In 2025 there will be an estimated one billion women going through menopause (Hill, 1996). Prescriptions for anti-depressants are being offered before the question is explored as to whether a woman is in the peri/menopause phase. This lack of recognition of the true impact can potentially disempower and disadvantage those most in need.
This workshop looks to understand how to manage the ever-expanding demographic of menopause whilst avoiding the marketing of the trojan horse of menopause that is being commodified at an alarming rate.
It will encourage participants to question the ‘why’ in the headlines indicating the rise in suicide rates amongst women in the 45-54 age bracket, higher rates of divorce, depression, anxiety, paranoia and rage and why women are leaving their careers. If peri/menopause is not the direct causation there is certainly room to discuss the correlation between such events – and we will not know until we talk about it openly.
Through discussion and not didactic conditioning from an ever-present “McMedia Circus” this workshop will bring in the lived-experience voice/s alongside evidence-based facts. Challenging the seeming bias to treat those in the peri/menopause stage of life as a prescriptive ‘mental health’ tick box – next patient, please! (Even NICE guidelines, are clear that HRT and not anti-depressants should be the first line treatment for low mood due to menopause).
Participants will be able to consider an emerging new paradigm which we believe reflects a human-centred approach where the most valuable support for those in peri/menopause is in the recognition of the individual experience. From there we can collectively recognise how a co-produced support network can be built to offer what is needed in the peri/menopause phase – beyond the guaranteed consumers for the pharmaceutical industry.
Annesh de Vos will be presenting this workshop – supported by Dr Helen Douglas.
Aneesh and Helen bring a distinct and invaluable perspective drawn from their professional and personal experiences, comprehensive research, and unwavering commitment to their fields of menopause and trauma. Their combined approach ensures a holistic and profound understanding of the complexities that exist at the nexus of trauma and menopause. Based in the United Kingdom and working online via Zoom, they specialise in providing training, coaching, counselling, supervision and consultancy services.
Aneesh is a seasoned trainer, therapist & supervisor. All Aneesh’s work is underpinned with both compassion and somatic-based practices which she sees as an integral part of a holistic understanding of ourselves. Aneesh is currently studying for her doctorate in Psychological Trauma and she holds a Masters in Trauma Informed Practice, and a PGC in Coaching. Alongside David Buckler, Aneesh co-produces the ‘Community Connections’ podcast, which introduces trauma and its many guises, without fancy jargon. Aneesh also is a researcher for Epione Consultancy.
Helen trained in the sciences and holds a PhD in endocrinology, and a PGC in Counselling. With an academic background and continued involvement in research, plus her lived experience of surgical menopause, endometriosis, suicidal ideation, and autism, Helen is ideally placed to support people struggling to navigate life whilst simultaneously dealing with hormone-related issues including ‘PMDD’, endometriosis, PCOS, and menopause. Helen writes for Epione Consultancy and is currently honing her skills as a trainee trauma therapist at Trauma Healing Together.
Date and time: Wed, 22 May 2024 12:00 – 14:30 BST
Location: Online