Together We Pause - Episode 6: Period Anxiety
In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins tackle the topic of period anxiety, exploring how the fear and stress surrounding menstruation can impact women’s mental and physical well-being. They discuss the societal stigma around periods, how anxiety can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, and ways to manage this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health. Faye and Helen share their personal experiences with period anxiety and offer advice on how to better cope with the emotional challenges that can accompany menstruation.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Understanding Period Anxiety: Faye and Helen introduce the concept of period anxiety—how the mere anticipation of a period can create stress and worry. They discuss how anxiety is often linked to hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the cultural taboos around menstruation.
- Personal Experiences with Period Anxiety: Both hosts reflect on their own experiences with period anxiety, sharing how their menstrual cycles have affected their mental health. Faye talks about feeling anxious and overwhelmed during her periods, while Helen shares how her anxiety has been exacerbated by hormone fluctuations.
- The Impact of Hormonal Changes: The hosts dive into how hormonal shifts during menstruation can influence emotions and contribute to heightened anxiety. They discuss the link between PMS, perimenopause, and the emotional rollercoaster that many women experience around their periods.
- Breaking the Taboo Around Periods: Faye and Helen reflect on how society’s reluctance to openly discuss periods can make anxiety worse. They emphasize the importance of normalizing conversations around menstruation and offering support to those who struggle with period anxiety.
- Coping Strategies and Self-Care: The hosts offer practical tips on how to manage period anxiety, such as practicing mindfulness, establishing self-care routines, and seeking support from loved ones. Faye discusses how tracking her cycle and acknowledging her triggers has helped her cope, while Helen shares the importance of rest and relaxation during her period.
- Normalizing the Conversation: Faye and Helen wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to talk openly about period anxiety and share their experiences. They highlight the need for more awareness and support for women facing this challenge and call for a shift in how periods are perceived and discussed in society.
Action Items:
- Reflect on how your menstrual cycle may be influencing your anxiety levels and emotional health.
- Track your cycle to better understand the emotional and physical patterns that occur each month.
- Practice self-care strategies, like mindfulness or taking breaks, during your period to alleviate anxiety.
- Start open conversations with friends and family about period anxiety to help reduce stigma.
Call to Action:
If period anxiety has been a part of your journey, join Faye and Helen in this open conversation about how to better understand and manage it. Tune in for practical tips and insights on how to cope with the emotional challenges of menstruation. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others!
Break the silence around period anxiety with Together We Pause!
