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 EpisodeUnderstand why midlife identity loss is so common (and why it’s not a personal failure)Learn how perimenopause affects brain function, memory, and attentionDiscover the concept of cognitive reserve and how to protect long-term brain healthWhy multitasking increases brain fog and anxiety during midlifeHow reducing or removing alcohol can dramatically improve mood, sleep, and clarityPractical, science-backed ways to rebuild confidence and self-trustLearn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/Leave a Voice NoteHave 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.https://www.allaboutyoupod.comFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: 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 - Introduction00:01:43 - Understanding Identity in Midlife00:08:10 - Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome00:09:04 - Identity and Relationships00:11:31 - The Role of Childhood in Shaping Identity00:12:38 - The Need for Novelty and Challenge00:13:55 - Multitasking vs Monotasking00:17:35 - Brain Hacks for Learning Faster and More Effectively00:23:04 - Rediscover You Program - Dr Shaunas 16 week program for women in midlife00:23:48 - Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Strategies and Challenges00:27:30 - The Struggle of Grey Area Drinkers00:30:39 - The Hardship of Quitting Alcohol00:31:18 - Anxiety in Perimenopause00:35:40 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy Explained00:40:17 - The Importance of Therapy00:46:03 - Making the Choice to Stop Drinking00:47:58 - The Impact of Sobriety on Relationships00:52:57 - The Role of Choice in Sobriety00:54:55 - The Influence of Culture on Drinking Habits00:57:21 - The Impact of Generational Shifts on Drinkingmidlife identity crisisperimenopause brain fogmenopause mental healthconfidence in midlifewomen’s brain healthanxiety in perimenopausecognitive changes menopausealcohol and anxiety womenrebuilding identity midlifebrain fog menopause