The Story Behind Second Spring. For the last 4-5 years, I have been going through something that a huge percentage of women experience at some point in their lives: perimenopause and menopause.

At times, it has been soul-destroying and one of the most difficult and challenging periods of my life.

There were days when all I wanted to do was lock myself away. Physically and emotionally, was at rock bottom. But most days, I had to put the mask on, pretend I was fine, and just get on with it. Inside, I felt lonely, afraid, frustrated, angry, and overwhelmed by a whole range of emotions.

By the time I went to my GP, I actually said, "l feel like the life is being sucked out of me." I felt broken.

Thankfully, my GP was incredibly supportive and a strong advocate for women going through menopause. But not everyone is offered the same care or understanding. While the medical support was there, I still felt a huge lack of emotional support.

I began searching for inspiration-books, podcasts, websites-anything menopause-related. I was tired of moaning, tired of feeling the way I did, and I started internalising everything, which only made things worse.

I knew there was very little help for women of a "certain age" - no real network or community, nowhere to go to talk and be with people who suffer with the same problems. With this in mind I decided to start this group for like minded people who are asking the same questions and not getting any answers. I hope you will get as much out of this group as you will need to understand the condition.

I hope to see you all in the group.

Nicola