BOOK REVIEW: WHY HAS NOBODY TOLD ME THIS BEFORE? - Elaine

At all stages of Menopause, women report stress, anxiety and a change in how they can cope mentally and emotionally with every day life. Elaine, a Pause and Unite Member shares her thoughts and feelings on how this book continues to support her and her mental health through her perimenopause journey.

A brief overview of the books perspective on peri/menopause:

I started by listening to the Audible version of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before as I wanted to improve my mental health. I decided to buy the book so I could read it whilst looking at the references and diagrams within the book. The book shares tools on understanding how mind and body work together and influence one another. The section that really helped was on understanding low mood, low mood has been more of a problem for me since becoming perimenopausal. Although the book is not aimed at those going through menopause, it's very interesting and helpful to understand mental health and wellbeing in general.

Where were you on your Pausal Journey when you started reading it? 

I am perimenopausal and it has really affected me mentally. The brain fog, lack of concentration, not being able to focus and anxiety; all of which aggrevated my Psychosis; another reason why I bought the book.

What did you find most helpful or has stayed with you? 
Doing things like practicing gratitude, self congratulations, asking myself why I’m feeling a particularly way and back tracking. Acknowledging that you cannot stop thoughts or emotions but shining a spot-light on thoughts and feeling the emotion can help.

Is there anything you did not agree with or any information you struggled with ? 
I total agreed with all that is in the book as it makes sense.

Did the book lead you to research anything else or take specific action ? If yes please provide details… 
It made me look up Dr Julie Smith and watch her You Tube videos, which helped me understand even better all that is mentioned in the book.

Any other thoughts or comments about the book or your Pausal journey…. 
I quite often look back over chapters as it's such a different way of managing mental health and well-being not just when you're ill but also when you're well. My mood has improved and I’m working on preventing myself spiralling into depression.

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