HRT - Part 1. Why did I think I needed it?
23 - Dec 2021
Hi everyone, if you read yesterday’s blog then you will know that I visited a clinic yesterday to finally address my menopause symptoms.
I’ve decided to split this blog into two parts. This part, Part 1, is to give some context to my story. If you want, you can skip straight to the next post, where I will chat in about the appointment and the outcome.
I understand menopause affects every one of us differently. It truly is a unique event. Some women hardly notice it. Some sail through it. Some women, like me, suffer severe and debilitating symptoms, symptoms that negatively affect every area of our lives; from relationships with family and friends to workplace difficulties, even with our ability to perform everyday tasks.
We don’t need to suffer in silence.
As women of a certain age, we juggle a myriad of responsibilities. Are you married/in a long term relationship? Are you working? Are your parents healthy and independent? What about kids? Grandkids?
Your partner may be dealing with their own issues. They may be having a ‘mid-life crisis‘. Your parents are getting older and may need extra support in all areas; increasingly needing emotional support, (we are still in the middle of a pandemic after all, with all the uncertainty and fear that brings.) If you’ve got kids they may be at time in their lives when they need encouragement and support. They may be at home. They may not. They may have a job. They may not. You may be or soon to be a grandparent. I could go on...
In other words, there’s a lot on your plate and your needs and wants are often the very last item on your never ending list.
And here’s the thing. If you suddenly find you cannot function - and very often there is a breaking point - then you can’t help any of the above. The moment that happens - the guilt appears. Cast your mind back to when you felt you were ‘failing’ in your ‘responsibilities’. Examine how it feels now. To me, this juncture of my life, is measurably worse.
You realise everything is starting to fall apart. You can literally feel your hopes, your dreams, everything you’ve strived for, slipping through your fingers. At home. At work. You berate yourself daily for not being good enough. And very often you suffer in silence.
Don’t get me wrong. I have my coping mechanisms. All my self-care tips and tricks that I will share later. But day-to-day, to most people, I appear to be functioning. They do not know my truth.
You look ok to me
How many times have you heard that? Or imagined you heard that as you prepare yourself for the day with your smile and PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). As a strong, resilient woman I’ve been broken. Now it’s time to pick up the pieces and put myself (notice I did not say pull myself) together.
Part 2 coming soon.
Where to get help if you're struggling
You don't have to suffer in silence if you're struggling with your mental health. Here are some groups you can contact when you need help:
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org, in confidence
Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won't show up on your bill
PAPYRUS: A voluntary organisation supporting suicidal teens and young adults. Phone 0800 068 4141
Depression Alliance: A charity for people with depression. No helpline but offers useful resources and links to other information on its website
Students Against Depression: A website for students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal. Click here to visit
Bullying UK: A website for both children and adults affected by bullying. Click here
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For young men who are feeling unhappy. Has a website here and a helpline: 0800 58 58 58