A 47-year-old woman struggled so badly with the symptoms of perimenopause that she took her own life.
47-year-old Charlotte Sumbland died after struggling with symptoms, reports MEN. Friend of 35-years Stacy Stewart said: "Charlotte and I were so close and had children the same age – our sons, who are 16, were born nine days apart. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing when the news was given to me.
“Charlotte had been talking a lot about the perimenopause – she felt panicky, stressed and suffered sweats. But I still can't believe she felt so bad that she felt she had no option but to do what she did.
“Part of the reason it's so hard to come to terms with is that Charlotte was always a problem solver. If you had an issue, she'd find a way forward. We had actually been on holiday to Spain the week before and she was enjoying herself but then would start panicking and sighing about her situation.”
Since Charlotte’s death, Stacy says she has heard of other women ‘who feel this desperate’ because of the menopause. “That's why it's important we do something not only to remember her but also to let other women know they are not on their own,” she says.
Friends are now setting up a support group to help others in a similar situation.
Stacy and friends during the Menopause Walk
Stacy organised a sponsored walk in aid of the Menopause Charity, which works to improve women's and healthcare professionals' understanding of the menopause. The walk culminated in a night at the White Swan pub to share a drink in Charlotte's honour.
The White Swan’s landlady Lyndsey Smethills has now decided to continue spreading awareness around menopause with plans to launch a meeting group at the pub where other women can share their experiences and receive advice.
“We want to organise a group so that women have somewhere to go, to let off steam, to chat and to know they aren't on their own,” Lyndsey explains. “In fact, we'd like to hear from any experts who feel they can help us set up the group and offer guidance to its members.”
Speaking about her fundraising efforts, Stacy added: “We just want to raise awareness about menopause and how badly it can affect people. If one person reads this and realises that it is normal to feel this awful around the time of the menopause and perimenopause they may reach out and speak to someone. It could literally be a lifesaver.”
Discussing Charlotte, she said: “She didn't moan about things and had a cracking sense of humour yet when she started getting these symptoms, whatever we, her friends, said to her just didn’t make any difference - which was completely out of character.
“Women need to speak about the way they feel and know they are not alone and that there are people out there who care and who can help.”
Helplines and websites
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/
