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Midlife, Menopause & Beyond

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25.01.2022 ||Morning musing|| How can you live sweetly amid the difficult things, the irritating things, the multitude of little worries and frets, which lie all along your way, and which you cannot evade? You cannot at present change your surroundings. Whatever kind of life you are to live, must be lived amid precisely the experiences in which you are now moving. Here you must win your victories or suffer your defeats. No restlessness or discontent can change your lot. Others ma...y have other circumstances surrounding them, but here are yours. You had better make up your mind to accept what you cannot alter. You can live a beautiful life in the midst of your present circumstances. . - J. R. MILLER Pic: My backyard Lavendar contrasting nicely with a subtle lilac sunrise. It was a recent #momentoftheday . . ... and now Im off outside to embrace todays overcast sunrise. Enjoy the rest of your weekend midlifers & beyond. See more

25.01.2022 | COMMUNITY/COLLABORATION | Hey all, A little update ... ... Here @midlife_menopause_beyond the private fb group now has a new logo and name, ~ MMB (Australia): Private Group ~ so that it is easily distinguishable from THIS public social media page where you are reading this post. In the private group we are gradually building a respectful & inclusive environment for Australian women, of all nationalities & cultural backgrounds, to CONNECT COMMUNICATE & COLLABORATE ... on a range of topics relevant to : MIDLIFE. PERIMENOPAUSE. MENOPAUSE. POSTMENOPAUSE. AGEING. PHYSICAL HEALTH. MENTAL HEALTH. LONGEVITY. HEALTH PROVIDERS/SERVICES. LINKS TO LOCAL/NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES. If you wish to connect or collaborate in this fb group please contact me via direct message, on whatever forum you are seeing this post, so that we can discuss your options to join the group. ** Please note that if you have a fb page with private settings then you will need to be invited in specifically via email. Dont worry though .... joining our group does not give me, or anyone else in the group, access to your private fb page, and likewise you will not have access to any of our private fb pages. Our connection will exist solely in this one private group, unless a mutual decision is made to connect more broadly. Any questions? Need more information? As the administrator of the private group, I would love to meet YOU & I am here to offer assistance.

24.01.2022 Sound on Take a walk in the bitter cold, because being cold is hot right now.... As it turns out, exposing your body to less-than comfortable temperatures is another very effective way to turn on your longevity genes. Cold therapy is not new. It is repeatedly mentioned in ancient texts. However it didnt really gain traction until the 1980s, when cold plunge pools, cryotherapy, & gym ice rooms became popular. Recent research indicates that moderate cold exposure, including exercising in the cold, could produce multiple health, healing & longevity benefits. Could this be your new positive reframe for Winter? #babyitscoldoutside #letsplayoutside Inspiration source: Lifespan Why We Age - and Why We Dont Have To. David A.Sinclair PhD. : My video of #fleurieupeninsula #southaustralia This time of the year, the middle of Winter, is my favorite time to go hiking because I love the wild sky and windy ocean ambience. The next time I am out there walking in a windy Antarctic blast, I will remind myself that my longevity gene is being activated. . . #coldishot #coldtherapy #longevity #longevitymedicine #coldisthenewhot #outdooradventures #midlifeadventures #midlifewisdom #midlfe #proactiveageing #healthyageing

24.01.2022 Memory challenges? Read this https://www.prevention.com//ment/a32689904/improve-memory/

23.01.2022 http://A pocket moment of beach Mindfulness// The how to: Notice COLOURS The shades and hues, the way they blend into each other, and the rate at which they morph into a different version of themselves.... Notice TEXTURES The grainy sand. The silky,salty liquid gently swirling and lapping into the shore. Notice SUNLIGHT The soft, shimmering, hypnotic glow gently landing on the sea surface and extending all the way to YOU. Notice SOUNDS The rhythmical flow of the gentle lapping waves. The birds in flight towards their evening rest. The voices of children totally committed to paddling their feet. The excited barks of doggies chasing balls and greeting each other at this magic hub of joy. Notice SMELL The salty water and seaweed. Notice TEMPERATURE Warmth soaking into your skin & slowly fading as the sun descends. Notice your BODY - breath, heart rate, level of tension in the muscles, walking pace, and what your gaze is consistently drawn to. That's how we do a mindful beach moment. SIMPLE! All it takes is the process of bringing your attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment (utilising all the senses you were born with). Now imagine stringing multiple moments like this together, say for around 10, 20, 30, 60 minutes at a time. Pockets of mini rest. This weekend I am teaching a live mindfulness class - CONNECT IN NATURE FOR MENOPAUSE WELLBEING - for SA locals who are members inside my MMB (Australia) private FB group and I am planning an online version too for our interstate members. #menopausecommunity #mindfulness #mindfulmeneopause #menopausementalhealth : North Brighton SA, a few weeks ago.No filter. INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOLOGY

