In this episode, Joelle and Rachel discuss:
- The impact of menopause on different areas of health
- Self-care practices helpful for managing menopausal symptoms
- Communicating menopausal challenges
- Mindfulness and CBT as useful resources
Key Takeaways:
- Menopause is a significant physical, emotional, and spiritual transition that is often accompanied by shame and stigma. Seeking professional support from therapists or counselors can help women navigate the challenges of menopause and other reproductive transitions.
- Self-care practices like stress reduction, mindfulness, journaling, and peer support can be beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms. Lack of understanding and education around hormonal changes during life stages like menopause is a significant issue, even among medical professionals.
- Women often face immense pressure to balance caregiving responsibilities and professional careers, leading to feelings of failure and hindering career advancement. Communicating menopausal challenges in the workplace requires careful consideration and advocacy for systemic change.
- Mindfulness practices can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by promoting present-moment awareness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and journaling can help untangle thought processes, change emotions and behaviors, and embrace menopause as a transformative, empowering experience.
“We encourage peer support. Peer support is one of those things that I think has been kind of undersold in terms of its impact on people's wellness. There's a lot of research coming out, especially for women, that peer support is really protective.” - Rachel Menge LCSW
Connect with Rachel Menge LCSW:
Website: www.mindmadewell.com
Instagram: @mindmadewell
Facebook: @mindmadewell
Connect with Joelle Casteix:
Website: https://www.casteix.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joellecasteix
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasteix/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellecasteix/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joellecasteix3262
Stay tuned for more information about Joelle's upcoming book This Ain't Your Mama's Midlife
