- National mental health charity offers confidential online space for women navigating menopause
Turn2Me, the national mental health charity, has announced a free online menopause support group starting this Wednesday, 16 July, with a follow-up session on 23 July at 6pm. The initiative comes as research reveals the significant mental health impact of menopause on women across Ireland.
The support group arrives at a crucial time, with 2019 research from Health and Her showing that nine in ten women going through menopause experience mental health problems. More alarmingly, one in ten women reported experiencing suicidal thoughts due to perimenopause.
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me:
“The menopause can bring significant physical and psychological changes. Hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, high libido, night sweats, itchy skin, brain fog, memory issues, exhaustion, anxiety, low mood and unusual periods or no periods can all be experiences of women going through the menopause. This free online support group will be an opportunity for women to talk about their experiences, whether they’re peri-menopausal, menopausal or aren’t quite sure, it will be a good platform for women to talk about the difficulties they’re facing in a confidential safe space.”
The charity emphasises that menopausal symptoms vary significantly from person to person, and not all women experience mental health challenges during this transition. The support group welcomes all women, regardless of where they are in their menopause journey, with no referral required to attend.
Suzanne Ennis, Clinical Manager at Turn2Me:
“If you have any symptoms of the menopause and are wondering what’s happening to your body, you’re in the right place if you sign up to this free support group. Whether it’s brain fog, low mood or you’re just starting to wonder if something hormonal might be going on, come join the conversation. You’ll meet other women going through it too, and our experienced facilitator will help guide the chat with practical information, emotional support, and, importantly, a sense of humour.”
Ennis encourages women to attend regardless of their certainty about their symptoms:
“You don’t need a diagnosis or a definite answer to show up, just curiosity, a need to vent, or the desire to feel less alone. Come as you are: confused, curious, cranky or calm. Let’s talk about it all. You’re not alone, and you will feel better with support.”
Turn2Me was founded in 2009 by brothers Oisín and Diarmuid Scollard following the tragic loss of their brother Cormac to suicide. The charity now helps around 10,000 people annually, offering free counselling sessions with a 3 to 5 day turnaround time, one of the quickest for free professional mental health services in the country.
Women interested in joining the support group can sign up at Turn2Me.ie.