Television presenter Davina McCall has highlighted how the persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues triggered by the menopause is preventing women from seeking essential support from medical professionals, employers, and their personal networks. The 58-year-old broadcaster has endorsed a crucial call to action from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), urging for enhanced societal comprehension of the connection between menopause and psychological wellbeing.
Poll Reveals Widespread Discomfort in Discussions
A comprehensive YouGov survey commissioned by the college, involving over 2,000 UK adults, uncovered significant barriers to open dialogue. Approximately one in five respondents (22 per cent) expressed discomfort at the prospect of discussing menopause with a male healthcare worker, compared to just 9 per cent who felt uneasy speaking to a female professional. Among women specifically, only 28 per cent reported feeling comfortable addressing the topic with a male boss, while nearly half (43 per cent) indicated they would be uncomfortable talking to a close male family member about it.
Misconceptions About Menopause Symptoms
The polling data further revealed a stark disparity in public awareness regarding menopause symptoms. While an overwhelming 93 per cent of participants associated menopause with physical manifestations like hot flushes, merely 28 per cent of women surveyed recognised that new mental health conditions could be linked to this life stage. This gap underscores the urgent need for broader education and destigmatisation efforts.
Davina McCall's Personal Advocacy
McCall, who holds an honorary fellowship with RCPsych, emphasised the varied experiences women face during menopause. "Some women sail through the menopause unscathed," she noted. "But some don't, and the impact on their mental health can be devastating and have a huge impact on their lives and their relationships."
The presenter criticised the ongoing lack of knowledge and deeply ingrained stigma that continues to hinder open conversations in clinical settings, workplaces, and among friends and family. "Lack of knowledge and ingrained stigma still prevent open conversations between doctors and patients, in the workplace and among friends and family, leaving women without the crucial support they need at an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives," McCall stated. "And it's just not acceptable. Why are women still fighting to be heard?"
Call for Systemic Change
McCall advocates for a collective effort to raise awareness across all sectors of society. "Together, we must make the link between mental health and menopause known across society, among health professionals, NHS, government, members of the public and employers, to improve the policies, care and support provided for all women experiencing menopause," she asserted.
Medical Perspective on Menopause
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marked by the cessation of periods due to declining hormone levels. The preceding transitional phase, known as perimenopause, can extend for several years before a woman's final period, often bringing symptoms such as hot flushes. However, these hormonal fluctuations can also profoundly affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, memory lapses, and increased irritability.
RCPsych's Position and Recommendations
Dr Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, underscored the significant yet frequently overlooked impact of menopause on women's mental health and overall wellbeing. "Women account for 51 per cent of the population, and all will experience menopause at some point," Dr Smith pointed out. "This is a societal issue for everyone. Simply put, we must do better."
The college's position statement outlines urgent actions required across multiple domains to enhance understanding and awareness of the relationship between menopause and mental health. "This position statement sets out urgent action that must be taken across society to improve understanding and awareness of the relationship between menopause and mental health – in healthcare settings, in workplaces and in everyday life," Dr Smith explained.
She called for a more attentive and personalised approach to supporting women through this challenging phase. "Now is the time to listen to women's experiences, ensure that support for women going through menopause is personalised to each individual, and women are empowered to make informed choices," Dr Smith concluded.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is pushing for the implementation of improved policies within both the healthcare system and workplaces, emphasising that these should be designed with input from women who have personally navigated these difficulties. This initiative aims to foster environments where women feel supported and understood, ultimately breaking down the barriers that currently prevent them from accessing the help they need.
