DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AT PERIMENOPAUSE

The article describes psychological issues that women undergo as they approach menopause. The research is based on the life of Teri Hines, who experienced irregular periods and ended up developing mood swings. Perimenopause is characterized by mood swings, and it increases the chances of anxiety and depression. According to Jennifer Payne from John Hopkins Hospital, women with a history of depression and anxiety are at greater risk of negative impacts of perimenopausal time. 18% and 38% of women in early per menopause late perimenopause respectively are affected by depression though it does not lead to mental illness. Hine established the triggers of perimenopause problems and sought for medical treatment. Amazingly, more than 1000 women reported that they could get medical help with their mental health symptoms. Antidepressants can help to ease hot flashes and insomnia during perimenopause. Women should access websites such as the North American Menopause Society to gain information on how to deal with depression and anxiety at perimenopause (Chatterjee, 2020)..

The article is resourceful for women at perimenopause because it describes the steps to take to avoid anxiety and depression. It also helps women to recognize the triggers and the effects of mood swings as they approach menopause. The article encourages the women at perimenopause to recognize the conditions that are affecting them and respond to them positively to avoid depressive moments. Women who go through this article will understand when to seek medical attention and counseling from the doctor. The article enlightens women with previous records of depression to be alert because they can be intensely affected by depression at the perimenopausal time. The women get to know where to obtain knowledge online pertaining to perimenopause. However, the article fails to provide a detailed statistical analysis of psychological problems at perimenopause. The data could have enhanced the knowledge and understanding of the perimenopausal problems. I would like to know, for example, the percentage of women who are affected by depression in America (Chatterjee, 2020).

The article is related to psychology because it describes the social behavior of women at perimenopause.Their minds and social behaviors are described in the article. The article notes that women are affected by anxiety and depression. They also experience mood swings.Some of the symptoms resemble that of premenstrual syndrome, where most of the women are sad, sluggish, and irritable. Life changes such as divorce, old age, and children’s education can influence the level of depression for women who are at perimenopause. It is also related to psychology because it describes the social problems that women encounter as they strive to seek for medical help. They have to take the lead in finding solutions to their psychological problems, which most of the doctors do not provide. Antidepressants help women to overcome major depressive episodes (Chatterjee, 2020).

Reference

Chatterjee, R. (2020). NPR Choice page. [Online] Npr.org. Available at: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/16/796682276/for-some-women-nearing-menopause-depression-and-anxiety-can-spike [Accessed 24 Feb. 2020].