Anxiety, mood and sleep: Portuguese program helps women in menopause

Designed “Cuidar-ME – Self-care during Menopause: a psychological intervention to promote the mental health and quality of life of women during the (peri) menopause”, the digital program, accessible via computer or mobile phone, with access to the internet, “offers practical strategies and information based on scientific evidence to promote self-care, well-being and quality of life during perimenopausal and menopause”, said the UC, in a press release today sent to Lusa agency.

The research team of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC), responsible for the development of the digital tool, is testing it, noting that menopause and perimenopausal “are natural phases of deep biological and emotional transition, constituting a significant developmental milestone during adulthood”.

“ The transition to menopause is a phase with many physical and psychological changes that may have an impact not only on women and their well-being, but also on their relationships in various contexts, such as personnel and professionals”, argued, quoted in the note, Ana Fonseca, professor at FPCEUC and researcher at the Center for Investigation in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention.

“ Often, the woman lives this phase alone, without sharing what she feels or even without fully understanding what is happening to her, because, unfortunately, this issue is still treated as a taboo”, the expert emphasized.

Ana Fonseca defended the importance of research aimed specifically at this phase of the adult women’s life cycle, recalling that the transition period to menopause “is often associated with symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, sleep disorders and disturbances in global quality of life”.

“ Despite its impact on women’s lives, psychological support is still scarce and difficult for most women.”.

Thus, the program “presents a digital and accessible solution that guides users in strategies of self-care and emotional regulation, promoting practical skills to manage some of the symptoms of menopause”.

The “SME Care” consists of eight modules that can be performed at the pace of each participant, with information, exercises and strategies for anxiety management, mood regulation or acceptance, among other topics.

“It seeks to help women understand the changes they may be experiencing during transition or after menopause and help them find useful strategies to promote their well-being and mental health,” said Ana Fonseca.

At the same time, the research team is conducting a study aimed at women aged 40 to 60 who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal and who live in Portugal to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of this intervention.

“ We sought to understand the experience of the users of the program and evaluate if, after participation, there are improvements in their well-being and mental health ", stressed the teacher.