Seven ways you can support someone through the menopause transition
Do you know someone having a tough time with the menopause? Here are seven ways you can support them through this transition.
If you’re a woman, there are three certainties in life: death, taxes and the menopause! Going through the menopause transition can be a tough experience for many women. And the impact of the hormonal and physical changes can sometimes be felt by family, friends and colleagues.
If you are worried that someone you know might be struggling with the menopause, here are seven ways you can support them from Cheryl MacDonald, Founder of YogaBellies.com and YogaPause, a course for women over 35 who are moving towards the perimenopause or experiencing the menopause or post-menopause.
1) Listen without judgment
One of the most important things you can do to support someone going through menopause is to listen to them without judgment. Menopause can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience, and women may need a listening ear to help them process their feelings. Make sure that you are there for your loved ones when they need to talk, and try to be supportive and empathetic.
2) Educate yourself on the menopause transition
It’s important to educate yourself on the menopause transition so that you can better understand what your loved ones are going through.
Read books, watch videos, or attend workshops on menopause so that you can be better informed on the topic. Understanding the physical and emotional changes that happen during this time can help you be more supportive and empathetic towards your loved ones.
3) Be patient
Menopause is a natural process, but it can take time for women to adjust to the changes happening in their bodies. Be patient with your loved ones, and understand that they may need extra support during this time. Menopause can be a long and complicated process, so it’s important to be there for your loved ones for the long haul.
4) Offer practical help
There are a lot of practical things that you can do to help your loved ones through the menopause transition. For example, offer to help them with household tasks or chores, cook them a meal, or take them out for a relaxing activity like a yoga class or a spa day. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in helping your loved ones feel supported and cared for.
5) Encourage self-care practices
Encourage your loved ones to engage in self-care practices like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise. Physical activity can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Meditation and deep breathing can also be effective tools for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Encourage your loved ones to take care of themselves and prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.
6) Help them find professional support
Sometimes, your loved ones may need professional support to help them navigate the menopause transition. As a women’s counsellor, I have seen the incredible benefits of counselling for women going through menopause.
Professional support can provide women with the tools and resources they need to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. If you think your loved ones could benefit from professional support, encourage them to seek out a qualified therapist or counsellor.
7) Be a positive influence
Menopause can be a time of great change and uncertainty, and your loved ones may need a positive influence in their lives.
Be a source of positivity and support for your loved ones, and remind them of their strength and resilience. Offer words of encouragement and praise, and celebrate their successes and achievements. By being a positive influence in your loved one’s life, you can help them feel supported and confident as they navigate this transition.
There are many ways you can support someone through the menopause transition
In conclusion, there are many things that you can do to support your loved ones as they go through midlife and experience the menopause transition. By being patient, empathetic, and supportive, and by encouraging self-care practices and professional support, you can help your loved ones feel supported and cared for during this time of change.
Remember to listen without judgment, educate yourself on menopause, and be a positive influence in your loved one’s life. By following these tips, you can help your loved ones feel heard, understood, and supported as they go through this transition.
At the end of the day, menopause is a natural and inevitable process that many women go through, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult or isolating experience. By working together and supporting one another, we can help our loved ones transition through midlife with grace, ease, and confidence. Let’s break down the stigma surrounding menopause and create a more supportive and inclusive world for women of all ages.
YogaBellies have recently launched YogaPause – yoga that focuses on everything women need as they move through menopause, from the first signs to the end of their menstrual cycles.
The programme takes yoga off the mat and into life – looking at natural solutions to symptoms and promising strength, energy and vitality throughout life. To find your nearest class or join online visit YogaPause – YogaBellies®
