Women mental health after 40: Age-related stress

Abstract

Menopause period is accompanied by great reconstruction of female organism and social environment of woman on the whole. It is well known that any changes outside or inside human organism cause stress and demand adjustment to new conditions. Therefore, biopsychosocial model of climax may be determined on the basis of the concept of age-related stress which is mainly connected with age transition. Massive changes occur on the three levels of functioning: biological, social and psychological. Biological changes mean physiology (hormone deficit most of all, but not only this), somatic state and body image. Social changes are connected with partnership, relations between children and parents, professional relations and social roles rotation. Psychological changes take place in the cognitive, emotional, motivational spheres and lead to searching of a new meaning of life, of new values, of new behavioral patterns.

Stress vulnerability also influences the spectrum of mental disorders. Women after 40 get into one of the risk groups on manifesting of mental disorders. Anxiety, depressive and stress-related disorders are the most frequent cases among these patients.

Educational approach such as “School of Climax” is one of the most effective practices of preventive and primary care for women in managing of age-related stress and working-out of coping strategies.