Mental Health

“Your mental health doesn’t always stay the same.
It can change as circumstances change and as
you move through different stages of your life”.1

Umbrella
What may the Mental Health Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Emotional Health/Welfare/Well-Being
  • Mental Health/Welfare/Well-Being
  • Psychological Health/Welfare/Well-Being
  • Social Health/Welfare/Well-Being
  • Well-Being

Definition

What is mental health?

DotS the definition of mental health may vary. The (United States) MentalHealth.gov’s definition is:

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices”.2

Change

Can our mental health change?

In About Mental Health? the (British) Mental Health Foundation note:

“Another way to think about mental health is like thinking about the weather. As the seasons change, the weather does too. There are bright and sunny days which make us feel happy and want to do things like going outdoors, but on other days the weather can change to darker, rainy days, where you don’t feel like leaving the house. Like the weather, your mental health can go through periods of positive and bright bursts of energy, and it can also dip and drag you down a darker road. You may feel tired and lack motivation or energy to do the simple things, such as getting out of bed or getting on with your day.

Whatever you are feeling, know that this is completely normal, and you can seek support or speak to family and friends about how you are feeling.

Many people are reluctant to talk about their feelings and their mental health – there is still a stigma around it. Ironically, not sharing our feelings with anyone, or even knowing what they are, can make our mental health worse. Talking can help us find hope again, and feel closer to other people”.3

Menopause Mood Changes

What menopause mood changes may we experienced?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Mood & Emotional Health the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health elaborate on:

“You may notice that menopause causes your mood to change. This is due to changing hormone levels. You might experience:

  • 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

History of Depression or PMS

What if I have a history of depression or PMS?

On page one in Menopause Depression: Recognizing Depressive Symptoms and Depression the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

World Mental Health Day 2022 and Menopause“When you are transitioning into menopause, you should notify your healthcare practitioner whether you have suffered from depression in the past or whether you were particularly sensitive to hormone changes and have experienced premenstrual syndrome or postpartum depression. Be alert and notice whether these mood changes are mild and do not greatly affect your quality of life or whether they are severe and debilitating and interfere with your daily activities”.5

Self Care

How can we look after our mental health?

In Caring for Your Mental Health: About Self-Care the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health elaborate on:

“Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help 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…”.6

In Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing the JH explain:

World Mental Health Day 2022 and Menopause“There are many practical things you can do look after your emotional wellbeing.

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”.7

Online Resources, Programs, Apps and e-therapies

Are mental health online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies available?

Depending on your Country, mental health online resources, programs,  Apps and e-therapies may be available.

Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your Country’s recommended mental health online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies, similar to the (Australian) Department of Health’s Head To Health Search for Digital Mental Health Resources.

Health Care Provider

What if I need help with my mental health?

In Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing – Talk To Your Doctor the JH also encourage us to seek health:

“If you are experiencing strong emotions, anxiety or depression, see your doctor”.8

In Get Immediate Help MentalHealth.gov note:

“People often don’t get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start.

