To mark World Menopause Day (today, October 18), Suffolk Mind is highlighting the effects perimenopause and menopause can have on mental health, as well as the support available.  

The changes in hormones can cause people to experience feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. 

Penny Tyndale-Hardy, Senior Trainer of The Mental Health Toolkit by Suffolk Mind, said: "The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can hugely affect people's physical and mental health.  

"Changes in hormones and – for those who experience them, hot flushes – can cause significant disruption to sleep, which is an important need to support our wellbeing. The menopause can also affect the way we feel about ourselves, sometimes causing low self-esteem and confidence. 

"Not only that, but it can lead to poor concentration, which in turn can affect our need for achievement." 

Training team (Suffolk Mind)

Suffolk Mind works with Suffolk Libraries to provide support and guidance for people experiencing (peri)menopause through the Menopause & Me project. 

Menopause & Me includes a free six-week course for individuals with lived experience, and a free one-day course for businesses with less than 250 employees to nominate one staff member to attend.  

Jane Cox, Suffolk Libraries' Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, said: "World Menopause Day is a great opportunity for everyone to talk about the menopause and perimenopause – as not enough people do!  

"We're really pleased with how our Menopause & Me project has developed so far and I'm sure that together with Suffolk Mind we've already made a positive difference to the lives of many people in Suffolk." 

Organisations with more than 250 employees, or that would like multiple team members to attend, can take part in a new course as part of The Mental Health Toolkit by Suffolk Mind. 

The course, Menopause in the Workplace, provides attendees with awareness and practical tools to support themselves and their colleagues. The course also includes The Essentials, a half-day session which covers the foundation of mental wellbeing.  

Penny added: "It's incredibly important we do not ignore the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, and the effects they can have on ourselves and our loved ones.  

"If you are experiencing any challenges or would like to improve awareness and support within your organisation, please do get involved with the support available." 

To find out more about the Menopause in the Workplace course, please visit www.thementalhealthtoolkit.co.uk/menopause, or to access Menopause & Me, visit www.suffolkmind.org.uk/menopause