BONUS: We Need To Talk About 'It' With Naomi Watts, Alison Brahe-Daddo & Dr Ginni Mansberg
Dec 20, 2023
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Naomi Watts, an acclaimed actress, shares her candid experiences navigating menopause and its impact on her career. Author Alison Brahe-Daddo opens up about the emotional turmoil of perimenopause, while Dr. Ginni Mansberg debunks misconceptions surrounding this life stage. Together, they discuss the rollercoaster of symptoms, the importance of mental health awareness, and embrace open conversations about sexual wellness and self-advocacy. Their authentic stories inspire a newfound attitude towards women's health and community support.
Menopause and perimenopause, often cloaked in secrecy, necessitate open dialogues to improve understanding and reduce stigma among women.
The emotional impacts of menopause lead to anxiety and relationship disruptions, highlighting the need for mental health support during this transition.
Women are finding empowerment and personal growth through menopause, redefining their identity and prioritizing self-care in this transformative phase.
Deep dives
The Importance of Selling Pre-loved Fashion
Selling pre-loved fashion can create space in your wardrobe and generate extra income for updating your clothing collection. With a vast pool of potential buyers on platforms like eBay, there's a significant market for second-hand items, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The process of listing items has been simplified with AI tools that help create appealing listings and accurately price items, making it more approachable for anyone looking to declutter. This presents a sustainable option, encouraging recycling fashion while putting cash back in your pocket.
Breaking the Silence on Menopause
Menopause and perimenopause are critical life stages that have historically been shrouded in shame and secrecy, leading many women to suffer in silence. Conversations among women about their experiences reveal a shared lack of knowledge regarding symptoms and effects, highlighting an urgent need for open dialogue on the topic. Panelists share anecdotes illustrating their misconceptions about menopause, often describing it as an end, rather than a natural transition, which emphasizes the necessity for better education and communication among generations. By discussing these topics openly, the hope is to dismantle the stigma and foster a supportive community for those going through similar experiences.
Understanding Symptoms and Their Variability
The symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause are numerous and can vary widely from one woman to another, complicating the recognition and management of this life stage. Women have reported a myriad of experiences, ranging from heavy periods and emotional changes to anxiety and brain fog. Medical professionals explain that the hormonal fluctuations make it difficult for blood tests to provide reliable insights about one's stage in menopause, as hormone levels can change daily. This inconsistency often leads to confusion and frustration for women and emphasizes the importance of personal advocacy in seeking appropriate medical advice.
The Emotional and Psychological Toll
The emotional impact of perimenopause and menopause significantly affects women's mental health, often leading to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Personal stories reveal how sudden changes in mood and emotional stability can disrupt relationships and work life, contributing to an environment that may feel overwhelming. Many women report that they have never experienced such intense emotional struggles before this life stage, which can lead to a sense of disconnection from their previous identities. Mental health support and therapeutic options are vital as women navigate these changes, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding among friends and family.
Embracing Change and Reclaiming Identity
Amidst the challenges of menopause, women are discovering positive reinventions and newfound freedoms in their lives, leading to personal growth and empowerment. Many express how going through such a transformative phase helps them prioritize self-care and identify their true needs and desires, often for the first time. This period can provoke a deeper examination of identity, as women reflect on societal expectations and adjust their self-image. By embracing the changes rather than resisting them, they can redefine what it means to grow older, viewing it as an opportunity for renewed purpose and passion.
Naomi Watts, Alison Brahe-Daddo & Dr Ginni Mansberg sat down with Mia Freedman to talk about the Bermuda Triangle of women’s health. The funny and the not so pleasurable, hot mess stuff.
They get real about the rollercoaster that is menopause and peri-menopause. The chaos, brain fog, sex drive and silver linings.
Prepare for a huge flow of beautiful stories and some new found IDGAF attitudes.
You are getting this as a bonus episode, on top of our usual weekly episodes.
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
