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[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I wanted to send my sympathies to all ladies suffering the dreaded menopausal anxiety. In my experience these feelings are unique and nothing like the run of the mill anxiety that everyone has from time to time.
 
I am reminded of a comedy play I saw many years ago where a heavily pregnant mother of three goes into labour at a really inconvenient time. Everyone around her starts panicking and one man suggests she could just have indigestion. She tells him she knows the difference as indigestion doesn't make your eyes bug out! I was young and single when I saw the play but I got the joke then and I certainly get it now!

Wishing everyone well and take care.

K.
PS the play was written by Neil Simon so some men do understand!

[Dancinggirl]

Fab post Kathleen. It is truly baffling what hormones (or the lack of them) do to our brain function - we just know it's not the usual anxiety or depression - menopause anxiety is definitely unique and very distressing. 
DG x

[dazned]

I think that play might have been Same time next year ,but then again might not have been

Definitely meno anxiety is in a class of it's own,it is not like other anxiety you have about day to day things and its so hard to describe or convey to others ! If you haven't been there you just don't understand how it feels !

[GypsyRoseLee]

Yes it feel quite unique. Mine feels like a sort of bleak panic. Even something as simple as a TV program ending makes me anxious. Or someone walking out of the room. Or it getting dark outside. Totally irrational and embarrassing to try and explain to someone else.

I feel very restless and the thought of just sitting quietly with a cup of tea and a book fills me with dread and low level panic.

It's quite hideous and though similar doesn't feel the same as the anxiety I suffered with when I had PND.

[Tealady12]

Yes, this meno anxiety is hideous and very different from the regular worries and anxiety I've experienced before. Sometimes I feel I must be going mad - then I get even more anxious! - it is hard to believe how very powerful our hormones are.xx

[dahliagirl]

I can feel a rush of adrenaline at the drop of a hat - someone opening a door, waking up, the constant feeling that I have forgotten something important.  It makes my tummy sore 

[GypsyRoseLee]

I already knew that my hormones were quite powerful because I used to get so irritable and angry when I had PMS. Not pleasant at all, but it felt more 'positive and pro active' if that makes sense? Even when feeling PMS anger and irritation I never felt scared to leave the house or panicky at the thought of going to bed.

The current feelings of dread and anxiety are so much worse, and they completely frighten and debilitate me so much more.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies and thank you all for responding, I wish you didn't have to if you know what I mean lol!

I've woken up feeling normal so far but who knows what the day will bring. Last week a thought about hoovering the bedroom brought on a surge of panic so I went out for a walk instead. No wonder we all fear we are going mad.

Wishing everyone a calm day today. Take care.

K.
P.S Dazned. You are right, the play was Same Time Next Year. Most enjoyable. Well spotted! 

[dogdoc]

Yup. I've dealt with panic attacks since puberty. Very functional and very well controlled. I actually now wonder if my panic has ALWAYS been hormonally regulated ( puberty, post partum, birth control).
Peri is on a whole new level!!! The thought of making supper was causing attacks. Nutso!!

[CLKD]

I always feel better by evening.  That way I can't let anyone down if I've agreed to anything during the day. 

[SueRoe]

Me too CLKD. I love closing the curtains and tucking myself away with my book, my sewing, the TV, knowing that the "shoulds and ought-tos" of the day are done with (or successfully avoided!).

[jedigirl]

I feel frightened today, no other word for it. This feels like pure, take your breath away fear. I have no reason to be frightened. I'm on school holidays with my three gorgeous kids, its a beautiful day, I have nothing urgent to do except visit family at the weekend which involves a big trip, but looking forward to seeing them. I feel robbed of normal emotion and I'm sick of it. I'm just thankful that I am beginning to realise that tomorrow or even in an hour I will feel different again. I'm definitely coming back as man.

[dazned]

Dogdoc I can identify with that one! The thought of making dinner sometimes throws me into complete and utter terror! Now what's that all about ! 

[Galadriel]

jedigirl. You are right, it could all blow over at any moment. It's soooo annoying when it happens.

I've got the jitters and dread in the pit of my stomach this morning.... and what was I doing? Driving to work, like every other day...

...same route, not much traffic with schools on holiday, and the sun is shining. So why on earth am I jittery and close to tears this morning? Stupid hormones 

Galadriel x

[Claireylou]

I can relate to these posts too.  Anxiety has totally floored me today. At home alone, DH and son at work, my youngest staying at my mums for the night. No pressures but I can't move. Hands shaking, head pounding with what ifs and maybes. Terrified feeling in pit of stomach. I used to be the most level headed person but perimeno has reduced me to a recluse. I can't even take my lovely goldie out for a hike in the woods 

Hugs to everyone who is suffering xx