Have you noticed that you feel more anxious, overwhelmed or emotionally unsettled than you used to?
Perhaps you find yourself worrying about things that wouldn’t normally bother you, like driving somewhere unfamiliar, or travelling, being in busy places, or speaking up in situations where you previously felt confident.
Perhaps your mind seems to be constantly “switched on”, or you feel more easily overwhelmed by everyday pressures and constantly replaying the “what if”.
If this sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone. Anxiety can be a common experience during perimenopause and menopause, and it can sometimes feel as though you’ve suddenly become a different person.
The good news is that understanding what is happening can be the first step towards feeling more in control.
Why can anxiety increase during perimenopause?
Perimenopause brings changes in hormone levels, particularly fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can influence sleep, mood and the way your brain responds to stress.
At the same time, you may be dealing with other changes such as night sweats, poor sleep, brain fog, changes in energy levels or simply feeling that your usual coping strategies aren’t working quite as well as they used to.
And there can be a lot going on in midlife too.
Work, relationships, family responsibilities and the demands of everyday life don’t necessarily slow down just because your hormones are changing.
So, it isn’t surprising that your stress bucket can start to feel rather full.
The connection between stress and anxiety
Our brains are constantly scanning for potential problems. When we’re under prolonged stress, the brain’s threat system can become more alert, making it easier to notice things that could go wrong.
This can create a cycle:
Stress → increased alertness → anxious thoughts → more stress → feeling even more overwhelmed.
And if you’re not sleeping well, that can add another layer.
A few restless nights can leave you feeling more emotional and less able to cope, which can then increase anxiety and make it harder to switch off at night.
The important thing to remember is that your brain is doing what it is designed to do and that’s trying to keep you safe.
The trouble is that It may simply have become a little too good at looking for problems.
Why does anxiety sometimes seem to come from nowhere?
One of the things women often tell me is:
“I’ve never been an anxious person. Why am I suddenly feeling like this?”
You may notice physical sensations such as a racing heart, butterflies in your stomach or feeling tense. Your mind might start looking for an explanation, which can then make you more aware of those sensations.
The more attention we give something, the more noticeable it can become.
This doesn’t mean your anxiety is “all in your head”. The experience is very real. It means that there are things you can learn to do to change the way your brain responds.
What can hep with perimenopause anxiety?
There isn’t one solution that works for everyone, but small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Supporting your sleep, taking regular movement, making time for yourself and finding ways to manage everyday stress can all help.
It can also be useful to notice where your attention is going.
Are you spending a lot of time thinking about what might go wrong?
Or could you begin to give your brain more opportunities to notice what is going well, what you can influence and what you would like to be different?
This is one of the principles behind Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.
Rather than spending lots of time analysing everything that has gone wrong, we look at where you want to be and what small changes could help you move towards it.
How can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines elements of solution-focused therapy, neuroscience and hypnosis to help you understand how your brain responds to stress and begin developing more helpful patterns.
For women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, this may include working on things such as:
- Reducing feelings of overwhelm
- Managing anxious thoughts
- Improving sleep and relaxation
- Building confidence and emotional resilience
- Breaking unhelpful patterns of thinking
- Feeling more in control when life feels unpredictable
You don’t need to wait until anxiety becomes overwhelming before seeking support.
Sometimes, having the space to understand what is happening and learn some practical tools can be enough to start moving things in a different more positive direction.
You don’t have to feel like this forever
Perimenopause can bring changes that you weren’t expecting, and anxiety can be one of the most unsettling.
But feeling more anxious doesn’t mean that this is simply “the new you”.
Your brain remains capable of learning, adapting and creating new patterns throughout life. With the right support and some positive changes, you can begin to feel more like yourself again.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, overwhelm or other changes during perimenopause or menopause, there are different ways I can support you.
Through Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, we can explore how you’re responding to stress, develop more helpful patterns and build confidence in your ability to manage life’s challenges.
Reflexology can also provide valuable time to pause, relax and focus on your own wellbeing, particularly when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
I offer a range of programmes and individual sessions to support women through perimenopause and menopause and I’m always happy to have a relaxed chat about which approach might be right for you.
Find out more about my programmes and how I can support you, or get in touch to arrange a free 15-minute discovery call.
Book your free no-obligation Discovery Call today
Please note: Hypnotherapy and reflexology are complementary therapies and are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you’re experiencing new, severe or concerning symptoms, speak with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
