Davina McCall Champions Campaign to End Menopause Mental Health Stigma
Television presenter Davina McCall has thrown her support behind a crucial initiative aimed at dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health issues linked to menopause. The 58-year-old media personality is endorsing a call to action from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) that seeks to enhance societal understanding of the profound connection between menopause and psychological wellbeing.
The Hidden Impact of Hormonal Changes
Menopause, which typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, marks the cessation of menstrual periods due to declining hormone levels. The transitional perimenopause phase can extend for several years before a woman's final period, often manifesting through physical symptoms like hot flushes. However, these hormonal fluctuations can exert a significant toll on mental health, potentially triggering anxiety, depression, memory lapses, and heightened irritability.
McCall, who serves as an honorary fellow with RCPsych, emphasized the varied experiences women face during this life stage. "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."
Barriers to Support and Understanding
The presenter highlighted how persistent stigma and inadequate knowledge continue to obstruct open dialogues in medical settings, workplaces, and personal circles. "Lack of knowledge and ingrained stigma still prevent open conversations between doctors and patients, in the workplace and among friends and family," McCall explained. "This leaves women without the crucial support they need at an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives. And it's just not acceptable."
She posed a poignant question: "Why are women still fighting to be heard?" McCall advocates for a collective effort to raise awareness across all sectors of society, including healthcare professionals, the NHS, government bodies, employers, and the general public. The goal is to refine policies, care protocols, and support systems for all women navigating menopause.
RCPsych Position Statement and Survey Insights
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has issued a new position statement on menopause and mental health, urging the implementation of improved policies within healthcare systems and workplaces. These policies should be shaped by women who have firsthand experience with menopause-related challenges.
Dr. Lade Smith, President of RCPsych, underscored the societal dimension of this issue. "Menopause can have a significant yet often overlooked impact on women's mental health and wellbeing," Dr. Smith stated. "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."
A recent YouGov poll commissioned by the college, surveying over 2,000 UK adults, revealed telling statistics about public attitudes:
- Approximately 22% of respondents would feel uncomfortable discussing menopause with a male healthcare worker, compared to only 9% with a female professional.
- Just 28% of women would feel comfortable talking to a male boss about menopause, while nearly half (43%) would feel uneasy discussing it with a close male family member.
- While 93% associate menopause with hot flushes, only 28% of women recognize that it can be linked to new mental health conditions.
Dr. Smith added, "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 actions required to foster greater awareness and understanding in healthcare environments, workplaces, and daily life.
