This episode of Let's Talk Hope delves into the critical intersection of menopause, mental health, and suicide prevention. Hosted by Gemma Cutting, it features discussions with MP Carolyn Harris and Dr. Louise Newson, who share personal experiences and insights on the stigma surrounding menopause, the importance of advocacy, and the urgent need for awareness and research in this area. The conversation highlights the alarming statistics regarding suicide rates among menopausal women and emphasizes the necessity for better training and understanding within the medical community.
Takeaways
The stigma around menopause affects women's mental health.
Women aged 45 to 55 are at the highest risk of suicide.
Advocacy is crucial for raising awareness about menopause.
Personal experiences can drive passion for change.
There is a lack of understanding about menopause in the medical field.
Women need to be their own advocates for health.
Research is essential to understand the link between menopause and mental health.
Community support plays a vital role in women's health.
Training for healthcare professionals on menopause is inadequate.
Conversations about menopause are becoming more prevalent.
Sound Bites
"Women aged 45 to 55 are at highest risk of suicide"
"We need to get the narrative right"
"There is an answer to this"
"The world is ending and I'd be in there"
"This is a time of your life that you can get through"
"We are our best advocates now"
"We need to have more evidence, more research"
"It's not just a problem for women, it's for everyone"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose
01:30 Exploring Menopause and Mental Health
03:02 Personal Stories and Experiences with Menopause
08:59 The Link Between Menopause and Suicide
14:52 Advocacy and Awareness in Menopause Conversations
20:02 Research and Data on Menopause and Mental Health
24:54 Challenges in Medical Training and Awareness
29:51 The Importance of Self-Advocacy for Women
35:02 Future Directions in Menopause and Suicide Prevention
39:59 Conclusion and Call to Action
More Information / Help & Support
For more information about the individuals and organisations featured in this episode, or if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, the following organisations can provide help and support:
Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people (under 25 years of age)
struggling with thoughts of suicide: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs
someone: https://www.samaritans.org/
Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for
anyone who is struggling to cope: https://giveusashout.org/
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/
James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at three centres
in Liverpool, London and Newcastle: https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
Alfie’s Squad is a service for children bereaved by suicide: https://alfiessquad.org/
Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide: https://amparo.org.uk/
Credits
Series conceived by Prof Pooja Saini at Liverpool John Moores University
Produced and distributed by Innobella Media
Hosted by Gemma Cutting Sound Recording & Post-Production: Paul Freeman-Powell Music Composed & Produced by Tom Anderson