Description

In this episode #133, I talk with Paula Fontenelle, therapist, author, podcaster. Paula shares her story of going through perimenopause and things you can do when you are experiencing loneliness. 

Topics discussed: 

• How her sleep changed going through the beginning of perimenopause
• Her sleep solutions and what is working
• Her perimenopause journey and how she feels today
• Understanding your body and your aging process 
• How Paula didn't experience perimenopause symptoms 
• Finding something that works 
• Why loneliness is evolutionary 
• How and why our brains and body react to loneliness
• The fight, flight and freeze response and what happens during this time
• The health problems that come from long-term loneliness 
• Drinking because of loneliness and panic attacks 
• Feeling lonely around other people 
• How loneliness turns into isolation and withdrawal 
• The pain of loneliness and embracing solitude as an antidote
• Slowing down during COVID and re-evaluating your values in life 
• How to use social media to help you stay connected, not substitute in-real-life relationships

Book mentioned:  Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker

Paula Fontenelle is a Brazilian journalist who decided to change careers after the death of her father to suicide, in 2005. Since then, she has finished a training in Psychoanalysis, in Brazil, and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health, in Portland/OR. Today she works as a therapist at Life Counseling, in McMinnville, Oregon. As part of what she considers her mission, she hosts a podcast and a YouTube Channel called Understand Suicide, which has listeners from over sixty countries. She is the author of the book Understanding Suicide: Living with loss, paths to prevention (finalist of the Brazilian Book Award).

To find Paula: 

Understand Suicide website 

Understand Suicide Podcast 

Understanding Suicide: Living With Loss. Paths to Prevention.

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I appreciate your support.

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