Women’s Mental Health: Pre- and Post-Menopause Posted on April 28, 2025April 28, 2025 by GuardianOwl For women in their forties and fifties, perimenopause and menopause can cause mental health challenges that make those hot flashes seem like a day at the beach.Menopause, which can result from the decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, occurs naturally with age. For most women, menopause can kick off in their 40s or 50s, but for some, oophorectomies (surgical removal of ovaries), radiation, or chemotherapy, can trigger menopause.Premature menopause affects women under the age of 40; and in some cases, women in their twenties experience menopause. Though the physical symptoms and risks of menopause, such as VMS (vasomotor symptoms, otherwise known as hot flashes and night sweats), are well known, the reality is that psychological menopausal symptoms are just as intrusive but way less understood. The intensity of the psychological symptoms can depend on the cause of menopause. A natural menopause involves a gradual decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, whereas the sudden, sharp reduction in these hormones from an oophorectomy can result in intense symptoms. This blog covers pre- and post-menopause mental health issues. (Technically, issues that are said to occur “during menopause” are postmenopausal, since menopause is just one day 12 months after the last period but the symptoms tend to span the whole mystical experience.) Premenopause Mental Health Can Affect Mental Wellbeing in MenopauseWhile sometimes used interchangeably, premenopause and perimenopause are distinct terms in medical usage.Premenopause is the time between menarche (i.e., the first menstrual period) and perimenopause. Many mental health issues occurring during premenopause can occur with greater severity or frequency from perimenopause onwards. Major depression is one such issue. So, if you have a history of mental health conditions or mental illness, some of these conditions could worsen during the menopausal transition. The hormonal imbalance associated with menopause can even contribute to a relapse in mental health issues that had been well managed during premenopause. For this reason, it is important to consider getting proper mental health care while undergoing perimenopause and postmenopause. These life stages can throw people off balance, increasing the risk of developing or intensifying mental health issues. Perimenopause and Mental Health Mood changes are a common occurrence during perimenopause, which is the lead-up to menopause. This pre-menopause phase can last years, during which irritability and low energy may come and go with no discernible pattern. Tearfulness, difficulty concentrating, and even rage are possible risks. One potential symptom is insomnia, which, as a consequence, could engender mental health risks associated with poor sleep. Depression is one of the major risks during perimenopause. Women also report higher levels of anxiety during perimenopause. Plus, having to deal with the physical symptoms of perimenopause can compound the mental health issues. In fact, research has identified a link between VMS and major depressive disorder (MDD). This can all dovetail with the demands that midlife brings with it, such as raising children, caring for aging parents, or managing a demanding career, leading to mental health issues from the accumulated stress. Mental Health Issues Associated with Post-MenopauseMany of the symptoms associated with perimenopause also apply to post-menopause. High anxiety is something that can occur in postmenopause. For instance, major depression is a risk because of the hormonal change that, among other effects, impacts the production of serotonin (the “happiness” neurochemical). Something that has been observed in postmenopausal women is binge eating, which can lead to a host of related physical and mental health issues. On the extreme end, menopause-associated psychosis (MAP) is sometimes seen. This may result from the decrease in estrogen levels, as estrogen can protect against psychosis-inducing symptoms, as some research suggests a link between MAP and estrogen levels. Links between suicide risk and menopause, especially in early menopause (i.e., between 40 and 45 years old), have also been established. Overall, the mental health risks of postmenopausal life can have a significant impact on wellbeing. That being said, seeing a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can be the first step to making this stage of life bearable. Middle age and beyond bring new demands. Managing your mental health is key to keep up with life’s challenges.If you are seeking mental health care in California, Arizona, or Florida, then bonmente is here to help. We connect you with mental health professionals who can help treat menopause-related mental health issues. Treating Mental Health Conditions Related to MenopauseAt bonmente, we offer patients telepsychiatry solutions that can help you during the menopausal transition and beyond. We offer treatment options for depression, anxiety, irritability, and more. Our goal is to help patients manage mental health challenges.Our team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and other licensed mental health professionals treat all manner of mental health conditions. Whether you are premenopause, peri-, or postmenopausal, mental health support is important. We’re here to help you manage symptoms.If you have reached menopause and are looking for a telepsychiatrist in California or Florida, we can help. Look no further than bonmente! Need pre- or post-menopausal mental health treatment? Reach out to bonmente today!
