A significant number of women aged 50 and over in the United Kingdom are experiencing serious mental health challenges during midlife, with many attributing their distress to menopause and other life pressures, according to a new survey by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The research, which polled 2,000 women across Britain, found that almost two in three respondents reported struggling with their mental wellbeing as they navigate menopause alongside other transitions such as bereavement, the departure of adult children, relationship breakdowns and financial strain.
Symptoms cited by participants included persistent anxiety, sleep disturbances, a loss of energy and motivation, “brain fog,” and a general sense of being overwhelmed by daily life. Nearly 60% of women reported problems with sleep, while more than 40% experienced changes in weight and many withdrew from social activities as a result of feeling mentally strained. Despite the prevalence of these issues, a striking 90% said they had not sought professional help, with most reporting that cultural expectations — such as the pressure to “hold it together” or not burden others — discouraged them from speaking openly about their struggles.
The BACP described the situation as an “epidemic of silence,” highlighting that the combination of hormonal changes during menopause and broader psychosocial pressures can create a perfect storm of emotional difficulties. The organisation is responding with a campaign urging midlife women to consider therapy and to speak more candidly about their experiences. Dr Lisa Morrison, director of professional standards, policy and research at BACP, characterised the findings as “a sobering read,” noting that for many women this period of life brings a convergence of multiple challenges that can take a heavy toll on mental health.
Menopause itself — a natural stage typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 — involves significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly declining oestrogen levels, which research suggests can affect mood, cognition and sleep. Scientific studies have linked menopause to higher rates of anxiety, depression and cognitive symptoms such as brain fog and memory issues, with some research also indicating structural changes in the brain during this transition that could explain increased susceptibility to conditions like dementia later in life.
Experts say that without effective support, the mental health impact of menopause can ripple outwards, influencing career prospects, personal relationships and overall quality of life. Separate UK research indicates that menopause-related symptoms are prompting some women to consider leaving their jobs or reduce their hours, further underscoring how pervasive the effects can be on everyday functioning.
Despite growing awareness, there remain significant barriers to accessing appropriate care and support. Many women feel poorly informed about what symptoms to expect and how to address them, and healthcare systems are often criticized for not adequately recognising or responding to menopause-related health needs. Current clinical guidance recommends that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) be offered to manage menopausal symptoms, yet many women report challenges in obtaining timely and effective treatments.
Advocates for better women’s health services argue that addressing the stigma around menopause and expanding mental health support could help reduce the “silence” that surrounds women’s experiences during this life stage. They stress that normalising conversations and improving access to counselling, therapy and medical care are essential steps in supporting women through the emotional and psychological complexities of midlife transitions.
