World Mental Health Day 2025: Let’s Talk About Menopause and the Mind

Today is World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing. This year, I want us to pause and talk about a topic that doesn’t get enough attention when we discuss mental health: Menopause.

Menopause and Mental Health: The Hidden Connection

For many women, menopause is not just a physical transition. The hormonal changes can deeply affect emotional wellbeing, often in ways that are misunderstood or dismissed. Anxiety, low mood, irritability, sleep problems, and brain fog. These are not “just in your head.” They are real, biological, and deserve understanding and support.

According to the CIPD’s October 2023 report,

1. 67% of women aged 40–60 with experience of menopausal symptoms said they had a mostly negative effect on them at work.
2. Only 24% said their organisation has a stated menopause policy or support measures in place.
3. A significant 43% said their organisation has no such support, and another third were unsure.https://lnkd.in/eRpwkcBA.

These findings show how much work is still needed to make menopause part of workplace wellbeing and mental health conversations.

As someone who advocates for women’s health and workplace wellbeing, I see this every day. Many women are struggling silently, showing up, pushing through, and trying to stay strong while dealing with mood swings, fatigue, and emotional dips that affect their confidence and performance.

Why This Matters for Every Organisation

Menopause affects productivity, engagement, and retention. Yet it remains one of the least discussed workplace wellbeing issues. When mental health support excludes menopause, we miss a critical piece of the puzzle.

1. Creating supportive environments means: Encouraging open conversations about menopause without shame or fear.
2. Integrating menopause into mental health and wellbeing policies.
3. Training managers to recognise signs and offer empathy, not judgment.
4. Giving women space, flexibility, and access to help when they need it.

What You Can Do Today

1. Talk about it. Ask a colleague, friend, or family member how they’re really doing. Listen with empathy.
2. Review your workplace policies. Does your organisation’s mental health or wellbeing plan include menopause?
3. Join the conversation. I am building a community that connects women, employers, and health advocates to share knowledge, strategies, and support.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s move beyond awareness and take action.

If you’re a woman experiencing menopause, know that you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.

If you’re a leader or HR professional, your compassion and understanding can make a real difference in someone’s wellbeing and career.

Let’s start conversations that heal, not hide. Let’s create workplaces and communities where women can thrive, mind, body, and spirit.

Maureen Ajayi