Menopause A to Z

 


Menopause Anxiety

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While there are many symptoms associated with menopause, one that can make life challenging is menopause anxiety. With anxiety, there is a sense of foreboding, as if something were wrong. Depending on the woman and the severity of the anxiety, she may even experience trembling, be short of breath, have heart palpitations, feel lightheaded and dizzy, sweat excessively, feel cold, and startle easily. However, anxiety can also bring on many other symptoms such as muscle tension, headache, upset stomach, fatigue, insomnia, and so on.

Because menopause anxiety is so overwhelming, it is important first to recognize it and second to do something to change it. If you are beginning perimenopause or actually going into regular menopause and are dealing with this problem, there are things you can do to make the symptoms not quite so harsh. When you begin to experience the signs of anxiety, your best bet is to get treatment right away since waiting can often make it worse. While it might not be easy to admit that you are starting into menopause, admitting that the change is coming is the first step. From there, you can work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment. The thing that is so tricky with treating menopause anxiety is that it manifests both emotionally and physically so it must be treated the right way.

Remember, menopause is nothing to fear. Millions of women around the world go through it and learn to cope with the anxiety and other associated symptoms just as you will. Therefore, once you realize what is happening, you will need a plan of action to keep the anxiety at a controllable level. An excellent method for combating anxiety is with exercise. When you begin to feel stressed or nervous, taking a walk can help burn off some energy while clearing the mind. Other great forms of exercise that have proven to work well includes swimming, bicycling, and aerobics. In addition to making you feel better for the menopause, exercise is also beneficial for overall health.

Next, you might consider treating yourself to a good massage. This too is a great way to let down physically, pushing the menopause anxiety aside, letting the tension simply melts away. Look for a licensed masseuse, one that has been in the business for years and knows how to ease the stresses associated with menopause anxiety. If you are unsure where to start looking, many cities have colleges where you can find a qualified masseuse for an amazing price. If necessary, you might also need to consider working with a therapist to get you through the rough times. For some women, anxiety associated with the change of life can be devastating. If this is how you feel, know that you are not alone and not abnormal for having difficulties.

Other things you can do to help ease the load of stress is to take care of yourself by eating balanced meals, not smoking or drinking, getting a full night’s sleep, and exercising. By taking care of yourself overall, chances are the anxiety will be much easier to manage. Finally, try to find a hobby or something of interest you could get involved with to keep your mind occupied. Many times, just having your mind focused on something other than the menopause symptoms will help. This might include something such as bowling, bicycling, swimming, crafts, sewing, joining a club, or simply hanging around with friends who can offer you needed support. By taking these recommendations and choosing one or two that fits with your lifestyle, you will find that getting through the rough phases of menopause are possible.

 

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