12–18 May is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Community’, a word that holds so much power, especially when we think about menopause.

The power of community during Menopause

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. As humans, we’re wired for connection. We thrive when we’re surrounded by people who understand us, offer encouragement, and remind us we’re not alone. Community gives us a place to belong, support through tough times, and a renewed sense of purpose when things feel uncertain.

But for many going through menopause, whether they’re in the early stages of perimenopause or navigating post-menopause, that sense of community can be missing. And when it is, it can have a profound effect on mental health.

Why the emotional impact of Menopause is still overlooked

We often talk about menopause in terms of physical symptoms; hot flushes, joint pain, sleep disruption, fatigue. But what’s far less spoken about are the emotional and psychological effects.

Some common emotional and cognitive symptoms include:

• Loss of confidence
• Brain fog
• Lack of clarity or feeling mentally “slower”
• Word loss mid-sentence or losing train of thought
• Heightened emotions or increased irritability
• Anxiety, panic attacks or heart palpitations
• Low mood or depression
• Poor concentration, memory lapses
• Feeling overwhelmed or disconnected
• Low energy, loss of motivation
• A deep sense of not feeling like yourself anymore

Real stories, real struggles

In my work, I regularly hear stories of:

• Sudden, unexplained anxiety
• Emotional overwhelm in the workplace
• People retreating from their roles, relationships or routines
• A fear of not being able to cope — but keeping silent
• A sense of shame, or a loss of identity and self-worth

For some, these symptoms are so severe that they are misdiagnosed and prescribed antidepressants, sometimes without exploring the possibility that this is hormonally driven. That misdiagnosis can mean missing the right support at the right time.

The statistics speak volumes:

Research shows that 9 in 10 women going through perimenopause experience some form of mental health difficulty. And heartbreakingly, 1 in 10 report experiencing suicidal thoughts.

And yet, most don’t speak up; not at home, not at work, not even to their closest friends. Many feel they should be coping. Others fear judgement. Some don’t even realise their experiences are connected to menopause at all.

The impact of unrecognised and unsupported symptoms can ripple through every part of life from physical and mental health to relationships, confidence, careers and overall quality of life.

Why community matters more than ever

This is why community matters so much.

When we talk about menopause openly, when we create space to share experiences and support one another, we remove shame and invite understanding. We show people they are not alone, that what they’re going through is valid and real and that help is available.

Community doesn’t have to mean large-scale programmes

It can start with small, meaningful actions:

• Regular, open conversations about menopause — not just during awareness weeks
• Creating safe, supportive spaces at work to share experiences
• Organising Menopause Support groups
• Training Menopause Champions to provide peer support
• Offering coaching to help individuals rebuild confidence and feel like themselves again
• Embedding menopause support into your overall wellbeing and inclusion strategies

These are the building blocks of a menopause-inclusive culture. They reduce stigma. They encourage earlier conversations. They help people feel seen and supported and they change lives.

Key questions for employers:

This Mental Health Awareness Week, consider:

• Are your policies menopause-aware and genuinely supportive?
• Do they help create psychological safety, or do people still fear speaking up?
• Are managers confident in having compassionate conversations?
• Are you creating opportunities for peer connection and shared experiences?
• Are you recognising the emotional and mental effects of menopause, not just the physical?

You’re not alone

If you’re going through menopause and struggling emotionally, please know this: you are not alone.

If you’re an employer, HR professional, or someone who wants to make a difference, now is the time. Not just to tick a box for an awareness week, but to embed lasting, meaningful change that supports people every day of the year.

If you’re already helping create these safe, supportive spaces, thank you. You’re making a difference. Let’s keep going.

How I can help

Supporting people through menopause and helping organisations become truly inclusive is at the heart of what I do. Whether you’re just starting the conversation or ready to take the next step, I can support you to create lasting, meaningful change.

With the upcoming Employment Rights Bill planning to introduce greater legal protections around menopause in the workplace, now is the perfect time to get ready; not just for compliance, but to be a leader in people-centred, inclusive practice.

Here are just some of the ways I can help:

Menopause Awareness Sessions

Engaging, relatable workshops that help normalise menopause conversations, increase understanding, and reduce stigma. Delivered in-person or virtually, tailored to your team.

Menopause Education for Managers and Leaders

Creating a menopause-inclusive culture starts at the top. Managers and leaders play a pivotal role in supporting employees through menopause, but they often lack the confidence or the tools to do so effectively.

I can provide bespoke training sessions for managers and leaders, helping them:

• Understand the impact of menopause on mental health and wellbeing
• Have compassionate, confident conversations about menopause and mental health
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of menopause, particularly the emotional and psychological effects
• Support employees in a way that is respectful, empathetic and empowering
• Embed menopause awareness into team culture and overall leadership strategy
• Identify when to refer individuals to appropriate resources and support, ensuring they are fully supported throughout their menopause journey.

This training ensures that managers don’t just “know” about menopause, they have the skills to lead with understanding, provide appropriate support, and take proactive action to create a more inclusive workplace.

Coaching Support

Confidential one-to-one or group coaching for individuals navigating menopause. Rebuild confidence, manage change, and feel more like yourself again.

Menopause Champion Training

Train key people in your organisation to provide safe, informed peer support. It’s not about being an expert it’s about knowing how to listen, respond and signpost.

Policy Reviews and Practical Guidance

Let’s make sure your menopause policy isn’t just a document, but something that truly supports your people. I can help you review, refresh or co-create policies that are clear, practical, and aligned with your culture … and the Employment Rights Bill.

Culture Audits and Independent Support

Not sure how menopause is viewed in your organisation? I can provide independent insight into what’s working, what’s not, and how to move forward with practical, real-world recommendations.

Suicide First Aid Training

As a certified and qualified Suicide First Aid Tutor, I can train individuals in your organisation to become Suicide First Aiders; giving them the skills, confidence and knowledge to spot the signs of suicidal thoughts and to have a potentially life-saving conversation that can guide someone to a place of safety and support. This is essential training for any organisation serious about mental health and wellbeing — especially in communities where people may be silently struggling.

Let’s create communities where every voice is heard, and no one has to face menopause, or mental health struggles, alone.

Get in touch today to chat about how we can help transform your workplace!

Alison x