I totally agree with your point about menopause. Having held down a very responsible career as a high ranking U.K. Police Detective and Crime Manager and all that entails, I started with early menopause at the beginning of my 40’s.
I have gone from being a totally confident individual who gets things done like yesterday and nothing bothers me, to an individual who doesn’t know what is coming or going. My confidence is at an all time low, I question everything and my ability to do it, I constantly procrastinate especially with making and receiving phone calls because I cannot face it. And for the first time ever in my life, I have been struck down with anxiety. It’s been a terrible and tough few years and at times I isolate myself and stay home in my safe zone. It’s truly awful and has turned my life upside down and the lack of control over my own mind and body is so debilitating yet so very scary ! I know it’s not depression because it can literally make me almost bed bound through total exhaustion ( I do everything normally at 100 mph ) and not wanting to face the day and I cannot leave the house, to literally 6 hours later where I am all of a sudden, on top of the world. I put off making arrangements to go to places or out with friends and family or to have them come over as I never know how I am going to feel from one hour to the next! It’s been a very isolating and lonely experience and I have to say that if it wasn’t for my children, there are days when I would have entertained these thoughts myself. It’s all to do with hormone levels and the fluctuations. Who knew they could wreak havoc like they do. Fortunately, I’m now on medication ( oestrogen) and this has helped to pull me out of it almost. I still have bad days but nothing like they were. So I can totally relate to comment made regarding the menopause. It’s been an eye opener for me because if it can turn my world upside down ( a high achiever, perfectionist, go getter , very focussed etc ) then it can turn anybody’s. It’s true when they say it can be those that appear strongest are the ones who are finally beaten down because they have been strong for themselves and everyone around them for far too long!!! Thinking of you and sincerely hoping that you are found and can receive the help that you need young lady .