Anxiety

Symptoms of Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can present themselves emotionally and or physically. Some of the feelings you may experience could be feelings of dread, irritability, fears, chest pains, racing heart or sweating.

What causes anxiety in menopause?

Although hormones may have a role to play in the anxiety experienced during peri-menopause, they are not always to blame. Other factors that may be increasing your anxiety levels could be, stress, low blood sugar, sleep deprivation, and dehydration.

Tips to help ease anxiety

Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing techniques are a great may of managing anxiety and to calm down.   There are a number of apps available that can guide you through the techniques. Alternatively the NHS explains a step by step process for deep breathing, which is available here.

Yoga and Pilates

Both types of exercise operate on breath awareness and provide a mind and body connection and can be extremely beneficial to anybody with anxiety or who has panic attacks.  The lateral breathing method used can be a great way to manage anxiety.

Try to get a good night’s sleep

Being sleep deprived can be one of the main contributory factors in morning anxiety.  If your sleep is being disturbed due to other menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats, there are products that can help keep you cool throughout the night which can be found here.

Lifestyle changes

If you are over-weight or smoke, look at changing your lifestyle to help yourself going forward. Small changes in your diet can make a huge difference. If you do smoke but find giving up impossible, start by trying to reduce cut back gradually.

Further Information

There are various guides written on anxiety experienced during the menopause that provide further in-depth information and advice.