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The mid-life phenomenon known as menopause and the stresses of anxiety go hand inhand. Panic attacks, rushes of energy, burning in the chest, unusual vibrationsthroughout the body, and warm sensations are some of the physical effects you mayfeel under this condition.When menopause hits, there is a greater chance women will go through anxiety anddepression. Christian Northrop talks about this phenomenon in her book, Wisdom ofMenopause, where if a woman has repressed something in her life, she won't beable to get past menopause employing the same tactics. For example, unexpressedanger 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 womento 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 theback of our head is saying, “If you don't make changes now … you never will!” Ourhormonal imbalances (due to decreased estrogen levels) can contribute to feelingsof depression or make us feel plain 'indifference.' Even if menopause isn'tactually causing these conditions, it can heighten underlying anxiety and bring itto the surface.Anxiety is an individual's prolonged feeling of dread and worry with no particularreason behind it. It's uncomfortable and causes stress particularly on the body.It can be triggered by problems in everyday life like paying the bills and work.Although worrying about these things for a normal person has its ceiling ofseverity, menopausal women suffering from anxiety tend to think about theirproblems excessively.When anxiety finally hits its highest peak, it is often called a panic attack.Panic attacks are debilitating episodes of fright and fear that include chestpains, fear of death, and shaking. In what is called being ¨psychosocially¨depressed, women have negative beliefs and attitudes in regards to getting older,assuming unwanted roles such as caretaker, and responding negatively to impatienthusbands who might demand sex.Being depressed during the duration of this condition has a lot to do with theiroverall psychological well-being prior to menopause. Women who have continuousanxiety and depression beforehand are more likely to suffer worse cases of anxietyduring this latter phase of life. If life-long imbalances have not been healed,menopause may exacerbate the situation. We might feel unable to perform ¨femaleduties¨, contributing to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. Research hasfound that consistent regular physical activity (i.e. exercise) before menopausehas been scientifically proven to lessen the possibility of anxiety symptomsduring this transition. It's also helpful to avoid drinking caffeine-loadedliquids, sleep deprivation, and stimulant use. Psychiatric consultations are highly recommended for anxiety sufferers undermenopause. An experienced counselor and/or therapist can help us recover andevaluate our lives including healing emotional imbalances. It is a great time torefocus our attention toward new activities and roles. As is common with anxiety,feelings of worthlessness, fright, and even suicidal tendencies can occur. In thiscase, antidepressants may be prescribed. Coping with all of the physical changes,assuming new roles, possibly facing many of our fears for the first time, andgenerally waking up to the fact that ¨life just isn't what it used to be¨ are allrealizations that contribute to anxiety in older women. In these times, it isimportant to maintain focus and concentrate on the positive things in life.Although it can be hard, it can be done.Having a plethora of life responsibilities and obligations during menopause can
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