Taking Back Control

 

The last few years have been really hard on my physically and mentally. Menopause has hit me like a ton of bricks. Palpitations/increased heart rate landed me in hospital convinced I was having a heart attack but all tests were normal. Hot flushes, joint and muscle pains and a list of symptoms as long as my arm started to emerge at a frightening rate. The doctors haven't listened and said I was too young. So with all those symptoms and being dismissed it has had a massive impact on my mood. Anxiety is the worst psychological symptom. It is off the scale. Sadly, this is the norm for many women going through menopause. After almost 3 years of symptoms, its time to take back control.

Counselling

On Friday I am starting CBT. Getting older and menopause has really affected my life and I was struggling to cope that at the age of 42, I had aged overnight. The person I once was is gone and I didn't recognise who I had become. I am looking forward to starting counselling and I am hopeful it will help me in every aspect of my life.

Diet

Now, I am not one for fad diets, I believe everything in moderation. So I have made a few changes. I drink water (1.5l a day), cut out caffeine, swapped unhealthy snacks for more fruits. Simple changes that make a big difference. In the last two weeks I have lost 5 pounds which is a fantastic start. Slow and steady is the best approach.

Studying

After a break from university, I am back studying my health and social care degree. Not only does this give me many options career wise, learning is something I have always loved and it gives me something to focus on and work towards.

Exercise

Once I lose some more weight through diet, I will be adding exercise into health journey. Yoga, walking and dancing will be the way to go for me. Who doesn't love to dance?!

The main reason I am doing all of this is to make me a better version of who I am. The other reason for focusing on the above is so my GP will finally listen. If I lose the weight, fight back against the anxiety and prove what I am experiencing is menopause, they will actually take me seriously and give me the help and support needed.