adding menopause and the hormonal changes that accompany it into the mix make it hard for women to cope with the changes. This affects not just the family, but also the work-life balance.
In an article by The Guardian, several women speak about their experience with menopause and the issues that come with it. “When I was 45, I started to feel very stressed with work – I felt quite anxious and overwhelmed by it,” said Lisa Williams, one of the interviewees. “My memory had gone and I felt confused.”
Like Lisa, most women lack knowledge about menopause, chalk up mental health issues and anxieties to workplace stress. Noticing and understanding the common symptoms can help in early diagnosis and encourage women to build a healthy support system right from the start so they don’t have to contend with these issues alone.
Causes
One of the biggest changes that accompany menopause is the change in hormone levels. It is the most important biological factor contributing to mental health issues during this time. Other than the biological hormonal changes, a woman’s social situation and cultural background can impact the mental health issues that accompany menopause.
An article by YourStory explored the different types of mental health issues Indian women had to deal with and why they don’t talk about it with their families. One of the interviewees said, “I receive support from peers, yet I sometimes hesitate to ask for help. I still feel like it can become a burden, and, at times, people have indirectly told me not to talk about my issues.” Indian culture has stigmatised mental health issues to such an extent that even thinking about the possibility of visiting a psychiatrist might just end up exacerbating the situation.
Prevention
Without the help of a mental health professional, the best thing women can do is to take care of themselves. Rachel, who was also interviewed by The Guardian, joined a gym and took up aerobic exercise to relieve her anxiety. Another interviewee, Nicole, joined a menopause support group and made friends who helped her gain back her confidence and develop a newfound sense of self.
While getting the medical help needed is of utmost importance, it is just as important to build a healthy support system that encourages and supports women through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