Psychiatric Services: Nurturing Mental Health Wellness Posted on April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 by bonmente In today’s fast-paced world, mental health has become a central focus for many individuals and families. American culture has traditionally put a premium on physical health, with commercial gym chains and marathons measured in kilometers being entire cultural subsects.However, growing awareness about the importance of emotional and psychological well-being has made mental health care a priority for many people. From mood swings to suicidal thoughts, mental health issues are increasingly seen across the United States as serious problems to deserve attention and care.At bonmente, a psychiatric practice based in Long Beach, California that also offers telepsychiatry services to California, Florida, and Arizona residents, we understand the crucial role that mental health plays in overall well-being. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, stress, or just navigating the everyday challenges of life, our psychiatric services can help.The Importance of Mental HealthMental health affects every aspect of our lives. It influences how we think, feel, and behave—our overall conduct. It can play a major role in how we cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. When mental health is compromised, it can lead to a variety of issues that affect not only the individual but also their relationships, work, and general quality of life.Mental illnesses are not a sign of weakness or something that can be “snapped out of.” These are legitimate medical conditions that require professional care, attention, and treatment. Our goal at bonmente is to create a safe supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable addressing their mental health needs without judgment.What Are Psychiatric Services?Psychiatric services encompass a range of mental health care services aimed at diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with mental health concerns. At Bonmente, we offer comprehensive psychiatric services that cater to the diverse needs of our patients.Our team of licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and other mental health professionals, work together to provide these services to our patients. Diagnostic EvaluationAt bonmente, the first step in understanding and addressing mental health concerns is through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Our mental health professionals meet with you to understand your unique circumstances. We gather information about your mental health history, family history, and symptoms so that we can accurately diagnose any potential mental health conditions.From there, we tailor an individualized treatment plan for you.Medication ManagementMental health conditions may require medication to help manage symptoms. These can help alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.Our psychiatrists are trained to prescribe (and e-prescribe, via our secure telepsychiatry platform) and manage medications.Medication is often combined with therapy for a holistic approach to treatment. This combination can bring short-term symptom relief while working toward long-term mental well-being.Therapy and CounselingIntegral parts of psychiatric services are therapy and counseling. Therapy provides tools for coping with stress, improving relationships, managing emotions, and building resilience.At bonmente, we provide different forms of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and other evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Every kind of therapy has the goal of helping patients explore and address underlying issues that may be contributing to mental health challenges.Individualized Treatment PlansOne of the core principles of our practice is that no two patients are alike. Each individual’s needs, symptoms, and goals are different. That’s why we create personalized treatment plans for every patient. We take into account a patient’s unique circumstances, values, and preferences. Treatment plans may include therapy, medication, and regular follow-up to ensure progress and modify the plan as needed.Types of Mental Health Conditions TreatedAt Bonmente, we treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including:Personality Disorders: Borderline personality disorder and other personality disorders can affect relationships and overall functioning. Our team helps patients understand their condition and navigate challenges.Psychotic Disorders: Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders can cause disruptions in thoughts and perceptions. Treatment involves both medication and therapy to help manage symptoms.Anxiety Disorders: From generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to panic disorder, OCD, and social anxiety, we provide treatment and support to help manage the symptoms and restore balance to your life.Depressive Disorders: Whether it’s major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia, our team works closely with patients to find the right approach for managing depression. Along the way, we work to improve patients’ mood and energy levels.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Therapy and medication can help individuals manage symptoms and work through trauma.Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Both children and adults can experience ADHD. Our psychiatric services involve a treatment plan for improving focus, behavior, and organizational skills.Bipolar Disorder: We provide support for individuals experiencing manic and depressive episodes. We can help patients understand and manage the condition with a combination of therapy and medication.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD can limit one’s ability to live a satisfying life, but with the right treatment approach individuals can regain control over their thoughts and actions.Eating Disorders: Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating can be mitigated with psychiatric treatment that helps patients establish healthier relationships with food and their bodies.Getting Help Through bonmente Psychiatric ServicesIf you’re ready to take the first step towards better mental health, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or any other mental health concern, we are here to support you with compassionate, personalized care.Our intake process begins with an initial consultation, during which we will discuss your mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. From there, we will work together to create a treatment plan that suits your needs and preferences.Whether you are looking for in-person psychiatric treatment in Long Beach, California, or are a California or Florida resident seeking telepsychiatry services, we are available to help.