Talk to your primary care doctor or another health professional about mental health problems. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Mental Health?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Mental Health?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. 5 Steps To Mental Wellbeing
  2. A To Z
  3. About Mental Health
  4. Alcohol and Mental Health
  5. Anxiety
  6. Beyondblue.org.au [Beyond Blue, Australia]
  7. Caring for Your Mental Health
  8. Chronic Illness and Mental Health
  9. Consumer Health: Finding A Mental Health Care Professional To Fit Your Needs
  10. Consumer Health: Mental Health and Managing Stress
  11. Consumer Health: Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness
  12. Coping With Stress
  13. Coping With Traumatic Events
  14. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
    Depression In Women
  15. Diet and Mental Health
  16. Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
  17. Embrace Multicultural Mental Health [Australia]
  18. Finding Help: Where To Get It and Where To Go
  19. Foodmoodcentre.com.au [Food & Mood Centre, Australia]
  20. For People With Mental Health Problems
  21. Frequently Asked Questions
  22. Get Help With Your Mental Wellbeing [Scotland]
  23. Get Immediate Help [United States]
  24. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  25. Getting Help for Mental Health
  26. Grief After Bereavement or Loss
  27. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  28. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]: Workplace Wellbeing [+ Video]
  29. Headtohealth.gov.au [Head To Head [Australia]
  30. How To Get Mental Health Help [United States]
  31. How To Improve Mental Health
  32. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  33. How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
  34. How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness
  35. How To Sleep Better
  36. If You or Someone You Know Is In Crisis and Needs Immediate Help
  37. Individuals With Mental Illnesses
  38. Is Taking a Mental Health Day Actually Good for You?
  39. LGBTIQ
  40. LGBTQI Mental Health: It’s Not Always Glitter and Rainbows
  41. List of CAM Treatments
  42. Live B4 Stage 4
  43. Live Your Life Well: The 10 Tools
  44. Looking After Your Mental Health
  45. Maintaining Your Mental Health During Challenging Times [+ Video Courtesy: Robert Bright, M.D./Psychiatry/Mayo Clinic]
  46. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs That Stress Is Becoming Toxic [+ Video]
  47. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  48. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  49. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  50. Menopause and Depression
  51. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  52. Mental Health
  53. Mental Health
  54. Mental Health
  55. Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause
  56. Mental Health At Work
  57. Mental Health Awareness Week [United Kingdom]
  58. Mental Health Conditions
  59. Mental Health Issues If You’re Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual
  60. Mental Health Month [United States]
  61. Mental Health and the Holidays: Grieving
  62. Mental Health: Learn About Mental Health
  63. Mental Health: What’s Normal, What’s Not
  64. Mentalhealth.gov [United States Department of Health and Human Services]
  65. Mentalhealth.org.uk [Mental Health Foundation, United Kingdom]
  66. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]: Your First Stop for Better Mental Health At Work
  67. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  68. Mhaustralia [Mental Health Australia]
  69. Mind the Workplace [Mental Health America]
  70. Mind.org.uk [Mind, United Kingdom]
  71. Mindfulness
  72. Multicultural People
  73. My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?
    Mental Health
  74. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  75. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  76. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Mental Health
  77. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
  78. National Institute of Mental Health [United States]: Health Topics
  79. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [United States]
  80. Obesity and Mental Health: Understanding the Connection
  81. Physical Activity and Your Mental Health
  82. Prevention and Mental Health
  83. R U OK?
  84. Relaxation
  85. Samhsa.gov [SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
  86. Self-Care Tips To Manage Mental Health and Wellness [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
  87. Sexuality and Gender
  88. Staying Mentally Healthy
  89. Supporting Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  90. Mental HealthTaking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider
  91. Talk With Your Doctor About Depression
  92. Types of Talking Therapies
  93. WHO Highlights Urgent Need To Transform Mental Health and Mental Health Care
  94. What Are Mental Health Problems?
  95. What Is Mental Health?
  96. What Is Mental Health?
  97. Who Can Assist
  98. Women and Mental Health
  99. World Mental Health Day [10 October]
  100. World Mental Health Report Transforming Mental Health for All

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. About Mental Health? Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/about-mental-health Accessed: 06 October 2022
  2. What Is Mental Health? Last Updated: 28 February 2022. MentalHealth.gov https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health Accessed: 06 October 2022
  3. About Mental Health. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/about-mental-health Accessed: 06 October 2022
  4. Symptoms of Menopause: Mood & Emotional Health. Last Updated: 12 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms#mood-and-emotional-health Accessed: 06 October 2022
  5. Menopause Depression: Recognizing Depressive Symptoms and Depression. 2018:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 06 October 2022
  6. Caring for Your Mental Health: About Self-Care. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health Accessed: 06 October 2022
  7. Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing. Last Updated: 03 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself Accessed: 06 October 2022
  8. Get Immediate Help. Last Updated: 06 September 2022. MentalHealth.gov https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help Accessed: 06 October 2022
Topic Last Updated: 24 October 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 October 2022

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