Following the death of his wife, 41 year old Bereavement Counselor has called on men in mourning to be more aware of signs that indicate mental illness among their partners during menopause.
Linda Salmon was 56 when Linda took her life after suffering anxiety during the first nationwide lockdown.
She was classified as an essential worker since she worked at a Yorkshire supermarket. Mrs Salmon, a mother of two children was fired from her job because she worried about Covid. Her life was over just days after.
Linda’s husband, David Salmon, said his wife’s death opened his eyes to the potentially deadly consequences the menopause can have on vulnerable women.
In an interview with BBC, he stated that while the physical symptoms might be visible, the mental side is hidden.
‘I didn’t know there were all these other symptoms. The menopause seemed to be a time when you feel warm, have mood swings, and then it was over.
Salmon thinks that both Mr Salmon and his wife would seek help if they had known more about the connection between suicide prevention and menopause.
Linda Salmon of Keighley West Yorks was only 56 years old when she committed suicide last April following anxiety that she experienced during the first national lockdown. David Salmon, her husband (right), has encouraged men to recognize signs of mental illness in men.
David shared the tragic story of his wife with BBC in an interview. David warned that menopause mental strain isn’t always obvious.
The first national lockdown in Britain was initiated by Mrs Salmon, who worked at a Keighley supermarket, West Yorkshire. However, she took her life just days after being released from work because of mental health concerns.
David was married for over 40 years to Linda. He believes that the menopause contributed significantly to Linda’s poor mental state and claims the pandemic “pushed her over the edge”.
Menopause symptoms can include sleep problems, anxiety and night sweats.
Normal menopause begins at age 45 to 55. The average age for menopause is 51. There were 13 million women in Britain who were either in the peri- or postmenopause at any given time in 2016.
The Samaritans data showed that the highest suicide rate among women between the ages 45 and 54 was recorded.
Diane Danzebrink (55) founded the community support group Menopause Support and told BBC: “The vast majority will be perimenopausal before the age of 45. The average age for menopause in the United States is 51.
“It is now evident to all those involved in campaigning and advocacy for this cause that it is not an accident.”
Linda and David were married 41 years. She died in April 2020.
Diane Danzebrink, 55, found of community interest group Menopause Support, says she felt compelled to set up the organisation after realising she had not received the support she needed during the menopause
Diane once thought of suicide and felt that she wanted to help others. She says the reason she set up this organization was because she didn’t receive the support she needed.
It was becoming increasingly difficult for her to cope with mental illness. She suffered from “crippling anxiety” and felt she could not leave the house.
“Eventually, it reached the point that I can remember standing in my room and thinking, If this is my life. I don’t believe I want it anymore,” she said.
After recognizing her extreme menopause symptoms, her doctor recommended Hormone Replacement Therapy for her (HRT).
Earlier this year, TV presenter Gabby Logan, 47, discussed a variety of symptoms including increased anxiety and disturbed sleep and called on men to learn more about the menopause.
Jeremy Vine was interviewed by her.
“I feel that maybe men need to also have that honest conversation, because men’s testosterone falls off as well Jeremy. But it does so at a slower speed.
Salmon stated that his objective was to assist other families in identifying symptoms and hopefully prevent his wife from going through the same thing.
“We must talk about it, and make people aware. He said that mental aspects of depression are more important than the physical.
“If you’re in the same situation as me, help your wife. Hold her hand and get through it.
“You don’t need to be there I am now, you can’t do it.”
Samaritans can be reached at 116123 for confidential assistance.