Position statement: Menopause and mental health, Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
- The first RCPsych position statement on menopause and mental health reveals that many women are not aware of the link (just
- 21% of UK adults think a new mental illness can be associated with menopause), so are neither seeking, nor receiving, vital help.
- Working women going through menopause report stigma, a lack of workplace support, reduced hours and no career progression.
- Lack of knowledge about menopause among healthcare professionals means many women aren’t getting the right medical support.
- The statement highlights that ‘menopause can significantly impact mental health and wellbeing, and is associated with anxiety, depression, cognitive changes and, sometimes, triggering or worseningserious mental illness’.
- Society needs greater awareness of these links, better training for psychiatrists, ‘fair access to diagnosis,treatment and support’, and ‘stronger, more supportive workplace policies’.
EXPERT THOUGHT
Davina McCall, RCPsych honorary fellow wrote, ‘Lack of knowledge and ingrained stigma still prevent open conversations between doctors and patients, in the workplace and among friends and family, leaving women without the crucial support they need… Together, we must make the link between mental health and menopause known across society to improve policies, care and support.’
Image | ISTOCK
