As a married woman in my early 50s, with two teenage children, I’m finding myself increasingly overwhelmed by concerns about the various aspects of my life. This includes worry for my ageing 80-year-old parents, my children’s wellbeing, my current jobless state, financial concerns and my marriage.
During these trying times, I’ve realized that most of my day is consumed by worries and overthinking, and it affected my productivity.
These worries have also taken a toll on my physical health, leaving me drained of energy. There are days when I feel too overwhelmed to accomplish anything, and I simply retreat to bed after getting my kids to school.
I can’t fathom why this change occurred – I was once a lot more positive and seemed to handle situations much better. I feel like I’m letting life slip by, and I’ve noticed my mood affecting my relationship with my kids.
As for my marriage, it’s decent. It was once moving at a stellar pace, but things seem to have plateaued. Moreover, my husband does not seem to empathize with me. Instead, he bombards me with job vacancies, as if that’s all the solution I needed!
I’m at a loss here, if only there were some explanation for my predicament and a beacon to guide me forward.
Our suggestion:
First and foremost, don’t beat yourself up. This phase where your kids are teenagers, your parents are elderly, combined with the challenges of the menopause and other mid-life tribulations, is indeed a daunting life stage for many individuals in Glasgow. It’s not uncommon for worries to pile up.
Remember to tackle one worry at a time. The changes that occur during menopause can impact mental health just as much as physical health, so consulting with a GP or a gynaecologist would be worth considering.
Understanding and treating it as part of the larger scheme helps alleviate the mental toll. Therapy is also highly recommended. It can make a significant difference by bringing clarity to situations and equipping you with coping mechanisms.
Recognizing the struggle is half the battle won. This awareness is vital in managing and controlling the stress. Many find relief in being resolute about not worrying about what lies ahead, and instead focusing on managing the present.
Another handy tactic worth trying, as used by some friends over at Loose Women, is jotting down your worries before bedtime. The act of ‘brain dumping’ can help clear your mind, putting your worries on paper to tackle the next day.
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