I was sectioned but new diet gave me life back

PEARL Owen, 56, started the menopause four years ago and became suicidal, even suffering hallucinations.

Now, after giving her diet an overhaul, she’s taken control of the situation and wants to help other women with mental health problems.

She said: “I was anxious and panicky all the time, and as soon as the hot flushes started, depression set in.

“I never felt good about myself. I lost interest in everything and had so little energy I couldn’t even walk my dog. I had sleep deprivation, too.

“It was like torture because my mind wouldn’t switch off. I didn’t sleep for days. For a year I barely left the house and did my shopping online.

“Although I had a lovely family – three children and six grandchildren – I wasn’t living my life and couldn’t cope with feeling that way forever. I did think about ending it all. At my lowest, I was sectioned for two weeks because I was having hallucinations and was on the verge of a mental breakdown.”

Pearl, of Barnsley, added: “It saved my life. I was given medication to help me sleep and prescribed an antidepressant. I slowly started feeling better.

“Now, I’ve overhauled my diet, which seems to be working. I eat organic food and swear by a menopause magnet which sits in my underwear. It’s a drug-free device to alleviate symptoms.

“It’s hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel when you’re going through the change but I tell myself it won’t last forever. I’m still having hot flushes, and odd days I feel anxious,but I don’t let it overwhelm me.

“Now, I’m looking at training courses to become a mental health support worker to help others.”