Can menopause make you unmotivated? Nihilism in Menopausal Women

Nihilism is a very common but lesser-known phenomenon in menopausal women.

The journey through menopause can be complex and turbulent. It takes a woman through the depths of her psyche.

This is Aruna’s story of fighting and winning nihilism. 

Ms. Aruna, a very happy and upbeat individual, was the heart of her home. She was the pro mom who cooked the best dishes for her children, a loving wife who stood by her husband like a rock. 

In her 40s, Aruna was in full bloom. Her kids were grown up; her career was thriving and her friends were her biggest support system. She had the perfect life that one could dream about.  

Also Read: 4 simple tips about menopausal hair loss prevention

The dark clouds of nihilism

As Aruna stepped into her late 40s, she started to feel a sense of void in her life. She felt that something was lacking in her life. The hollowness in her chest was so overpowering that she hardly had any control over her mind. 

She was no longer enjoying her career. Aruna went on a spiral of impulsive decisions, from splurging on luxury brands to going on solo trips, nothing could make her happy. She stopped cooking and getting out of bed seemed like the most difficult task of the day.

Aruna started to isolate herself, withdrawing from her friends and family. She became preoccupied with her thoughts and questioned the purpose of everything. She couldn’t get rid of the impression that her life had no true purpose.

Also Read: Can menopause make you unmotivated? Nihilism in Menopausal Women

Identifying Nihilism in menopausal women

One day, Aruna went for her dental check-up and when the doctor inquired about her health, she could not hold back her emotions. She had an emotional outburst and shared about the emptiness and hopelessness she was feeling.

Her doctor understood her mental condition and advised her to seek expert assistance. She referred her to me for counselling and Ayurvedic healing.

A week later, Aruna visited me. I checked her medical history and it was clean. So, I asked her about any major events in her life. After talking for a while, I learned that she had just gone through menopause. I understood that Aruna was going through nihilism.

The most prominent symptoms of nihilism – feelings of emptiness and hopelessness.

Also Read: Expert Tips for Managing Weight During Menopause

Nihilism healing through counselling

I helped Aruna that she was going through a condition called Nihilism. 

Before she could press the panic button, I made her understand that many people suffer from nihilism. It is very common during significant life transitions like menopause. I validated her emotions and assured her that she was not the only one going through this.

Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life. During menopause, the hormone estrogen and progesterone witnesses a drop. This signals the end of a woman’s reproductive phase. Although menopause is a natural occurrence, the symptoms of menopause can be very unpleasant. Nihilism, or a sense of helplessness, is one example of this.

Understanding Nihilism

Nihilism is a mental state characterized by hopelessness or emptiness. The physical and emotional changes that come with menopause can contribute to this sense of helplessness. Because of the rapid fluctuations in her hormones, a woman may feel as though she is losing control of her life. These emotions can be overpowering. 

Nihilism can occasionally trigger depression, bouts of anxiety, and panic.

If not handled in the right way, nihilism may lead to reckless or impulsive life decisions. 

Ayurvedic Treatment for Nihilism 

I recommended a few Ayurvedic medicines along with regular counselling.

During the counselling sessions, I validated Aruna’s emotions. I assured her that her feelings were legitimate and not irrational. Within a few sessions, she came to the terms of acceptance. 

Acceptance without judgment is the first step toward healing.

With acceptance, she got a sense of relief and hope. During our counselling session, I helped Aruna explore her thoughts, emotions, and beliefs surrounding her nihilistic feelings. She was sceptical but with a non-judgemental approach, she began opening up.

She talked about her work, her children, and her husband. Through these discussions, I uncovered the root causes of her pain. 

Her husband was a busy computer professional who had little time for her. Her two grown-up children were lost in their worlds. Aruna felt as though nobody wanted or needed her, and her boredom was overwhelming. 

We discussed how feeling unimportant or neglected by loved ones can contribute to feelings of nihilism. I helped her explore potential ways to address these feelings. We also talked about the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life beyond one’s familial roles and responsibilities. 

I gave her a few books to read. Ikigai was one of the top choices that talk about finding purpose in life. Along with this, I recommended she read the Bhagavad Geeta, which has some great lessons on life and its purpose.

The road to healing and a better life

With Ayurvedic medicines, Aruna became more calm and relaxed. While the counselling helped her recognize that her sense of purpose and self-worth did not rely on the validation of others. 

We discussed ways for her to explore her passions and interests, and how to find fulfillment outside of her familial roles and responsibilities. This helped to reframe her mindset and alleviate her nihilistic thoughts and feelings.

Throughout multiple sessions, I taught Aruna pranayama and yoga nidra as tools to manage her nihilistic thoughts and feelings. I also introduced her to the practice of gratitude diary writing and explained how our pre-conditioned minds can impact our emotions. 

I have already shared elaborate blogs on Pranayama and Yoga Nidra and how they can help navigate through negative thoughts. The benefits of gratitude diary writing are also discussed at length. You can refer to these blogs to get a better understanding of these techniques.

We discussed the importance of cultivating healthy coping strategies to manage nihilistic thoughts and feelings. I encouraged her to practice mindfulness, which can help her remain present and focused on the present moment. I also suggested engaging in creative activities, such as painting or writing, to help her healthily express her emotions. 

Finally, I encouraged her to connect with others, whether through socializing or joining a support group. By promoting these healthy coping strategies, Aruna began to feel more equipped to manage her nihilistic thoughts and feelings.

Your Takeaway!

Nihilism is a very prominent but very lesser-known problem that comes with menopause. Many women navigate through this roller-coaster ride under the cloud of fear and uncertainty. This often leaves them with a bitter attitude toward life. 

By managing these symptoms and treating nihilism with counselling, a woman can live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life even in her later years. So, if you know someone going through menopause, then help her find hope through expert counselling.

(Note: The name of the individuals in this article has been changed to Aruna to ensure their privacy.)