Menopause & depression

[Poppyhead]

Hi all
Is there anyone there who can talk about Menopause and depression? I've been slowly falling to pieces for around two years and had a major family incident at the weekend which has triggered off feelings of utter despair and loneliness. A feeling that no one cares and have a sense of not belonging to my family. The family issues have always been a problem but the last 2 years have been worse. I finally went to my doctors yesterday and she has prescribed Fluoxetine, which scares the heck out of me. I guess it's the control freak in me and denial. Is this drug really the way to go? I do have other symptoms related to menopause and I am 51. Any advice anyone? Really could do with it right now.

[lightenup]

Hi Poppy sorry your having such an awful time.  To be honest I have wondered if the menopause has something to do with my depression, but also I would use any excuse other than admitting depression.  I'm 49 BTW.  Sometimes a number of triggers can lead to this illness and to be honest your feelings of despair loneliness etc are all part of this.  Try and take time out for yourself and do something soothing should it even be a long soak in the bath, and tell your family about how you feel.  :)

[Zaf]

Are you thinking the menopause is the cause if your depression or a contributory factor?  And being very personal, what are your thoughts on the menopause?  By that I mean are you only hating the physical symptoms or does it worry you that you are no longer fertile?

I have dreadful physical symptoms which I hate but am not worried about the other aspects, I dont know if it has made my tendency to get depressed worse or not as my symptoms started around the time my dad was diagnosed with cancer and as a family we had a very difficult time fot a couple of years.

[cornish]

dont be afraid of fluoxetine you may find it helps a lot but it can take a while to work, try and stick with it for at least 4 weeks

sorry the menopause thing is way over my head, i really wish i could give you some more advice

[Munchroom]

Hi Poppy - I would imagine that the menopause could be a factor in depression. You only have to know the feelings that PMT can bring to know that there is some sort of overlap there.

Even if it IS tied in though - this doesnt mean it should be taken lightly. You have done the first major thing and have spoken to your GP about it. Anti-depressants are scary and I was wary of taking them at first, but once you find the right ones for you, they do work!! They are not a cure but they do take the edge of off these feelings and make things a little more bearable.

As lightenup suggests, time for yourself is really important. Its not selfish!! Your number one prority is yourself and keeping yourself well - so enjoy a relaxing bath, or if you have the concentration then curl up with a good book - do anything that will relax you and help you. Nothing is so important that it can't wait for a couple of hours!

Take care  :) nay x