Psychological Symptoms Seem to Be Slowly Improving

Posted , 12 users are following.

After close to a year of dealing with depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of terror, things seem to be moving in a more positive direction. I am noticing that most days, I am getting periods (sometimes a good chunk of the day) where I am my old self (laughing, animated, happy). I have had a number of close friends comment that they are seeing more of the real me.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but it is still difficult dealing with the times when I don't feel well because the symptoms can be pretty intense.

I also have lots of cramping and bloating (sometimes for days on end), which are physical manifestations of the dramatic changes happening in my body.

I do my best, during these times, to stay productive and make choices from a place of wellness.

What I want to know is this...Does my experience follow a similar trajectory to other women going through the latter stages of perimenopause?

I would love to hear some stories (especially positive ones of recovery and renewal).

Many thankssmile

5 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Well, there is light at the other end of the tunnel. It just takes a while to get there and it seems to never really be over. I started at 54 with the worse at 56, calm at 57, started again at 60 with horrible hot flashes & night sweats & even a period almost every month now. But I'm not on any medication just an otc women's herbal remedy that seems to be helping calm my over active hot flashes. I tried maca again which is truly a wonder herb but I ran out so will need to get some again.

  • Posted

    Hi Bev

    So glad to hear that you are improving !!! 

    I crashed at 41 I thought it was PTSD due to a bad accident but now I’m seeing it was all hormones . I spent days at  home doing jigsaw puzzles and yes it took months to feel normal . I always said if somebody offered me a private plane and shopping money to Paris ..... I couldn’t have gone . It was the DARKEST time of my life .... I literally lost my mind ! Could not drive or go out it was horrible .i did get through it but the panic anxiety never went away but I did feel normal apart from that . I learned to live with it . 

    Now at 52 I’m going through the same thing but this time completely alone without my husband for support. I’m handling it better this time around as I know what it is but it’s still so so tough .

    The darkest and weirdest you feel cannot  be explained .... it’s an awful time . 

  • Posted

    Your experience sounds similar to mine.  I am 51..... and for the past 2 years, I have had the same psychological issues.  After a year of therapy and active involvement in my own recovery (via meditation, mindfulness, and reading helpful materials), I can say that I feel more “myself”.  I can, however,  backpedal after months of relative success.  But I am able to find my way “back” through self care and reflection.  Still a struggle, but much better.  Thank god for this site.
  • Posted

    Knowing that you are not alone is half of the battle ❤️
  • Posted

    I am still getting periods...and still regular to my surprise! But the psychological symptoms were the worst. Anxiety and depression started for me in aboutb2011 and lasted many years. It was horrible...and I was pretty much home bound for aboutb5bof those years. About 16 months ago it lifted as suddenly as it came on...and mentally I am pretty much back to my old self except that I still cannot seem to focus like I used to. But I'll take it! I cannot physically do what I used to but I can now function at about 3/4 and I will take that too! It will come back. Roght now I am extremely happy that I can shop alone and drive again. I can even go out of town myself. So yes...it does lift! You will be ok in time.

    • Posted

      So great to hear you are doing well ! I went through the EXACT same thing as you  at 41 then again at 51 . At 41 could not leave the house and lost my mind ... got through it but was never quite the same . Could manage though .... now I’m going through it again ! 10 years later. Once my periods stopped in January everything changed .... so be prepared hopefully you don’t crash again like I have . Get your hormones checked . 
    • Posted

      I am dreading it because I know so well it can flip again and it was horrible and way too long the first time. I sure hope you are back to yourself soon. Hang tight dear lady.
    • Posted

      I’m not anywhere near back to normal yet and I’d be happy with half normal 🤣 . It’s just a waiting game ... days weeks and now months have gone by for me . It’s been absolute HELL I hope the rainbow is coming soon ... 

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