Is it menopause or depression?

[menopausal]

Hi, i have only just joined up on this forum, just wondering if i am alone, I am 52 so i think i am menopausal but i have just started a new job and moved to a new town a long way from my grown up children, i am feeling very lonely and depressed, I'm not sure that i am coping very well at work, i am missing my kids very much and every time i am alone all i want to do is cry or sleep, i hide this from everyone around me so no one really knows what i am feeling.

I feel like i am empty on the inside, I am tired all the time, some nights i am awake half the night, i feel stupid at work and i feel that i am burdening my workmates because i can't do my job well. I have this voice in my head, that really hates me and at times just tells me that its probably not worth the trouble (I'm not suicidal, but sometimes it does seem and easy way out). I know that none of this makes sense but is there anyone out there that has these feelings too, is it menopause or depression?

[Zeal]

Hello, welcome to the forum!

It sounds as though you could have depression. The symptoms you have described resemble those of depression, but menopause could be contributing. These changes in your life must have been a lot to adjust to as well: the moving to a new town away from your children, and the new job. Do you live alone? Having social and emotional support is crucial. If you have neighbours, perhaps you could try to slowly get to know them more.

Please make an appointment with a local doctor (GP). You can describe your symptoms and how you've been feeling. If you ever want or need to talk to someone, you can also call the beyondblue helpline on 1300 22 4636.

I hope you can see a doctor soon.

Best wishes,

SM

[CMF]

Hi,

Yes, I understand how you feel. I am going through perimenopause and I feel just like you. I'm tired depressed/anxious, feel useless and worthless, lonely etc.

My GP tells me these feelings are common during this stage of life. I also have pmt symptoms but my periods are all over the place and I am now taking something to try and balance out my hormones.

My GP stressed the importance of exercise several times a week and something like yoga for core strength.

May I ask why you've had to move so far from your children? Its understandable that you would miss them. Are they married/single etc?

I do hope you feel better soon.

cmf

[JAYNE1966]

I know how you feel I also am feeling like I'm so unwell and I have been put on anti depressants changed the meds 3 times so far as they didn't agree with me, had the blood tests for Perimenopause but its didn't really say too much, I feel like I'm sinking and that the GP doesn't really know what's wrong with me I now have ringing in the ears a white coated tongue hot and cold flushes and feel like crap not sleeping more than 4 hours a night, so I feel so flat cant remember the last time I smiled and meant it. I feel everything you feel and more its hard to decide what you think it is I think mine is an untreated illness of some kind and the Doctors said its anxiety so I guess you should seek medical advice or a support worker maybe moving away from the kids has upset you.