October is always a busy month on the mental health and well-being calendar. The 18th, is World Menopause Day. I like to mention it each year, in the hope that I can do my bit to raise awareness about the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that women experience during menopause.

Despite being a natural life transition, menopause often comes with significant challenges, both for women themselves and their loved ones. One of the biggest barriers to accessing support is the stigma and taboo surrounding this topic.

Menopause, characterised by the cessation of menstrual periods, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is accompanied by a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels. While the physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, are well-known, the emotional and psychological impact of menopause is often overlooked or underestimated.

Many women experience a range of emotional challenges during menopause, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and relationships. Additionally, menopause can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or lead to the development of new ones.

Despite the fact that half the population will experience menopause, many women are reluctant to discuss their symptoms with either loved ones, healthcare providers or employers. The fear of being dismissed, judged, or stigmatised can prevent them from seeking the support they need. This reluctance to open up can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and inadequacy.

My take on all of this is that by raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and providing access to appropriate resources, we can empower women to navigate this life transition with confidence and resilience. Menopause should not be a source of shame or embarrassment. We need to educate men on this subject and increase understanding generally.

It was great to be out and about on World Mental Health day last week, and see what was going on in the area. I bumped into Jawad Bhatti from Spark Your Health, the local founder of the mental health app ’Spark’, and Declan West, the manager over at Jetts Gyms in Accrington. They were telling me about their collaboration to expand wellbeing from physical to mental, social and financial, which is incorporated in the Spark app. They have exciting plans to do something nationwide next month, as part of Movember. It’s always great to see local initiatives on mental health and well-being, so I look forward to letting you know how things go for them.

n Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@martinfurber.com