Television presenter Davina McCall has issued a powerful condemnation of the ongoing stigma surrounding menopause and its profound impact on women's mental health, declaring the current situation "just not acceptable." The 58-year-old broadcaster is supporting a critical call to action from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) aimed at enhancing societal comprehension of the crucial link between menopause and psychological wellbeing.
The Hidden Mental Health Crisis
Menopause, which typically occurs between ages 45 and 55 as hormone levels decline and menstrual periods cease, is widely recognized for physical symptoms like hot flushes during the transitional perimenopause phase. However, these hormonal shifts frequently trigger significant mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, memory issues, and heightened irritability that can persist for years.
McCall, who serves as an honorary fellow for RCPsych, emphasized the devastating personal consequences. "Some women sail through the menopause unscathed. 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," she stated.
Barriers to Open Discussion
The presenter highlighted how persistent stigma and inadequate knowledge continue to obstruct essential conversations in medical settings, workplaces, and even among close friends and family members. "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 explained.
She posed the urgent question: "Why are women still fighting to be heard?" before calling for collective action. "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."
Institutional Response and Research Findings
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has published a new position statement demanding improved healthcare system policies and workplace accommodations designed with input from women who have personally experienced menopause-related difficulties. RCPsych President Dr. Lade Smith underscored the societal scale of the issue, noting: "Women account for 51% of the population, and all will experience menopause at some point. This is a societal issue for everyone. Simply put, we must do better."
Recent polling data reveals the depth of discomfort surrounding these discussions. A YouGov survey of over 2,000 UK adults commissioned by the college found that approximately 22% would feel uncomfortable discussing menopause with a male healthcare professional, compared to just 9% who expressed similar discomfort with female practitioners.
Workplace and Family Dynamics
The research further uncovered that only 28% of women surveyed would feel comfortable speaking with a male boss about menopause, while nearly half (43%) reported discomfort discussing the topic with close male family members. Perhaps most strikingly, while 93% of respondents associated menopause with hot flushes, merely 28% of women recognized that new mental health conditions could be linked to this life stage.
Dr. Smith emphasized the need for personalized approaches, stating: "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." The position statement outlines urgent measures required across healthcare environments, workplaces, and daily life to improve awareness and dismantle the barriers preventing women from accessing vital support during this challenging transitional period.
