Is this peri or am I having a mid life crisis?

[ScorchedEarthAdjacent]

I keep having symptoms that are being put down to peri menopause. I’m 46 so could be. But not sweats or rage or the usual. At the beginning of the year my anxiety seemed to calm and my confidence has sky rocketed. Which sounds amazing as I’ve felt like a socially awkward introvert for years and years. But now I feel so confident and capable that I think I’m becoming obnoxious.

i feel I can do anything. My personality has changed so much friends and colleagues have commented. I’ve experienced what I think are bursts of manic behaviour, almost destructive at times. I don’t know what’s happening and I’m struggling with all these new thoughts and feelings and wants. I’m neglecting things I was once fastidious about like housework and being organised. And I’m very focused on specific things and achieving them at almost all cost.

I can’t really talk to many people about it. Tried a friend but it’s the opposite of her experience of peri and she couldn’t relate. What’s going on?

Do you have any one with bipolar disorder in your immediate family or have you recently got through a bout of depression? (The symptoms lifting can make people feel quite elated). Are your close friends or family concerned by your recent behaviour? I think you’d benefit from asking someone who knows you well and you can trust to be totally honest with you x

I haven’t listened to it but I saw Dr Louise Newson had a podcast episode about hormones and mental health out a couple of days ago. Might be a good place to start?

And maybe try some hormones if you fancy it?
https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/podcasts

I think I’ve been depressed for many years. Low level, not massively. I did wonder if it was something to do with that. I’m not having down moments though. Just periods of elevated mood. It’s just like a switch has flipped. So far no one has said anything like they are worried about me.

Will definitely look at this. I definitely think it’s linked to hormone change

perimeno can trigger severe mental illness in some woman. I would be a bit concerned about the manic behaviours whilst your insight is still there. If I was you I would try and prioritise sleep.

40s have been my most confident and kickarse decade, I feel like I can do anything, be with anyone, live however I want.. I love it! Maybe it’s just when the “give no fucks” kicks in? I’m honestly having the time of my life
I think there’s a lot of doom posts about peri and getting older, but many people sail through it, find themselves, or just have minimal symptoms.

It’s funny what Disturbia81
had just said above because I was going to say about myself having hit the ‘give no ducks’ thing and I’m the opposite, I hate it! My personality was always the thing I loved about myself, I was always a people person and could list being diplomatic and a good listener as key strengths now I think I’m pushy and obnoxious and I irritate myself! A lot of what you’ve said resonates but I have always had the sudden bursts you describe and always thought there was a chance I was perhaps bipolar with manic depression too. I am running to get hrt and perhaps antidepressants because everything is so out of kilter and I hate now that I regularly analyse myself. Op sorry I’m no help and good luck x

That sounds hard when you lose bits of yourself you liked, when I say I don’t give a fuck I mean about peoples opinion or people who don’t matter. Definitely still give time and an ear to people I care about and care about community as a whole, infact I have the confidence now to give more love out.
I hope it’s a temporary thing for you

Thanks so much, Disturbia81 , yes I’m probably not as nice as you at the mo, the world irritates me and I have trouble not showing it/ saying what I think! And god I hope so- I’m driving myself crazy!!

I think it would be irresponsible for anyone to suggest this is perimenopause alone without considering other possibilities like bipolar disorder, type 2 is associated with longer depressive periods and hypomania. Have you looked in to this? It is sensible to speak to your GP.