She Lost Her Battle During Menopause—Now Her Family Is Saving Lives

In this deeply moving episode, Craig Gaunt shares the heartbreaking story of losing his wife Debbie to suicide, which was later linked to undiagnosed perimenopausal psychosis. Through raw storytelling, he details the rapid and tragic shift in Debbie’s mental health, how he connected the dots between menopause and suicide through a Google search, and how that led to the creation of the Debbie Gaunt Foundation. The episode aims to break the silence around mental health struggles tied to menopause and the lack of education and resources for both patients and healthcare professionals.

The discussion also shines light on the need for systemic change, including better training for doctors, integrated mental health support, and public awareness campaigns. Craig and the host emphasize that early education—especially for men—is key to preventing future tragedies. The episode finishes with hope, outlining the foundation’s mission to empower women, engage men, and equip professionals to better understand this often overlooked stage of life.

Learn more about The Debbie Gaunt Foundation here: https://www.debbiegauntfoundation.com.au/

This episode is brought to you by RUKSAK - helping you turn every walk into a workout with weighted vests, backpacks and accessories. Visit ⁠https://rebrand.ly/ruksak_spotify⁠ and use the code “SHAUNA15” for 15% off all purchases.

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. You can call any of the numbers below to get support:

Lifeline - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 or chat online

00:00:00 – Introducing Craig Gaunt’s Powerful Story

00:01:52 – Launching the Debbie Gaunt Foundation: A Mission to Save Lives

00:06:59 – Early Warning Signs: Debbie’s Symptoms & Mental Health Decline

00:09:29 – Why We Must Rethink Menopause

00:11:02 – The Hidden Toll on Careers and Relationships

00:13:26 – Expanding the Debbie Gauntt Foundation Nationwide

00:15:25 – Why Doctors Need Menopause Training

00:15:48 – Debunking Menopause Myths

00:16:38 – The Media Problem: How Menopause is Misrepresented

00:18:37 –  Redefining the Age Menopause Really Begins

00:19:38 – Hormonal Anxiety & PTSD: The Overlooked Mental Health Crisis

00:20:15 – Rucking for Midlife Women

00:22:21 – How the Foundation Transformed Craig’s Family

00:25:33 – The Urgent Need for Menopause Education in Society & Healthcare

00:26:46 – Menopause Tracking Apps: Using Tech to Support Women’s Health

00:28:04 – Struggling to Find the Right Doctor?

00:31:02 – How Social Media Is Empowering Women Through Menopause Education

00:33:59 – More People Are Waking Up to Menopause Awareness

00:34:28 – How Menopause Impacts Women’s Self-Esteem

00:35:18 – Menopause Isn’t Just a ‘Woman’s Issue’: Why Men Must Be Informed

00:36:58 – The Road Ahead: Expanding the Debbie Gauntt Foundation’s Reach

00:39:53 – Final Thoughts: Changing the Narrative Around Menopause Forever

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perimenopausal psychosis

Debbie Gauntt Foundation

Craig Gauntt story

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men and menopause awareness

HRT myths and facts

menopause brain fog

suicide prevention in women

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