Guided by Dr. Omolola Aragbada, NP, APRN, DNP, PMHNP-BC
At Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services, we understand that perimenopause is a significant, often challenging life transition, not just a physical event. The years leading up to menopause, marked by hormonal shifts, can feel isolating and overwhelming, often leading to mood swings, anxiety, sleep issues, and a pervasive “brain fog.”
To address this critical need for connection and specialized support, Dr. Omolola Aragbada, PMHNP-BC, is proud to launch our new peer support group specifically tailored for women navigating the perimenopausal journey.
Why a Dedicated Perimenopause Support Group?
The psychological and emotional symptoms experienced during perimenopause are complex and often misunderstood. Unlike general women’s health or stress groups, a perimenopause-specific group offers a safe space for:
- Validation: Hearing others share experiences from sudden hot flashes to intense anxiety or memory lapses confirms that you are not alone and that your symptoms are real and hormonally driven.
- Specialized Knowledge: Led by a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, the group provides evidence-based information on the neurobiological causes of mood symptoms (the estrogen-serotonin link, the role of progesterone on anxiety) and effective coping strategies.
- Empowerment: Moving beyond simply enduring symptoms to actively managing them with informed choices about lifestyle, non-pharmacological therapies, and when appropriate, pharmacological interventions like MHT or antidepressants.
Group Focus: Turning Uncertainty into Understanding
The Light-tunnel Perimenopause Support Group is designed to be both therapeutic and educational. Sessions will explore key areas of distress and provide actionable strategies for coping and thriving.
1. Hormones and Mental Health
- Understanding the hormonal roller coaster of perimenopause and its direct impact on mood, irritability, and panic.
- The science behind “brain fog” and practical techniques to improve focus and memory.
- Making informed decisions about Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and other pharmacological treatments.
2. Mastering Stress and Anxiety
- Learning evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles to manage anxiety and shift negative self-talk.
- Developing mindfulness and relaxation strategies to calm the nervous system during hormone surges.
3. Restoring Sleep and Energy
- Practical tips for managing night sweats and improving sleep hygiene.
- Strategies for combating pervasive fatigue and maintaining energy levels.
4. Navigating Relationships and Self-Identity
- Communicating needs to partners, family, and colleagues.
- Addressing changes in body image, sexuality, and the transition of midlife identity.
Guided by Dr. Omolola Aragbada, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Aragbada brings clinical expertise and a deeply compassionate approach to group facilitation. As a PMHNP, she offers a unique blend of psychiatric diagnosis, psychotherapeutic skills, and knowledge of women’s health across the lifespan.
“Perimenopause is often called the ‘second puberty’ because of the intense hormonal flux, but unlike puberty, many women feel unprepared and isolated. My goal is to create a light-filled space where every woman feels heard, validated, and equipped with the clinical knowledge and tools to move through this tunnel and emerge stronger on the other side.”
– Dr. Omolola Aragbada, PMHNP
📅 How to Join the Support Group
When: Group sessions are held weekly (details provided upon registration).
Where: Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services, [Virtual Platform].
Eligibility: Any woman in the perimenopausal phase seeking supportive, specialized mental health guidance.
To learn more or to register for the upcoming group cohort, please call Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services at [8607925468] or visit our website at [https://lighttunnelbhs.com]. Take the first step toward finding clarity, connection, and control during this transformative life stage.