The mid-life phenomenon known as menopause and the stresses of anxiety go hand in hand. Panic attacks, rushes of energy, burning in the chest, unusual vibrations throughout the body, and warm sensations are some of the physical effects you may feel under this condition.
When menopause hits, there is a greater chance women will go through anxiety and depression. Christian Northrop talks about this phenomenon in her book, Wisdom of Menopause, where if a woman has repressed something in her life, she won’t be able to get past menopause employing the same tactics. For example, unexpressed anger will find its way out and sometimes in unusual or uncomfortable ways.
In what is often referred to as a ‘midlife crisis,’ this time of life forces women to re-evaluate themselves and the role(s) they play as they are getting older. And, often times we are not comfortable with what we find. A little voice in the back of our head is saying, If you don’t make changes now, you never will! Our hormonal imbalances (due to decreased estrogen levels) can contribute to feelings of depression or make us feel plain ndifference. Even if menopause isn’t actually causing these conditions, it can heighten underlying anxiety and bring it to the surface.
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As a counselor, I am often asked, “Can drugs be helpful for anxiety and depression?” The answer I give is “Yes” and “No.”
Yes, drugs may be useful for short-term help. No, drugs are not a good long-term solution.
Anxiety and depression are not caused by a lack of drugs. Drugs do not heal the underlying causes of anxiety and depression. However, when drugs are temporarily used to give a person a window of relief to do the inner work necessary to heal the underlying causes, they can be useful.
Anxiety and depression generally have two major underlying causes - emotional and physical.
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What causes anxiety? Well if we all knew that wouldnt life be a bed of roses. Being able to nip it in the bud (excuse the pun) before it causes the damage it is capable of like interfering and preventing a person from leading a normal life There are many different theories behind the cause but because each of us differ it makes it more difficult to pin point the specific reason behind its beginning.
Losing control of your thoughts and actions to an extent that no matter what you say or do is out of your jurisdiction, it is then medical help is strongly advised.
There is evidence that anxiety concerns develop from physical means like an over active thyroid gland which controls different body functions. Anxiety and drugs (types of medication) is sometimes not a match made in heaven so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any tablets/pills from over the counter that you are not familiar with.
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