[56F] Experiencing mood disturbances and fatigue

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing:

• Depression: A mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, talk therapy (psychotherapy) and lifestyle changes.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A chronic disorder characterized by excessive, long-lasting anxiety and worry about nonspecific life events, objects, and situations. GAD sufferers often feel afraid and worry about health, money, family, work, or school, but they have trouble both identifying the specific fear and controlling the worries. Their fear is usually unrealistic or out of proportion with what may be expected in their situation.

  • Treatment often involves a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

• Menopause: This is a natural biological process marking the end of menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States. Mood changes, irritability, and fatigue are common symptoms.

  • Treatment often involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

Please remember, these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but they are not definitive. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Seek help from a healthcare professional: They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.

2. Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage your symptoms. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and large meals, especially before bedtime.

3. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These can help manage your symptoms and improve your mental health. Techniques include meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Severe depression or anxiety
• Symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or personal relationships
• Symptoms that are not improving or are getting worse over time.