Understanding Suicide Risk in Perimenopause & Menopause

The Hidden Pain of Menopause

Menopause is often discussed in terms of physical symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, but what about the emotional toll it can take? For many women, this phase can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. A recent report from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) warned that numerous individuals, particularly women undergoing perimenopause and menopause, are taking their own lives, even while being assessed as low or moderate risk for suicide. This discrepancy raises an important question: how can someone appear to be okay on the surface yet feel so profoundly lost inside?

The Reality of Mental Health During Menopause

Recent studies in 2024 and 2025 from various mental health journals across the UK and Europe have started shedding light on the connection between menopause and mental health. Many experts are now recognising that hormonal changes during this time significantly influence a woman's mental state, leading to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. In fact, the symptoms can be so overwhelming that women may find themselves struggling with persistent suicidal thoughts. It's crucial to spread awareness that these feelings are not just 'normal' side effects but significant emotional challenges that deserve immediate attention.

What Support is Available?

So, what’s being done under the Mental Health Act to support these women? While there are provisions in place for mental health support, the reality is that access can often feel limited and the resources are stretched thin. It becomes imperative for the NHS and other health care providers to recognise the unique struggles that women face during menopause and to build more tailored support systems.

Women experiencing these feelings of despair should know they are not alone and should seek out support from their GP in the first instance. Therapists, counsellors, and support groups can serve as crucial lifelines. But in order to foster a more supportive environment, mental health education focusing on female-centric issues like menopause must be prioritised. This could involve training for healthcare providers to spot the signs of mental health distress in women going through this life stage.

Ultimately, it seems there’s much more that can be done to address these vital issues. Whether it is more research, improved screening processes, or simply better conversations about mental health during menopause, raising awareness is critical. For the women out there feeling lost, it’s essential to reach out and talk about what you are going through; help can manifest in various forms, and it starts with opening up those lines of communication. Please sign up to our Flourish newsletter below, the more subscribers, the louder our voice to get things changed for ourselves and future generations.