Every woman will experience menopause, and each journey will be unique. Many women experience quite a range of symptoms, making it a difficult time to varying degrees. Contrary to common belief, you rarely have ‘a few hot flushes, then your periods just stop!’ It can wreak havoc on your body, your mind and life in general, and last for years. Many women are not informed about what to expect or even aware of when they are already in perimenopause, often feeling confused and worried about what is going on. There is still little public education about symptoms and how to manage them. Psychological symptoms in particular are often over-looked, as are the differences in how menopause is experienced across different racial and ethnic groups.
This self-help book is the first of its kind: written by a highly experienced clinical psychologist, who describes her own menopausal journey and presents it in a biopsychosocial- spiritual model. This book explores how our attitude can make a difference to our experience of menopause, shifting the stigma and cutting through the gendered ageism that has impacted on research in this area. Drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), it provides evidence- based coping tools and strategies, including a toolbox for maintaining your general wellbeing. You will learn about yourself, and how to manage your symptoms, take back control of your life and restore balance.
By:
Momotaj Gafur Islam
Imprint: Sequoia Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781914110429
ISBN 10: 1914110420
Series: ACP-UK Book Series
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 10 December 2024
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Part I: UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: My Perimenopausal Journey…So Far Chapter 3 An Overview of Treatment Approaches Chapter 4 Taking A Holistic Approach Part II: SYMPTOMS and COPING STRATEGIES Chapter 5 Menopause and Mental Health Chapter 6 Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Worry Chapter 7 Mood Management Chapter 8 Maintaining General Wellbeing Chapter 9 Problem-Solving Strategies Chapter 10 Vasomotor Symptoms – Hot Flushes and Night Sweats Chapter 11 Cognitive Difficulties – Brain Fog Chapter 12 Weight Gain and Joint Pain Chapter 13 Poor Sleep and Insomnia Part III: IMPACTS and WIDER PERSPECTIVES Chapter 14 Impacts on Self-Identity and Relationships Chapter 15 Menopause at Work: Impacts and Adjustments Chapter 16 Cultural Differences in Experience, Attitude and Coping Part IV: CONCLUSIONS Chapter 17 The Onward Journey Further Support and Resources Appendix: The TOOLBOX – A Summary of Key Concepts, Strategies and Tools References
Dr Momotaj Gafur Islam is a clinical psychologist with 24 years’ experience working in the NHS, private practice and academic institutions. She is trained in a number of therapeutic approaches including CBT and ACT, and has expertise in working with adults with a range of difficulties. She is bilingual and provides therapy in English and Bengali. She provides supervision to other therapists and consultancy services to charities and other organisations involved with mental health.
