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Dealing with the Blues: Your Mental State and Menopause
By Dawn Olsen
Going through menopause and suddenly feel like life's stresses have just
become a thousand times more difficult to deal with? Find yourself crying
at Oprah more than you used to, or worse, crying at reruns of the
Flintstones? Finding that your cute 3-year-old nephew or granddaughter is
suddenly¡ well¡ a little childish, making you irritable? Finding yourself
depressed?
You're not alone, and it's not just a case of the blues. Menopause alters
your core body chemistry, after all - and with that, the physiological ways in
which you manage your emotions are also changed. However, there are a
few simple ways in which you can stabilize what's going on in your head:
Get some sleep! Unfortunately, a common side effect of menopause is the
inability to sleep, either due to night sweats or other aches and pains. For
night sweats, lower your room temperature (even use the air conditioner
year-round, if you must!), reduce your caffeine intake, and get some
exercise. All of these things, of course, contribute to sleeping well
throughout your life, but those who sleep soundly and deeply when
approaching menopause are mentally better equipped to deal with
stresses.
Watch what you eat! Let's face it - we all get a little down if we find
ourselves sagging or having gained a few pounds, and in menopause, we
don't metabolize calories as quickly as we did when we were younger. In
general, eating more healthily, as well as reducing your daily calorie intake
by 200 calories (about 1 candy bar) will not only keep you fit, but keep you
from grabbing the Ben & Jerry's out of late-night-depression.
Talk to someone! Of course, if what you're feeling is beyond melancholia or
"the blues," please speak to your doctor openly and honestly about what
you're feeling. He or she may recommend a number of treatments,
therapies, or even medications to get you through this difficult time.
About the Author
Dawn M. Olsen is an Advocate for Better Women’s Health through Education, Recipe Developer, Soy Food Enthusiast and the Author of "Menopause A to Z - A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause” available online now at http://www.MenopauseAtoZ.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/5680.html
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