The menopause is often brushed off as a “natural phase” — just another thing women go through.
But for many, it can deeply impact both mental and physical health.
That truth became painfully clear in the heartbreaking story of Jacqueline Potter, a beloved teacher who tragically took her own life after struggling with severe mental health issues linked to the menopause.
Her story has now triggered serious questions about how the NHS treats menopause — or rather, how it doesn’t.
A Teacher, a Family Woman, and a Life Cut Short
Jacqueline Potter, also known to friends and family as Anne, was 54 years old when her life came to a devastating end.
Despite being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a respected language teacher in Somerset, she reached a point where she could no longer cope.
On December 5, 2020, Jacqueline deliberately drove into the path of a heavy goods vehicle on the A303.
She had been on leave from a mental health unit at the time.
Her family, who described her as kind, witty, and fiercely loyal, were left shattered.
Menopause and Mental Health: The Missed Connection
Jacqueline’s mental health began to decline after entering menopause, but the link between the two was not immediately recognized — not by her, not by her doctors.
It wasn’t until 2021, after years of anxiety and consultations with her GP dating back to 2008, that menopause was even mentioned.
By that point, she had been experiencing worsening symptoms, including anxiety, stress, and emotional fragility.
She was eventually prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and antidepressants.
For a time, it seemed to help.
But her mental health took another downturn in 2022, leading to an overdose, a hospital stay, and finally, admission to a psychiatric unit.
A Glimmer of Hope — and Then, the Final Blow
In the months before her death, Jacqueline showed signs of improvement.
She attended a Christmas market, smiled again, and even watched Strictly Come Dancing with her family.
It looked like the darkness was lifting.
But on December 5, while on overnight leave, she found the car keys her husband had unintentionally left accessible.
Without warning, she left the house and was later seen driving erratically before veering into the path of an oncoming tanker.
She died instantly.
A Coroner Speaks Out: The System Isn’t Working
Following the inquest into Jacqueline’s death, senior coroner Samantha Marsh didn’t mince her words.
She criticized the NHS for failing to prioritize menopause care, pointing out that Somerset NHS Foundation Trust had no dedicated menopause expert — only one GP with some specialist training covering the entire region.
Marsh was “surprised” to discover that there’s no requirement for clinical staff — including GPs, mental health professionals, or even gynecologists — to receive mandatory menopause training. In her view, that’s unacceptable.
Public vs. Private: A Divided Landscape
One of the coroner’s major concerns was the stark contrast between private and public healthcare access.
While private clinics may offer specialist menopause care, most women — especially those relying solely on the NHS — don’t have that luxury.
This means women like Jacqueline may never see someone who truly understands the scope of what they’re going through.
Marsh made it clear: menopause isn’t just a “women’s issue” or a personal matter.
It’s a biological reality with real consequences — and ignoring it is costing lives.
Why Online Resources Aren’t Enough
The coroner also criticized the NHS’s current approach of directing menopausal women to online resources.
She questioned why something as life-changing as menopause isn’t treated with the same urgency as conditions like heart disease or cancer.
“If someone finds a lump or breaks a bone, they see a qualified expert,” Marsh said.
“But if it’s menopause? The answer is, ‘Go read a website.’ That’s not good enough.”
What’s Being Done — And What Still Needs to Happen
After the inquest, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust admitted changes were necessary.
They pledged to create clearer safety plans for patients leaving mental health units and improve staff understanding of menopause and its psychological impact.
They also committed to assigning named nurses to individual patients to provide more consistent care.
A Heartbreaking Legacy and a Call for Change
Jacqueline’s death has sparked not just grief, but a nationwide wake-up call.
Her family, still reeling from their unimaginable loss, described her as a brilliant teacher with an incredible sense of humour and talent for languages.
Their tribute made it clear how deeply loved she was — and how much she’ll be missed.
Her story, tragic as it is, may lead to real change.
The coroner’s official prevention of future deaths report has been sent to NHS England and other medical bodies.
They now have until June 19, 2025, to respond.
What’s Next?
The question now is: will this be the turning point? Will the NHS — and society — start treating menopause with the seriousness it deserves?
Jacqueline’s story is a painful reminder that the cost of inaction is far too high.