When Menopause Feels Overwhelming: Understanding the Mental Health Impact

Viewer discretion: this episode does contain mention of suicide.

Today, Dr Naomi Potter tackles one of the most misunderstood – and under-discussed – aspects of menopause: the severe emotional distress many women experience.

Naomi explains why hormonal changes can push women to emotional breaking points, what the data actually tells us, and what to do if you are feeling hopeless.

This conversation alone does not equate to medical help. We created this episode first and foremost because we want to shed light on a tough topic many people aren't prepared to talk about.

If you can relate to this episode and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call:

NHS on 111

The Samaritans on 116 123

Or ask your GP for an emergency appointment

In an emergency:

Call 999 for an ambulance

💬 Topics include:

• Why some women experience severe emotional symptoms in menopause

• How hormones affect mood, resilience, and mental wellbeing

• The real data on emotional distress during perimenopause

• Early warning signs to look out for

• What to do if everything feels “too much”

• Where and how to seek safe, confidential help

• Treatments that can support both mood and hormone balance

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00:00 – When despair hits in menopause

00:31 – Why these feelings matter

01:04 – Urgent help for severe menopause symptoms

01:56 – Treatments that can ease emotional overwhelm

02:26 – How doctors assess mental health in perimenopause

02:48 – How common intrusive thoughts are in menopause

03:20 – How hormones affect mood in perimenopause

04:12 – Why early menopause impacts mental wellbeing

04:45 – Hormonal mood changes vs mental health conditions

05:37 – Why getting help can feel so hard

06:41 – How loved ones can support you

07:04 – Why recovery from symptoms takes time

07:52 – Why this phase of menopause won’t last forever

08:16 – When to seek immediate help

08:43 – Why you shouldn’t wait

More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

#menopause #perimenopause #drnaomipotter