How what happened when you were young is making perimenopause worse
Midlife can feel like a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs that seem to come out of nowhere. One moment you may feel stable, and the next, you could be overwhelmed with unexpected emotions. This episode of A Centered Midlife explores why these emotional shifts occur during midlife and how they are often tied to significant life events.
- Hormonal Changes: As women approach menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased emotional sensitivity. This change can make you feel irritable or overly emotional about situations that previously wouldn’t have affected you as much.
- Life Transitions: Midlife often brings about significant changes such as career shifts, empty nesting, or the loss of loved ones. These transitions can trigger emotional responses that may feel overwhelming.
I remember a specific Monday when I received a call that changed my perception of a friendship. Despite it being a relatively new relationship, the conversation caught me off guard. I found myself crying—something I rarely do. It was a moment that highlighted how midlife changes can unexpectedly influence our emotional responses. This emotional reaction forced me to confront deeper issues from my past and understand why this friendship felt so significant to me.
Our past experiences can shape how we react in current relationships. This epsiode will explore how unresolved childhood trauma can resurface during midlife, particularly in friendships.
- Understanding Your Triggers: Reflect on moments when you reacted more strongly than anticipated. Often, these reactions are rooted in past experiences, particularly from childhood.
- Seeking Patterns: For instance, I realized my emotional breakdown was tied to my childhood experiences with an alcoholic family. I often felt like I needed to earn love and attention, which made me vulnerable during significant relationship changes.
- Therapeutic Support: Engaging in therapy can provide a safe space to explore these emotions and their origins. I found that returning to therapy after my emotional breakdown was crucial for understanding myself better.
- Self-Compassion Practices: Practicing self-compassion can help you approach your reactions with curiosity rather than self-judgment. This shift allows for deeper understanding and healing.
As we navigate the complexities of friendship during midlife, here are some actionable tips to help maintain healthy relationships.
- Express Your Feelings: Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with friends. Open communication can often prevent misunderstandings and strengthen bonds.
- Check in Regularly: Make it a habit to check in with your friends, especially during times of transition. This practice ensures that both parties feel valued and understood.
- Prioritize Supportive Relationships: Surround yourself with friends who uplift you and respect your emotional needs.
- Know Your Limits: Setting boundaries can protect your emotional well-being. If a friendship feels overwhelming, it’s okay to take a step back.
- View Relationships as Dynamic: Understand that friendships can change over time. Embrace these changes as opportunities for growth rather than losses.
- Invest in New Connections: Don’t shy away from forming new friendships, especially those that align with your current life phase and emotional needs.
Navigating friendships in midlife can be challenging, especially when unexpected emotional shifts occur. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to these changes, you can foster healthier relationships and maintain emotional balance. Remember, it’s okay to seek support and practice self-compassion as you navigate these complex dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
- Emotional shifts during midlife are often tied to hormonal changes and life transitions.
- Unresolved childhood trauma can affect how we react in friendships.
- Open communication and setting boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships.
Emotional changes in midlife can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, significant life transitions, and unresolved past trauma that surfaces during this time.
Engaging in open communication, seeking therapy, and practicing self-compassion can help manage emotions during friendship transitions.
Yes, many people experience heightened emotions and challenges in friendships during midlife due to various life changes and emotional shifts.
Resources:
- Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Questionnaire
- The Swan Study on Women’s Health
- Self-Compassion Course by Dr. Natalie
Resources & Links to Connect with Dr. Natalie:
Website: https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com
Facebook: facebook.com/learntoloveyourstory
Instagram: instagram.com/dr.nataliemarr
Linked In: linkedin.com/in/natalie-m-marr-psy-d-lp-6a9298147
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@doc.natalie
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 988
Crisis Text Line:
https://www.crisistextline.org/
Text HOME to 741741