23.01.2022 THE PROCESS OF AGEING. Ageing is so much more than a physiological process & it is helpful to understand it in the context of different phases or stages of life. ... Sociological research reveals that: A life course is the period from birth to death, including a sequence of predictable life events such as physical maturation & the succession of age-related roles: child, adolescent, adult, parent, senior, etc. At each point in life, as an individual sheds previous roles & assumes new ones, new institutions or situations are involved, which require both learning and a revised self-definition .... each phase comes with different responsibilities & expectations, which of course vary by individual & culture. The fact that age-related roles & identities vary according to social determinants mean that THE PROCESS OF AGING IS MUCH MORE SIGNIFICANTLY A SOCIAL PHENOMENON THAN A BIOLOGICAL PHENOMENON. If ageing is so much more than biological function/ physiological changes, and very much related to social norms & expectations then its inevitable that many aspects of the ageing experience also depend on social class, race, gender & other social factors. Are you aware of the social determinants & stereotypes that have influenced your assumptions, views, & beliefs around ageing? How does that impact on your own experience of midlife and ageing? Source: National Research Council. 2012. Perspectives on the Future of the Sociology of Aging. The National Academies Press : #MoerakiBoulders, #OtagoCoast, #NewZealand . It was an absolute privilege to connect with the energy of these fascinating ancient boulders. They began their existence as sediment at the bottom of the sea around 60 million years ago and evolved through various stages of formation to their current magical presence. #wearenature #ancientmagic

22.01.2022 In my private practice as a psychologist I’ve lost count of the number of times that I have shocked my amazing female clients, who were in their early midlife years, by suggesting that the reason for their escalating #anxiety #panicattacks #sadness... #irritability #anger #brainfog #confusion #poormemory #fatigue #insomnia #lowmotivation #depression #relationshipangst #etc #etc ... could have something to do with PERI-MENOPAUSE. I get it. I really do! I had the same reaction when someone suggested to me (in my mid 40’s) that my ever-increasing & unrelenting #migraineaura experiences were probably related to #perimenopausal hormonal changes. I asked myself, how could that be when I still had the endurance to cycle 80-100km through hills, and swim hour long laps a few times a week, and had extra energy to burn in my career + keeping up with my (then) teenage twin daughters. I mean peri-menopause wasn’t a word commonly used, & I just didn’t see myself being in that stage of life ALREADY. Although I knew a lot about menopause (I had been researching it and working with many women for years who reached menopause long before I did), there just wasn’t much information around to suggest that some women experienced extreme debilitating neurological disturbances due to peri/post menopause, + my experiences actually got much worse in post-menopause (who knew? But that’s for a future post ), however fast forward to today, at the age of 56, and a whole lot more lived experience + professional experience, I am now (mostly) WELL & STRONG, & totally on board the menopause awareness campaign train. If you are an early/peri/post menopausal woman living in Australia and want to connect into the @midlife_menopause_beyond FB PRIVATE COMMUNITY please make contact so I can discuss it with you and invite you in. There is a lot going on in the group right now in line with the international #menopauseawarenessmonth for October. . . #menopausewellbeing #menopausementalhealth #migraine #migraineaura #neurological #brainhealth #hormonalhealth #hormonebalance #oestrogen #progesterone #testosterone #hormones #womenshealth #womenshealthaustralia

