Navigating family life during menopause
How to speak to your family about menopause and make self-care a priority
3-minute-read
You may find going through menopause challenging as you navigate different changes to your body and mind. You might be feeling unusually anxious or suddenly struggling to sleep at night. This uncertainty can add an extra layer of stress to your home and family life.
Explore these tips, designed to help you navigate menopause with the support of your family.
Be open and honest about how your family can support you
Telling someone you feel close to, such as a sibling, about how you’re feeling or explaining the reasons behind some shifts in your behaviour, such as being more irritable, can also help them to better understand you and the challenges you’re facing. Together, you can work out small changes you can make at home that may make a big difference, such as
- Getting a fan for the bedroom to help your night sweats
- Cooking a healthy meal together in the evening
- Going on a peaceful walk in the evenings to clear your head
Have a conversation with your partner
Menopause can have an impact on your relationship, from impacting your mood through to reducing your interest in sex.1,2 If you have a partner, you may find it helpful to have a discussion about the changes you’re experiencing. Being open with your partner about your challenges and finding ways to overcome these together could bring you even closer. It can also give you a chance to learn about any changes they’re experiencing as they get older too.
Make dedicated time for yourself
When you’re managing different priorities and schedules in a busy family life, it can feel hard to make time for yourself. But even having 10 minutes in the morning to set yourself up for the day could help you feel in control. This could be as simple as writing down what you want to achieve that day so you feel more in control, or taking a few minutes to practice mindfulness or meditation. Why not try building short bursts of self-care into your daily routine? It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t selfish.
Talk to your children about menopause
If you have children, you may want to tell them about some of the changes you’re experiencing so they can start to understand why you might be acting or feeling different. More than 9 out of 10 postmenopausal women say they were never taught about menopause at school,3 so speaking to your children about this transition could help them better understand you and prepare them for the future.