Menopause Support Group

Thanks, everyone, for your words of support. As always, the Bad Day(s) went away, and I'm finally enjoying some calm, stable, Good Time (which will hopefully last more than 24 hours).
Agreed, Shreky, I also try to think of the people who have it worse than me, but again, when in the middle of the Abyss, I can't seem to link into that part of my brain that reminds me of people suffering more than me, and that this all will pass, etc. etc.
I just have to get better at "riding the storm".
I wish you all GOOD DAYS AND RESTFUL NIGHTS.

I keep checking this site for more ideas. I'm lucky from the hotflash standpoint they are tolerable. The anxiety is awful. I worry about everything, can't control it don't worry about it -- easier said than done. Seems like I worry about everything. When this happens I try to read, walk, do anything to get my mind off of it.

I was on antidepressants but went off of them back in January, seemed like I was always in a fog. Started taking 5htp and that has helped, still have problems though.

Went to the store that sells herbal supplements last week and they recommended MACA Extract, she said it takes about 30 days to notice a difference. I've only been taking it a week and hope it helps. It costs around $25 a month, can't really afford to take it but I have to try something. If anyone knows anything about it I would appreciate your info.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Dear TMaryE,
Yes, the Bad Episode passed. It always goes away...eventually. I just never know for how long; will it come back tomorrow, or will I have a few days to do all the chores that I couldn't do because I was in bed with every muscle in my body aching and thinking about death?
Besides changing things about my lifestyle (cutting down the caffeine, getting to be earlier and not on a full stomach, etc.), changing my attitude toward this condition and what I have to do to live with it has, on the whole, provided the most relieving results, and yet has been the hardest thing to do. To stop in the middle of the day and accept having to go take a nap, or accept the fact that I would much rather have a backrub than an orgasm (and not be bitter that my husband can and wants to have one), or that I can't promise anyone we can make it to the barbecue on Sunday, or know what any day will be like....it's all very difficult to say "this is how my life is now. I have to just accept it , work around it, and do what I can to make it as easy and smooth as possible without throwing furniture through a wall". Accepting the grey hairs and wrinkles is nothing compared with accepting how you can be fine one day and next day (or more) be a total basket case.
But I must say that I couldn't have made it this far if it weren't for all the loving friends I found at this site. As someone with no close friends or family here to fall back on, I'm triply grateful for all you out there who have left comments, messages, and hugs for me. And the fact that you all KNOW what I'm going through...I can't begin to describe how grateful I am for all you out there. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Now you all go do something NICE for yourself! Right now! Go on! You deserve it!!

Thanks again,
MKal

Hey vinrl Iam all for that :)

I had about 2 weeks of sanity, then anxiety, insomnia hit me again! and oh, a new symptom, gastro whatever! Grrrr! I only had 2 hours of sleep last night. I tried to tough it out, otherwise Xanax and half tablet of Unisom work. Feeling wonderful today...NOT!!! I still wonder why God let us women endure this thing called menopause. Just venting, thank you all for the support...I'm not afraid to die....I'm not afraid to die...I'm not afraid to die...

MKal, I always look to your post's to feel better. I am still very new to this and so far that is the hardest thing I am dealing with. One day I am fine and the next I am a crazy person who can't satnd my husband (who I love with all of my heart, but is always the one to get it when I am in the bad episode) and everything makes me mad! Ahhhh, I thought that this was all about hot flashes, and so on, not this unstable feeling I have way to much! Anyway, I know your bad times will end and the good ones will be back, and thank you for all of your advice!

Don't be so hard on yourself. I can give good advice to and then not follow it. It's those dam hormones!

I feel exactly like this 1 x a month! So frustrating. I am going along fine and then wham! Life becomes unbearable. Nothing will help it pass except time. I just keep reminding myself this is hormonal and to be expected (why is beyond me!). Anyhow I usually snap out of it in time to have a couple of good weeks before it all starts again....:)