Community health champion Sally Williams will speak about her harrowing experience at Wychavon’s ‘Story of Hope Workshop’ on Tuesday, April 28.
The menopause was never considered as a factor when Ms Williams’ mental health deteriorated over several years.
It eventually led to multiple hospital admissions and suicide attempts.
She said: “When I went on HRT, it was like someone had turned the light on. After all those years of being lost, suddenly there I was. Everything that happened to me was completely preventable.
“If just one person had checked my hormone levels, things would have been very different. When I asked why hormones had never been considered, I was just dismissed.
“That’s when I knew I had to tell my story. Things have to change.”
The free event, which takes place at 10.30am at Watersedge in Bishampton, is open to members of the public as well as professionals working in health and support services, though booking is required.
Since last year, Ms Williams has been speaking out about her experiences as part of the Wellbeing in Wychavon programme, which supports residents to peer-support and signpost others in the community or workplace who are feeling challenged by poor mental wellbeing.
Her symptoms began in 2018 with anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia.
The situation only improved after she recognised her symptoms after watching a television documentary and was prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Within months, her mental health improved and she was able to rebuild her life.
To attend the event and hear her full story, visit https://tinyurl.com/m83ukwae.
She now advocates for better awareness of the connection between menopause and mental health, especially among perimenopausal women, who have since been identified as a priority group within the Wellbeing in Wychavon scheme.
Ms Williams is also contributing to a book by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, due for release this summer, to help raise awareness about the link between hormones and mental health.
Research shows that women experiencing perimenopause are at significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
In Worcestershire, suicide rates are higher among women aged 45 to 49.
Space is limited, and registration is required.