Navigating Menopause with Compassion: Dr Lydia Brown’s Work in Women’s Mental Health
As part of Women’s Health Week, the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences is proud to spotlight Dr Lydia Brown—clinical psychologist, senior lecturer, and internationally recognised expert on menopause and mental health.
Dr Brown’s research and clinical work focus on psychological resilience and wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on self-compassion as a protective factor. Her contributions to the field are significant: she was lead author of a 2024 Lancet Series paper on menopause and mental health, and has completed postdoctoral training at both Harvard Medical School and The University of Melbourne.
In the upcoming episode of the PsychTalks podcast, Lydia joins hosts Nick and Cassie to discuss the mental health impacts of menopause and ageing. Drawing on her clinical experience and personal mindfulness practice, she shares how self-compassion can help women navigate the psychological challenges of menopause and support wellbeing later in life. The episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies and a deeply human perspective on life’s transitions—essential listening for anyone interested in healthy ageing.
Lydia’s expertise will also be featured on the global stage this October, when she presents to the United Nations World Food Program. Her webinar, Menopause and Mental Health: Building Shared Knowledge and Tools for Resilience, will explore how menopause affects both physical and mental health, and offer tools to promote wellbeing, prioritise self-compassion, and support others through this life stage.
Closer to home, psychologists can engage directly with Lydia’s work through a full-day CPD workshop on Thursday, October 30. Delivered in-person, the session—Menopause and Mental Health—is led by an interdisciplinary team including Professor Martha Hickey (Gynaecology), Dr Anne Unkenstein (Neuropsychology), and Dr Lydia Brown (Clinical Psychology). Participants will gain six CPD hours and leave with enhanced clinical skills, confidence, and knowledge grounded in the latest science. The workshop also highlights models of interdisciplinary care and strategies to empower clients through menopause and beyond. Register for the workshop here.
Dr Lydia Brown’s work exemplifies the School’s commitment to advancing women’s mental health through research, education, and compassionate care. Her contributions continue to shape the conversation around menopause, resilience, and wellbeing—locally and globally.