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Original poster

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

34 replies

badmum21 · 01/08/2026 16:58

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?

OP posts:
laura1991manchester · 01/08/2026 21:37

sandy1990 · 01/08/2026 17:04

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.

I use Lasomnium patches too. They’re brilliant and, my doc said that they’re the only ones available here that are MHRA-registered. I’ve tried all of them and they all work..... the only downside is that they’re quite expensive.

laura1991manchester · 01/08/2026 22:19

Rebootnecessary · 01/08/2026 17:02

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.

How long it took to you to start feel better after HRT?

MonicaMone · 02/08/2026 12:34

Absolutely!

Piglet89 · 02/08/2026 13:27

badmum21 · 01/08/2026 18:10

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.

Show quote history

I am also perimenopausal and can be really irritable - but calling the police to report a one-off party about which you were warned is really extremely unreasonable. Whatever it is, you need to sort this out quickly before you jeopardise more relationships.

AgnesMcDoo · 02/08/2026 13:48

Classic menopause symptoms.

Hrt helped a lot but if I’m under stress
sometimes I also need citalopram.

laura1991manchester · 02/08/2026 14:59

Piglet89 · 02/08/2026 13:27

I am also perimenopausal and can be really irritable - but calling the police to report a one-off party about which you were warned is really extremely unreasonable. Whatever it is, you need to sort this out quickly before you jeopardise more relationships.

Show quote history

I totally agree about this

MonicaMone · 02/08/2026 16:59

AgnesMcDoo · 02/08/2026 13:48

Classic menopause symptoms.

Hrt helped a lot but if I’m under stress
sometimes I also need citalopram.

This.

bigbadbernard · 02/08/2026 17:30

I had this. I went to the GP and asked for something to calm me down. I'm 50 so definitely in peri. She said that HRT wasn't always the best for mental health things, gave me Sertraline. The first week was hard (I was a zombie) but now I LOVE them. I feel like me, not a paranoid, stressed, frustrated timebomb.

Cleo65 · 02/08/2026 17:36

Menopause - check out HRT, I hear wonderful things..... I'm not able to take it alas, so just one more thing for me to be angry about 😉

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