Life Cycle and Suicidal Behavior Among Women: Why Midlife Matters

drtera
Sep 2
3 min read

Updated: Sep 7

Suicide Risk in Women Peaks in Midlife

A 2022 narrative review by Mendez-Bustos, et al. Life Cycle and Suicidal Behavior Among Women, highlights a sobering reality: suicide risk among women peaks between ages 35–44 and remains higher than any other time of life until the onset of menopause.

While the article does not specifically mention perimenopause, (which is a limitation IMHO) this timing overlaps with a period of profound hormonal, emotional, and physical changes that can increase vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and suicidality.

The Overlooked Role of Perimenopause

Perimenopause is marked by fluctuating hormones including estrogen and progesterone, which influence brain chemistry and mood regulation. Common symptoms include:

Irritability and mood swings
Sleep disruption and fatigue
Menorrhagia (heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding)
Low mood and loss of interest in activities
A host of physical symptoms that impact mental health

Each of these factors is linked to an increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior. Yet, the impact of perimenopause is often minimized, leaving many women feeling misunderstood or alone in their struggles.

Why Midlife Is a Fragile Time for Women’s Mental Health

The midlife stage is often a “perfect storm” of stressors: parenting teens, career demands, aging parents, relationship shifts, and changing hormones. Without adequate support, women may experience feelings of isolation, hopelessness, or despair and honestly just don’t even feel like themselves anymore.

This is a fragile and high-risk window for women’s mental health, and awareness is crucial. Silence only deepens the suffering.

Screening and Treatment Can Save Lives

The hopeful news is that screening, therapy, and social support are powerful protective factors. Women who receive mental health care are more likely to stabilize their mood, become equipped to manage anxiety, reduce symptoms, and reclaim a sense of control.

Effective treatment options include:

Individual therapy for personalized support and coping strategies
Group therapy for shared understanding, connection, and community building

Both approaches help women feel seen, validated, and supported—critical buffers against suicide risk.

Building Community Through Group Therapy

At Mindful Path, I, Dr. Tera, bring over 20 years of experience as a psychologist specializing in women’s health. This fall, I am enrolling for a Perimenopause Support Group, designed to provide a safe and compassionate space where women can share their stories and support each other.

Group therapy is more than treatment—it’s community. Research shows that building connections reduces the risk of suicide, depression, and anxiety in women navigating midlife and perimenopause.

A Call to Action: Speak Out, Reach Out

Don’t be afraid to speak openly about your struggles—your voice matters.
Check on your friends in this life stage—they may be silently struggling.
If you notice low mood, irritability, sleep disruption, or hopelessness, seek support.

Therapy Services with Dr. Tera at Mindful Path

I believe deeply in the healing power of therapy, both individually and in groups. If you are struggling or seeking connection, I invite you to join us. Together, we can face this transition with compassion, strength, and community.

📩 Contact me today to learn more about individual therapy or to enroll in the fall start Perimenopause Support Group.

📩 DM, text, call or email to connect

🌐 [www.mindfulpathpsy.org]

📱 [435-610-1015]

IG @mindfulpathpsy

🌸 If You’re in Crisis

If you are having thoughts of suicide or feel unsafe with your thoughts, please know you are not alone—and help is available right now.

📞 Call or text 988 in the United States to be connected with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, support, and help you find safety.

Reaching out is a sign of strength. Your life matters, and you deserve support and healing.

References

Méndez-Bustos, P., Calati, R., Rubio-Rubio, L., Olié, E., & Courtet, P. (2022). Life cycle and suicidal behavior among women. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 916407. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.916407