All of us are affected by what happens to us, past and present. Things that happened even many years ago can affect our mental health today, for better or worse. Our genes also have an influence”.³

• Irritability
• Increased anger
• Low mood
• Depression and anxiety”

Research suggests that women are more likely to feel depressed during the menopause transition.

Women who have a history of depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be more likely to develop depression during this time”.⁴

Here are some self-care tips:

• Get regular exercise.Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time
• Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated…
• Make sleep a priority…
• Try a relaxing activity…
• Set goals and priorities…
• Practice gratitude…
• Focus on positivity…
• Stay connected…”.⁵

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you”.⁵

For example:

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings (e.g. your friend, family member, doctor or psychologist)
• Keep a diary of your symptoms
• Take time for yourself and do things you love doing
• Get quality rest when you can
• Do regular physical exercise, especially in a group or with friends
• Practise relaxation techniques
• Pay attention to your inner voice and practise using positive affirmations”.⁶