Women
Supporting women in maintaining their mental well-being through key life stages.
Your well-being is worth prioritising. No matter the season you’re in.
Mood changes across life stages
Many women notice changes in their mood across different life stages. These can be linked to hormonal shifts that occur with menstruation, pregnancy, the postpartum period and menopause.
Not “just part of being a woman”
Women often hear that they should “push through” premenstrual mood swings, pregnancy worries, “baby blues” or menopausal changes. When symptoms start affecting daily life, relationships, sleep, work or caregiving, it is important to recognise that support is available and effective.
How these changes show up in daily life
Hormonal and life changes do not happen in isolation. They often occur alongside work stress, family responsibilities and financial pressures. Juggling multiple roles, caring for children or ageing parents and managing physical symptoms can add to emotional strain.
Early care makes a difference
Timely assessment and treatment can help stabilise mood, improve daily functioning and reduce the risk of symptoms becoming more severe or long lasting. Supportive care can also help women prepare for upcoming life transitions, such as pregnancy or menopause, and understand what to expect.
Understanding common
Menstrual cycle–related changes
Some women notice recurring challenges at certain points of their cycle that can affect daily functioning.
Fertility and family planning
The process of trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment can introduce unique stresses.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings physical, lifestyle and role changes that may affect mental well-being.
Postpartum period
The transition into caring for a newborn can be both meaningful and demanding.
Perimenopause and menopause
Hormonal changes during midlife can influence daily comfort, sleep and cognitive performance.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A more severe form of premenstrual mood changes, where emotional and physical symptoms in the days before menstruation significantly interfere with work, studies, relationships or daily activities.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Marked mood swings, sadness or tearfulness before the period
- Strong irritability or anger
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Low energy and fatigue
- Changes in appetite or sleep
Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (during pregnancy and after birth)
Perinatal depression and anxiety refer to mood and anxiety conditions that occur during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. They are more than “baby blues” and can affect both the parent and the baby.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Persistent sadness, emptiness or frequent crying
- Excessive worry about the baby’s health or safety
- Irritability, restlessness or feeling on edge
- Difficulty sleeping even when the baby is sleeping
- Feeling disconnected from the baby or others
- Strong feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or that the baby might be better off without you
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders involve persistent and excessive fear or worry that is difficult to control. Hormonal shifts, health concerns and life changes can all contribute to the onset or worsening of anxiety.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Ongoing, difficult-to-control worry
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- Rapid heart rate, breathlessness or trembling
- Muscle tension, headaches or stomach discomfort
Depressive Disorders
Depression can occur at any life stage and may be triggered or worsened by hormonal changes, life transitions or ongoing stress. It affects how a person feels, thinks and manages day-to-day activities.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Persistent low mood or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorders are characterised by episodes of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and periods of depression. In some women, symptoms may first appear during pregnancy, after childbirth or around menopause.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MANIA OR HYPOMANIA
- Needing much less sleep without feeling tired
- Feeling unusually energetic or “wired”
- Talking more quickly than usual
- Racing thoughts
- Engaging in risky behaviours, such as overspending or unsafe sexual activity
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in most activities
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Adjustment Disorders and Stress-related Conditions
Adjustment disorders can develop when a person has difficulty coping with a major life change or stressful event, such as pregnancy complications, fertility difficulties, relationship breakdown, serious illness or entering menopause.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with the change
- Excessive worry or anxiety about the situation
- Tearfulness or low mood
- Difficulties concentrating
- Changes in sleep or appetite
How we can help
We are committed to supporting women’s mental well-being with high-quality, personalised care that adapts to each life stage including menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum changes and menopause.
Personalised treatment
Every woman’s experience and need are different. Our team works closely with you to develop an individualised treatment plan that aligns with your goals and the specific challenges you may be facing, whether related to reproductive changes, life transitions or other factors. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication management and supportive lifestyle strategies.
Proper assessment and diagnosis
Hormonal shifts and life-stage transitions can sometimes overlap with symptoms of mental health conditions. We provide comprehensive assessments to help clarify the root causes of your symptoms and offer a clear, accurate diagnosis to guide the most suitable care.
Psychological treatment
We collaborate closely with psychologists experienced in evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and other therapeutic modalities. These therapies can help you understand patterns in your thoughts, behaviours and responses, and support you in managing challenges that arise across different reproductive or midlife stages.
Medication management
When necessary, medication can play an important role in a comprehensive treatment plan. Our psychiatrists are experienced in prescribing and managing medications commonly used for conditions that may occur during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. We monitor your treatment closely to ensure safety, effectiveness and comfort.
Collaborative care
With your consent, we can work together with obstetricians, gynaecologists, primary care doctors or other providers involved in your care. This ensures an integrated, well-coordinated approach that supports both your mental and physical well-being. We respect your privacy at all times, and all collaboration will be done with your full knowledge and agreement.
Reach out towards recovery
Community support and resources
Mental health issues are more common than we think—there is nothing to be ashamed of. There is always support available, from communities formed by people experiencing similar struggles to counsellors and psychiatrists. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Confidentiality
We respect your privacy—any discussions you have with us are kept strictly confidential.
Holistic wellbeing
Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Taking care of your mind is a crucial part of your overall wellbeing.
Ask our team your questions or get help scheduling an appointment—we are here to support you in any way we can.