Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Natalie discusses the challenges and transformations that occur during midlife, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes rather than resisting them. She highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of navigating this transition and offers insights into personal growth during this critical phase of life.

Takeaways:

• The life we have built may no longer serve us.
• Midlife transition can lead to significant personal growth.
• Resisting change can lead to a midlife crisis.
• Emotional well-being is crucial during transitions.
• Understanding our feelings is key to navigating change.
• Support systems play a vital role in midlife adjustments.
• Self-reflection can aid in personal development.
• Embracing change can lead to new opportunities.
• Midlife is a time for reevaluation and growth.
• Adapting to change is essential for happiness.

Keywords: midlife transition, life changes, personal growth, crisis management, emotional well-being

Sound bites

"The life that we have built is no longer gonna work for us."

"Midlife transition is a critical phase."

Chapters

00:00 Facing the Unpreparedness of Midlife

00:18 Grieving the Loss of Past Versions

JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠LearnToLoveYourStory.com (https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com) ⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People's Opinions” SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources): National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠ CALL 988Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Natalie explores the often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, particularly irritability, and emphasizes the importance of community support during this transitional phase. She discusses the impact of sleep disturbances on mental health and the necessity of prioritizing self-care and self-compassion. Dr. Natalie also highlights mindfulness as a crucial practice for navigating the challenges of midlife, encouraging women to be kind to themselves and recognize that they are not alone in their experiences.

Keywords

perimenopause, menopause, irritability, mental health, self-care, community support, sleep disturbance, self-compassion, mindfulness, women's health

Takeaways

• Irritability is the number one symptom of perimenopause.
• Sleep disturbances can lead to significant mental health issues.
• Women in midlife face increased rates of anxiety and depression.
• Self-care is essential during the perimenopausal journey.
• Community support can alleviate feelings of isolation.
• Self-compassion involves being kind to oneself during struggles.
• Mindfulness helps in recognizing and addressing personal suffering.
• Women often prioritize others over themselves, especially during this phase.
• Understanding hormonal changes can help in managing symptoms.
• It's important to acknowledge that many women share similar experiences.

Sound bites

"Selfish is the new self-care."

"We have to be kind to ourselves."

"We're all in this together."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms

11:06 Navigating Irritability and Self-Care

17:16 The Importance of Self-Compassion

23:34 NEWCHAPTER

JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠LearnToLoveYourStory.com (https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com) ⁠⁠ Mailing List! Join my newsletter and receive my FREE video and workbook, “Freeing Yourself: A Guide for Letting Go of Other People's Opinions” SIGN UP on the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/762561/109840834025752017/share⁠⁠⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and video is not a replacement for therapy and is not clinical, medical, or mental health treatment. Dr. Natalie Marr is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Her work with ⁠⁠(⁠https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠, ⁠(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://NatalieMarrCounseling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ (about:invalid#zCSafez) ),⁠ and all affiliate social media entities is educational and coaching based ONLY. She IS NOT offering therapeutic services of any kind on these mediums. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please use the following crisis resources (this is not an exhaustive list of available resources): National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠ (about:invalid#zCSafez) CALL 988Crisis Text Line: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.crisistextline.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Text HOME to 741741

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Natalie shares her personal journey through midlife health challenges, focusing on her struggles with fatty liver disease, weight management, and the emotional toll of navigating the healthcare system. She reflects on her family history of health issues, the feeling of inadequacy despite her efforts, and the importance of self-compassion in the face of adversity. Dr. Natalie emphasizes the need for understanding and support for women experiencing similar challenges during midlife.

Takeaways:

• As a woman in midlife, it's common to feel unheard by healthcare providers.
• Weight management can be particularly challenging during midlife due to hormonal changes.
• Family history plays a significant role in health outcomes and awareness.
• The emotional impact of health struggles can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy.
• Self-compassion is crucial when facing health challenges and societal pressures.
• Navigating the healthcare system can be frustrating and disheartening.
• It's important to seek validation and understanding from healthcare professionals.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a journey that requires patience and resilience.
• Women often feel the burden of societal expectations regarding health and appearance.
• You are not alone in your struggles; many women share similar experiences.

Keywords: midlife health, women's health, weight management, liver disease, emotional health, healthcare experience, self-compassion, menopause, health challenges, personal journey

Chapters:

00:00 Facing Health Challenges in Midlife

09:41 Navigating the Healthcare System

14:24 The Emotional Toll of Weight Management

19:12 Finding Compassion in the Struggle