Becoming more irritable and anxious in my fifties, could it be depression?

[badmum21]

The older I get, the more irritable and anxious I seem to become. Could these be signs of depression? Has anyone had a similar experience?
I’m approaching my fifties, and I’ve gradually started noticing that I get anxious and irritated about things that really shouldn’t bother me.

For example, I recently called the police on my neighbours because of a birthday party they had told everyone about in advance. Even though I knew I wasn’t doing the right thing, I ignored that feeling in the moment and called the police anyway, despite knowing that I probably shouldn’t.

That’s just one example, but there have been quite a few similar situations over the past year. Basically, I feel like I’m becoming increasingly grumpy and irritable, and I’m aware of it.

Has anyone had a similar experience, and what helped you?

Much more likely to be menopause, which made me the angriest, most anxious person on the planet. I really wouldn’t have believed how badly my mood was affected. HRT sorted it out pretty quickly.

Menopause.

Much more likely to be related to your menopause. I am not generally an anxious person but found myself getting uncharacteristically anxious about all sorts of things. HRT helped a lot.

You sound a lot like me after I lost my husband. I was angry with the whole world, fell out with my sisters, and lost quite a few friends before I realised that something wasn’t right with me.
In my case, though, the issue wasn’t depression, but my temper and constant irritability. Fortunately, I had a friend who is a psychiatrist, and she told me that antidepressants weren’t the right option for me. Instead, she recommended something natural (specifically Lasomnium calming patches. They contain valerian and hops extract, which have a naturally calming effect and I can honestly say they changed my life))
However,, irritability and a short temper can have other causes as well. For example, I’ve read that they can be linked to the menopause, hormonal imbalances, or difficult life events that act as a trigger, as happened in my case.
It would definitely be worth seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. I also know people who have found behavioural therapy helpful.

Menopause. I'm amazed I haven't been thumped yet. The amount of lads I've told off for spitting in the street and people dropping cigarette litter is huge. I've literally had enough.

Menopause

Another vote for menopause. I spent nearly 8 years in perpetual rage until I got HRT.

Sorry for going off-topic, but have you tried their sleep patches? Quite a few mums on the forum have said they’re really good, but I haven’t tried them yet.

As everyone else has said, peri / menopause - HRT will sort that out & also protect your future physical health as a bonus.

I haven’t tried them personally because I sleep really well,, but I know a few friends who use them and say they’re much better than melatonin tablets. I only use the Calm and sometimes Energy ones coz I can’t tolerate coffee.

Brilliant, thank you!

That was my first thought too. So, should I make an appointment with my gynaecologist then?

HRT helped you then?

I just spoke to my GP who was fantastic - male doctor who had really clued up on menopause. If your GP isn’t so knowledgeable there are menopause specialists who can help but I’d start with the GP.

HRT makes me cry. Even a quarter of a dose left me weepy. I gave up on it after a month. I'm too sensitive to medication.

It's definitely menopause. I was normal and having regular periods, the next thing I was given oestrogen blockers and I turned completely mental. I was close to killing my stupid neighbour who kept clattering around in her heels on tiled floors 🤬🤬🤬

I am menopausal or as I call it, “In my don’t give a fuck era’

Just about everything and everybody irritates me and unlike my younger people pleasing self I am now not afraid of letting them know. I like this new take no shit version of myself.

MENOPAUSE

It’s menopause

Why did you call the police on your neighbours party? Was it the noise? Are they otherwise good neighbours? We're lots of people marauding in the street?
I'm struggling to understand why you would do this.
Do you live alone? Are you generally socially isolated?

Yes, it was noisy, but they had let all the neighbours know about the party in advance. We knew there was going to be a party, although the noise was still quite loud. I called the police anyway, but looking back, I don’t think I should have.

HRT completely cured my anxiety but I genuinely think women have a lot to be angry about so not always meno. Raging over nothing? Yes get that sorted. Raging over the patriarchy or injustice? Welcome to life after the rose tinted hormones of your younger self are no longer biologically necessary.

second this

Menopause

Menopause BUT you may also (separately) be anxious and / or depressed.

HRT restored me to a basic level of functionality, but talking therapy on top has been necessary to manage my anxiety.