S2 Episode 5: The Psychology and Mental Health of Menopause with Psychologist Kirstin Bouse

Midlife Unfiltered: The Season Of Me

The disruption of the menopause transition isn’t only felt in the body. It’s time to talk about the psychology and mental health impacts of this time of life.

What is the psychology of menopause? And how can our mental health be impacted? We’ve found the expert to ask, and we’re excited to share this conversation with you.

Welcome to this episode of Midlife Unfiltered - a podcast about unapologetically embracing the Season of Me.

In this episode, join us - co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb - as we chat with our guest, Clinical Psychologist Kirstin Bouse about the myths and emotions surrounding menopause, the psychological and mental health challenges women face during this transition, and the importance of a holistic, self-compassionate approach.

You will hear:

- The similarities between perimenopause and adolescence

- The critical need for proper support and advocacy in midlife

- The value of symptom tracking

- Why normalising the menopause experience is important

- when to seek support for psychological and mental health impacts

- And so much more.

We’re so glad you’re here. It’s time to live life on your terms. It’s time for Midlife Unfiltered.

About our guest, Kirstin Bouse:

Kirstin Bouse is a clinical psychologist (with nearly 3 decades of experience!) and founder of All About Her - The Centre for Menopause. Kirstin is a champion for midlife women and all-in when it comes to understanding and supporting women through the years of perimenopause and beyond.

Connect with Kirstin:

All About Her Website

LinkedIn

Instagram: The Midlife Psychologist and All About Her

Mentioned in this Episode:

Australasian Menopause Society

Balance App By Louise Newson

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Grab your season Notebook at Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfiltered

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfiltered

Email: [email protected]

If you enjoy the topics explored in this podcast and would like more, then sign up to receive Midlife Mojo, Anita's weekly Wednesday newsletter. In it, Anita explores health, wellness and the emotions of midlife to power-up your midlife and beyond. Because girl…you are just getting started :) Become a Sequins and Sand VIP here to receive it in your inbox. It’s free. Insights and wisdom, no hard sell. https://www.sequinsandsand.com.au/vip.html

Time Stamps:

00:00 Understanding the Menopause Transition

00:33 Welcome to Midlife Unfiltered

01:07 Introducing Kirstin Bouse

01:47 Kirstin's Background and Experience

04:43 The Launch of All About Her

06:21 Challenges Women Face During Menopause

07:54 The Psychology of Menopause

12:05 Mental Health vs. Psychology of Menopause

18:07 Navigating the Menopause Transition

31:29 The Importance of Self-Compassion

36:47 The Role of Self-Compassion in Therapy

37:37 Mental Health Implications of Menopause

38:25 Misdiagnosis and Hormonal Treatments

42:09 Statistics and Mental Health Awareness

45:50 Recognizing and Addressing Mental Health Issues

57:35 Seeking Professional Help and Self-Advocacy

01:08:27 Resources and Support for Midlife Women

01:11:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com