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This article is about what you can do when you\u2019re not feeling OK, including when having suicidal thoughts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing how you feel and paying attention to this is sometimes half the battle. Don\u2019t let low mood, stress and anxiety creep up on you until it shows itself in full on crisis mode. Have little moments of checking in with yourself every day and acknowledge what it is that you\u2019re feeling. It\u2019s not a great habit to regularly ignore, dismiss or deny how you\u2019re feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone reacts differently to feeling down, stressed or worried. Figure out what you<\/em> do in these situations and look out for those signs. It could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of these may be very familiar to you as they can also be symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause. It\u2019s normal for these feelings to come and go as your hormones fluctuate and it\u2019s entirely normal to experience any of these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suicidal thoughts can be another sign that things are not right, and they can be very frightening and confusing. You may not understand why you\u2019re getting them and feel completely powerless to stop it happening. They can range from fleeting thoughts to being persistent and you may even have a carefully thought-out plan to end your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve reached that moment and feel on the edge, but don\u2019t feel comfortable reaching out to a close friend or family member, call someone like the Samaritans (dial 116 123) and talk about it. They will help you get through that frightening moment and make more sense of your current situation and point you to other places to get help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it can be very scary and there seem like no other way out of your misery, remember this is a moment in time and the strength of those feelings will pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t focus too much on what\u2019s causing your bouts of low mood or anxiety \u2013 \u201cis it my hormones or just my life right now\u201d \u2013 there\u2019s usually not a single answer to that one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What matters is you, how you feel and what to do about it. Taking steps to care for your mind and body will help you feel better, no matter what the cause.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Firstly, give your body the best chance to feel better by boosting some key aspects of menopausal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you show signs and symptoms of being perimenopausal or menopausal (find out more here<\/a>), think about taking HRT.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re already taking HRT<\/a>, speak to your healthcare professional if you think you may need a higher dose or different type if you feel that it\u2019s not having the effect that it used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A steady supply of estrogen \u2013 and often testosterone too \u2013 into your bloodstream can help improve feelings of low mood, anxiety and many other symptoms (not to mention protect you against diseases in the future).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As tempting as it is to comfort eat while binging your favourite programmes during lockdown, you need to be kind to your body and remember you\u2019re feeding your brain too. There\u2019s a close relationship between what\u2019s happening in your gut and how your brain functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A diet with plenty of vegetables, that\u2019s low in sugar, salt and overly processed foods, but rich in calcium, vitamin D and pre- and probiotics will help not only your gut and general health, but your energy levels and mood too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best things you can do for your mind and body is sleep. Try and get 7-8 hours a night, with a consistent routine of when you go to bed and when you get up. Here\u2019s more information on why it\u2019s so important and our tips on sleeping better<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking after these aspects of your physical health is really important. Now, lets think more about your mental health.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You may feel like you\u2019re really struggling and not coping at the moment. You\u2019re certainly not alone in feeling this way. Many people have times where they find things overwhelming and emotions can seem extreme, especially negative emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having negative thoughts can make you feel like you\u2019re on your own and there\u2019s no one to turn to but remember, you are never alone. Even if you feel like you can\u2019t share some of your thoughts with anyone you know, there are volunteers and professionals that care about you and understand a bit about what you\u2019re going through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the UK, the Samaritans have a free, 24\/7 helpline with volunteers you can talk to at any time, about whatever is playing on your mind. Just dial 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org<\/a> there are more details at the end of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As awful as you may feel right now, feelings don\u2019t last forever. It can be difficult to see beyond your current situation but talking about things can often help you see a glimpse of something more hopeful in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connect with people\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 even if it\u2019s just over zoom, a chat with good friends or family can lift the spirits, make you laugh and help you feel a little less alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk about your feelings \u2013 <\/strong>open up with a trusted friend or family member and let the \u201cI\u2019m fine\u201d mask slip a little now and then. A conversation that digs a bit deeper can help you put things into perspective and feel brighter about the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep to a routine \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>planning your day can help you feel grounded when everything feels uncertain. Stick to set times to eat, sleep, and exercise and they can be like anchors you keep coming back to throughout your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make time for things you enjoy \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>while you may be restricted in doing some of your favourite activities, there are plenty of hobbies you can enjoy from home or forms of outdoor activity. Find time for 30 minutes a day if you can, for something creative, relaxing, or being outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breathing and relaxation exercises \u2013 <\/strong>exercises that focus on controlled breathing or relaxing your muscles can really help you feel calmer. There\u2019s a huge number of ways to do these such as apps, videos, podcasts or reading instructions on websites. Take a look at these ones from Mind as an example<\/a>. Find the one that is easiest for you to turn to in moments of overwhelm. It will quickly become memorised and be integrated into a daily routine as many times as you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be kind to yourself and think about some small things you can feel proud of while your body is going through a major shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be honest with yourself and talk to others about how you\u2019re feeling. You\u2019re not going through this alone and remember, help is available. Reach out for support and you will start to see your situation in a more positive light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here<\/a> for a list of charities and services that support people\u2019s mental health or visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk\/your-mental-health\/getting-help<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Samaritans <\/strong>website: www.samaritans.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Helpline: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org<\/a> App: www.selfhelp.samaritans.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n NHS<\/strong> in a crisis dial 999 for emergencies. Dial 111 for advice. Find urgent mental health help locally here<\/a>. For help with self-harm visit here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Headspace<\/strong>: www.headspace.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Calm<\/strong>: www.calm.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mind charity relaxation exercises<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do I feel?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Know your warning signs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Thoughts of suicide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ways to help<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Boost your body\u2019s:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hormones<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Nutrition<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Rest<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Things to remember if you\u2019re not OK<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How you\u2019re feeling is normal<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You are not alone<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Feelings pass<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ways to help yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
And finally\u2026<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resources<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
For breathing, relaxation and sleep:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n