Women’s History Month: Honoring Women in Mental Health Care Posted on April 11, 2025April 14, 2025 by bonmente Women have been integral in the history of mental health care, with earlier pioneers like Mary Whiton Calkins — the first female president of the American Psychological Association and an innovator in learning techniques — paving the way for women doing great things in the field today. Since March is Women’s History Month, we here at bonmente wish to highlight some of the pioneering women currently working in the mental health care field. Reiko Homma TrueBorn in Niigata, Japan, Dr. Reiko Homma True, took the long way to becoming a psychiatrist. She graduated from Tokyo University’s English and International Business Program and moved with her husband and child to San Francisco after facing numerous job rejections on the basis of her gender. In California, she got into social work, where she saw that the American mental health care system did not adequately account for cultural differences in treatment. She lobbied local governments and helped establish the Asian American Community Mental Health Program in Oakland, which was the first minority-focused mental health center in California. After getting a master’s degree in social work from UC‒Berkeley, she began a support group called Himawari-kai (“sunflower”) that assisted Japanese women who recently arrived in the United States. Driven by her social-work efforts to gain a better understanding of mental health, she earned a doctorate from Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). She helped found the American Psychological Association and helped establish the Board of Ethnic Minority Affairs in the APA. In the mental health care field, her accomplishments are both within academic study, where she researches how to bridge cultural differences in mental health care, and in the public, developing community programs in San Francisco and across the Southwest.The spirit of community service has not left her, as she has helped assemble mental health response units for disasters in California and Japan.Kay Redfield JamisonA leading authority on bipolar disorder (the mental illness once known as “manic depression”), Kay Redfield Jamison is one of the foremost researchers in mental health. She is the Dalio Professor in Mood Disorders and Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center. She stands out in the field being an expert on a mental health condition that she happens to also have had an intense struggle with.Shortly after earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA and beginning a professorship in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, the mood swings that she had been suffering for years became so difficult to deal with that she sought psychiatric help from a trusted colleague, who gave her a diagnosis of manic depression.She discussed her struggles with being bipolar in her best-selling 1995 memoir An Unquiet Mind, which remains a well-regarded text on the condition. Marsha Linehan In the 1970s, Dr. Marsha Linehan developed dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a key treatment technique that applies to a wide range of mental health conditions. DBT is based on mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The treatment is largely for people who experience intense emotions. The word “dialectical” had largely been used by philosophers when discussing contradictions. The term fits well for this particular treatment, which deals with trying to help patients reconcile the beliefs and behaviors associated with their mental health issue with alternative beliefs and behaviors that can improve their condition. Validation, which is not the same as agreement, is the key to DBT. Instead of trying to pitch unhelpful and unhealthy conduct as “wrong” to the patient, the mental health care provider validates the conduct by acknowledging that such conduct could make sense for someone with the patient’s condition. Dr. Linehan drew on more than just her educational background to develop DBT. Her personal experience in seeking help for mental health issues – which left her feeling worse off – informed her quest. Though she was diagnosed with schizophrenia, she later perceived this as a misdiagnosis and felt that she really had borderline personality disorder.For treatment, she was given electroconvulsive therapy that gave her cognitive issues, memory loss being one. Being locked alone in an isolation room for suicidal behavior and self-harm did not help either; while in there, she self-harmed and experienced frequent suicidal thoughts.These negative experiences drove her to develop a new treatment method. She studied behavioral psychology at Loyola University in Chicago, where she also earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in experimental and social personality psychology.Beverly Daniel TatumPresident emerita of Spelman College, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum is a clinical psychologist who has made significant contributions to the study of race relations, with a particular focus on the psychology of racism. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Wesleyan University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. Additionally, she has an M.A. in Religious Studies from Hartford Seminary. Her research demonstrates that racism in American educational institutions has an impact on racial-identity formation, and also covers the phenomenon of self-segregation. Additionally, she has studied assimilation of Black families into predominantly white neighborhoods.She is also a best-selling author, best known for her book “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” and Other Conversations About Race. In 2014, she received the APA Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to Psychology; she is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.Need mental health services? We can help.The team at bonmente treats a number of mental health disorders through evidence-based mental health treatments, several of which were developed thanks to the work of these amazing women in mental health care. We can verify whether your health insurance covers our treatment and get you started on a path to better mental health today.
