Keeping Secrets, Comments On Your Appearance & Pregnancy Body Fears

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of sexual abuse & eating disorders This week in the Dear Clementine inbox: My kid sister is much younger than me & my brother. She recently shared with me that when she was 16 years old one of my brother’s 34 year old friends started a secret sexual relationship with her. My sister is so ashamed now, she’s sworn my to secrecy. I want to honour that but also want to tell my brother and confront the offender. How can I take action without betraying her trust or undermining her authority? I get far too many comments on my appearance. It’s often from other women saying I look pale or tired, asking if I’ve lost weight etc. How can I tackle these conversations constructively in a way that makes me feel strong but also isn’t rude?  I'm a childless woman in my mid 30s. I’ve had a long battle with disordered eating, body dysmorphia, self-harm and low self-esteem. I have come to realise that the reason I was putting off having children was because of the fear of what pregnancy & motherhood would do to my body & identity. In recent months I am starting to feel like I’m ready to have a child, but I’m terrified of falling back into a bad place with the sudden changes to my body / hormones. Is this a normal fear?   If you have a question for Clementine, send her an email at [email protected] LINKSPANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.CREDITSExecutive Producer: Edwina StottAudio Production: Adrian WaltonManaging Producer: Elle Beattie For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.