Embrace the change

Credits: The Sacred Pause | Kit by Studio Kaleidoscope

Menopause hit me full force this year, and I’ve honestly lost myself. I’ve always been cheerful and optimistic about most things in life, but all of a sudden I’ve lost almost all joy and can barely motivate myself to do anything other than sit on the couch or lie in bed. I could describe it as being depressed, but with a level of awareness that makes the whole situation a bit tragicomic.

I don’t want to be irritable or grumpy, but I truly can’t control my emotions anymore. I don’t struggle much with hot flashes—just a bit warmer at night and very rarely during the day—but I’ve gotten many of the other common menopause symptoms, like dryness, joint pain, and overwhelming fatigue.

I’ve been hoping it would all pass soon, but I’m starting to realize I might need help to get over the hurdle and actually make an appointment with the doctor for a conversation. It’s honestly not easy being a middle-aged woman, but if others have made it through, I’m sure I will too. Hopefully it’s something that strengthens more than it drags you down.