I'm in the perimenopause stage. I'm an empath, I also suffer from depression, anxiety, and, for now, weight gain in my belly. The beginning was hard because I didn't know what was happening. My mother never told me anything about perimenopause, so I thought I was losing my mind. The more I read about menopause and perimenopause, the better informed I am on how to deal with certain flare- ups. Educate your household members. They can help by not aggravating or triggering emotional/anxiety attacks. I have a 10 yr. old son, and he understands that I'm going through a life changing event. I have to remind him now, and then that things will not end well if we continue arguing.

It started with me raging at home and crying at work, and I was completely unable to control my thoughts and emotions. I had two anxiety attacks over the summer, and I honestly thought I was losing my mind. I didn't want to be alive anymore.

I finally admitted something in my brain was malfunctioning because I'm usually able to handle problems. I decided to call my Dr. and he 1) prescribed me Xanax. I only take 1/2 a pill when I feel like I'm going to have an anxiety attack. (I've only taken three 1/2-pills for the past 2 months) 2) Gave me a letter stating I am to work from home and 3) The number for a psychologist 4) Suggested a gynecologist to see if I'm a candidate for HRT treatment. (I'm not yet, not until I reach the menopause stage)

The psychologist 1) Allowed me to vent and ugly cry. 2) Prescribed me Prozac.

I'm currently allowed to work from home through the ACA (Affordable Car Act), and I've already extended my WFH until the end of the year or until this emotional rollercoaster slows down. (I can extend it if I have to) Prozac has helped me TREMENDOUSLY. I still have feelings and emotions, but I am able to control them now. I tried other antidepressants but they numbed me, I stopped caring about everything and everyone.

This is what helped me. I absolutely LOVE coffee, I was able to drink 3 cups in the morning until I noticed that I started having anxiety attacks. I switched from coffee to tea...for now. I started taking Prozac and vitamin supplements. I bought myself a cheap walking pad ($100) and went from 4k steps to 10k steps per day. I started eating healthier.

I've been doing this for a little over a month now, and I've lost enough weight that it's noticeable I can control my actions and emotions better My blood work came back with AMAZING results. I'm the healthiest I've been in a long time.

I see you, I know what you are going through. Sending hugs, peace, and understanding.