How do I cope with my mom's menopausal mood swings?

Have you noticed recently that your sweet, caring mom, who once took pleasure in cooking dinner for you every evening, or didn’t moan about taxiing you around at the weekend, has now turned into an emotional wreck that sweats a lot? If this sounds familiar, then your mom is probably going through the menopause, and unfortunately it is a chapter of her life that might last a good number of years yet so you will have to learn to cope with her split personality, rather than cure.

Menopause marks the time in your mother’s life when her menstrual cycles (periods) come to an end. It will send her hormones into a raging mess, which in turn will send her into a raging mess. Unfortunately, it is an unavoidable transition, but fortunately, there are ways to cope with her mood swings (just one of the menopausal symptoms) and to make them more bearable.

How can I cope with my mom's mood swings?

Believe it or not, during menopause, your mom will be going through more hell than you are. You may be at the brunt of all her ferocious mood swings, but your mom is finding it difficult to control them and this will be frustrating to her. It is time for you to be understanding and patient. Follow these simple rules and you will survive your mom's terrible temper.

DON’T irritate further, DO ignore

If you find your mom being overly loving one moment and then shouting at you the next, don’t make the situation worse. Just have some self control and appreciate that this happens during menopause. Name calling, talking back, or getting wound up will make the transition from angry mom back to loving mom a lengthier one.

DON’T complain, DO compliment

Ever get fed up of your mom asking you how she looks? So much so that you sluggishly respond without even looking up? Well, doing that will only cause more mood swings. You don’t want to give your mom a reason to be angry. Just learn to compliment her and tell her how great she is looking or tell her how tasty her macaroni dinner was.

DON’T make coffee, DO make tea

Caffeine is a stimulant that will react with her nervous system and only worsen your mothers fluctuating moods. Suggest she swap coffee for chamomile tea which will de-stress her.

DON’T pretend it’s not happening. DO empathize and help.

The reason that you are feeling the full force of your mother’s mood swings is because you are probably the person who is around her the most. It is important that you talk to her about menopause and let her know that you are there for her if she needs you. Be understanding and patient and make sweet gestures. Offer to help out with the chores for example, or even leave her a little note every now and again to remind her that you love her.

DON’T nag, DO make suggestions.

It might be worth suggesting that she talks to a doctor about how she can reduce the severity of her moods and relieve her from this discomforting stage. She won’t be enjoying her unpredictable disposition. Also suggest that she take up a form of exercise such as yoga because it will occupy her time, make her feel healthier, and decrease levels of stress which all play a vital role in causing mood swings.

More information about mood swings:

Mood swings are an inevitable part of menopause and are infuriating for both the woman suffering with them and the person on the receiving end of them. Follow this link to find out more about mood swings and why they happen.