Midlife Identity Crisis? How to Reclaim Yourself After 40

In this episode, psychologist Heather Irvine-Rundle covers the emotional challenges women face in their 40s and beyond, including identity shifts, menopause mood changes, loss, and anxiety. With 20+ years’ experience, she shares practical, science-backed tools to help you navigate these changes confidently.What to ExpectUnderstanding identity shifts beyond roles like “mum” or “partner”How hormonal changes affect mood, anxiety, and thinking during menopauseDifferentiating menopause symptoms from ADHD or anxietyUsing CBT to manage midlife mental healthWhat to expect from psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatristsTips for healthy relationships, self-care, and body imageHonest talk about therapy stigma, legal concerns, and safe spaces to healIf you’re facing midlife changes like empty nesting, hormonal shifts, relationship challenges, or anxiety, this episode offers compassionate, expert advice to help you navigate with clarity and strength—whether you’re considering therapy or just want to understand what’s happening.Discover the RATIONALE glow. Six Collections, each featuring a unique Complex of essential active ingredients for optimal skin health.Luxury Australian Skincare - Shop RATIONALE and enter the code ‘YOU’ at checkout.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: 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 to Midlife Identity & Mental Health00:01:10 – Women’s Identity Challenges & Self-Concept in Midlife00:03:02 – Societal Expectations and Their Impact00:04:11 – Building a Strong Sense of Self00:05:15 – Effect of Societal Roles on Hobbies & Passions00:07:39 – Empty Nest Syndrome & Emotional Challenges00:09:50 – Coping with Empty Nesting & Transitions00:12:07 – Understanding Psychologists & Mental Health Support00:12:31 – Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Differences00:15:12 – Psychology Specializations & Misconceptions00:16:39 – ADHD & Autism Spectrum in Perimenopausal Women00:22:32 – ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment Options00:22:53 – Medication for ADHD Symptoms00:26:18 – Sponsored: Skincare Tips for Women Over 4000:27:46 – ADHD Obsessions and Hyperfocus00:28:23 – ADHD Signs & Symptoms in Adult Women00:31:13 – Perimenopause, Anxiety & Hormones00:35:39 – CBT for Anxiety and Mood00:40:15 – Importance of Therapy in Midlife00:41:22 – Building Healthy Relationships00:42:31 – What to Expect in Therapy00:43:40 – First Therapy Session: Preparation00:47:43 – Legal Issues & Confidentiality in Therapy00:50:09 – Therapy’s Role in Healing Relationships00:50:59 – Self-Relationship & Personal Growth00:53:00 – Weight Management & Emotional Eating00:57:18 – Finding the Right Therapist00:58:50 – Addressing Past Trauma01:01:58 – Emotional Eating & Weight Strategies01:05:02 – Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism01:06:51 – Recognizing & Managing Suicidal Thoughts01:11:37 – Identifying Suicide Warning Signs & Getting Help01:15:48 – Importance of Professional Mental Health Support01:16:05 – Reflections & Advice to Younger Selfmidlife identity crisiswomen’s mental health after 40perimenopause anxiety symptomsmenopause mood swings treatmentdifference between psychologist and psychiatristtherapy for empty nest syndromeADHD symptoms in womenmenopause and brain fogcognitive behavioural therapy for womenhow to cope with divorce after 40emotional struggles in midlife womenweight gain in menopauseself-care tips for women over 40mental health therapy for womensigns of perimenopause anxiety