Why Midlife Makes You Question Who You Are - Expert Mashup on Brain Health, Anxiety & Alcohol

Feeling foggy, anxious, or unsure of who you are in midlife? Midlife isn’t just a physical transition; it’s a profound psychological and neurological one. 

In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts explores why so many women experience a loss of confidence, identity shifts, anxiety, and brain fog during perimenopause and menopause, and what actually helps.

Joined by clinical psychologist Heather Irvine Rundle, neuroscientist Dr. Lila Landowski, alcohol coach Sarah Rusbatch, and media personality Maz Compton, this conversation unpacks the science behind cognitive change, emotional overwhelm, and the identity crisis many women face when life roles shift.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Understand why midlife identity loss is so common (and why it’s not a personal failure)
• Learn how perimenopause affects brain function, memory, and attention
• Discover the concept of cognitive reserve and how to protect long-term brain health
• Why multitasking increases brain fog and anxiety during midlife
• How reducing or removing alcohol can dramatically improve mood, sleep, and clarity
• Practical, science-backed ways to rebuild confidence and self-trust

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:

https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note

Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence?
Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. your question may be featured in a future episode.

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Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:43 - Understanding Identity in Midlife

00:08:10 - Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome

00:09:04 - Identity and Relationships

00:11:31 - The Role of Childhood in Shaping Identity

00:12:38 - The Need for Novelty and Challenge

00:13:55 - Multitasking vs Monotasking

00:17:35 - Brain Hacks for Learning Faster and More Effectively

00:23:04 - Rediscover You Program - Dr Shaunas 16 week program for women in midlife

00:23:48 - Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Strategies and Challenges

00:27:30 - The Struggle of Grey Area Drinkers

00:30:39 - The Hardship of Quitting Alcohol

00:31:18 - Anxiety in Perimenopause

00:35:40 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy Explained

00:40:17 - The Importance of Therapy

00:46:03 - Making the Choice to Stop Drinking

00:47:58 - The Impact of Sobriety on Relationships

00:52:57 - The Role of Choice in Sobriety

00:54:55 - The Influence of Culture on Drinking Habits

00:57:21 - The Impact of Generational Shifts on Drinking

• midlife identity crisis
• perimenopause brain fog
• menopause mental health
• confidence in midlife
• women’s brain health
• anxiety in perimenopause
• cognitive changes menopause
• alcohol and anxiety women
• rebuilding identity midlife
• brain fog menopause