21.01.2022 Hey Midlifers and Beyond, How is your balance? Have you noticed any changes in your ability to shift your body weight to hold a steady position? Is it more difficult to react swiftly in your body, or quickly orientate to the left or right? Do you have trouble standing up from a seated position? Do you feel unsteady? Do you fall? Do you have problems with your vestibular system (the balance system inside your ears)? Do you get dizzy, light headed or faint? Do you have impair...ed night vision, depth perception, or sensitivity to light & contrasts? Do you experience blurry or distorted vision? Do you have challenges around focus, concentration & staying on task? Many of these things are often attributed to general ageing, and can also be connected to hormone deficiency during the menopausal years. One in three adults become more susceptible to poor balance and are at an increased risk of falls, for every year that they age. Contributing factors can include: Impaired muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints & nerves, and strength. Impaired brain health Impaired visual system Impaired Vestibular system Impaired circulatory or cardiac systems comorbid health issues ~ Parkinsons disease, Osteoarthritis, stroke, and MS (+ more) & the associated medications. Management & support strategies (in addition to medical/specialist treatment) include a functional approach to brain & body health through targeted exercise & movement, nutrition & neuroplasticity to reach the affected systems. And then there is yoga. Specifically, yoga asana that includes strength, flexibility, and a wide variety of balancing poses to help restore & maintain balance all the way up from your toes, to your mind & thoughts. This is a sneak preview of one of the new topics that will be covered in the various Integrative Psychology, Nutrition, Yoga /Movement Group series that I have scheduled here in Adelaide over the next six months, in collaboration with @gemmat445 ~ Personal Trainer/Positive Ageing Coach. (Assuming we dont have a second wave of COVID-19, that is!) I am now taking expressions of interest to join these future group sessions. Send me a DM. More info coming soon.

21.01.2022 Its the ProAgeing age where proactive ageing & active ageing are essential for healthy ageing & positive ageing. . The pro age movement endorses ageing as a life stage worth experiencing on its own terms, and embraces the beauty of getting older. Its a trend of moving away from the beauty ideal of eternal youth. . ... Active ageing is a concept that emerged in the 1990s + endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasising the link between activity, health, independence & ageing well. . Proactive Ageing describes an ongoing journey into functional health & wellness, & quality of life by being physically agile, mentally sharp, & socially active. Healthy ageing as defined by WHO is the process of developing & maintaining functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age ... & is about creating the environments & opportunities that enable people to be & do what they value throughout their lives. Positive ageing is the term used to describe the process of maintaining a positive attitude, feeling good about yourself, keeping fit & healthy + engaging fully in life. . As you can see these are all variations on the same theme and overall POWERFUL POSITIVE REFRAMES OF AGEING. #thebeautyofageing #nutureyourageingself See more

20.01.2022 Australian Aboriginal Women & Menopause. I recently attempted to do a literature review pertaining to Australian indigenous womens experience of menopause & found that documentation is scarce. The Australasian Menopause Society website cites qualitative research published in 2014, that consisted of a thematic analysis of transcribed interviews conducted with 25 Aboriginal women. ... The study revealed a number of themes relating to language used, meanings and attitudes to menopause, symptoms experienced, the role of men, a lack of understanding, coping mechanisms and the attribution of menopausal changes to something else. The term change of life was more widely recognised & signified the process of ageing, and an associated gain of respect in the local community. A fear of menopausal symptoms or uncertainty about their origin was also common. Overall, many women reported insufficient understanding and a lack of available information to assist them & their family to understand the transition. The research also identified that although there were some similarities between Aboriginal & non-Aboriginal experiences of menopause, and a consistent lack of knowledge, it is crucial to acknowledge the differences in language, attributed meaning and support required around the experience of menopause. [Jurgenson, Jones, Haynes, Green, Thompson. Exploring Australian Aboriginal Womens Experience of Menopause: a descriptive study. BMC Womens Health. 2014]. At this point I havent been able to locate any specific menopause support services for Australian Aboriginal Women. If you know of any please let me know. On a positive note, the Australasian Menopause Society + The Jean Hailes Organisation offer some resources for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australian women, & other multilingual resources, for Australian citizens from other cultural backgrounds. #australasianmenopausesociety www.menopause.org.au #Jeanhailes www.jeanhailes.org.au

18.01.2022 Exciting news ... Resistance training can be an effective strategy for dementia risk reduction. https://www.technologynetworks.com//brain-and-brawn-hittin

18.01.2022 Please click on link to read the full post ... https://www.instagram.com/p/B9qMVUKAA5G/

18.01.2022 || SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT || Im pleased to share an extension to my current #privatepractice services ... ~ OUTREACH TELEPSYCHOLOGY SERVICE FOR SENIORS ~ ... tailored for over 55s who have a limited support network, or who may have mental health challenges, or who may be at risk of psychological distress due to chronic health issues and the associated mental health risk factors, or anyone who simply wishes to talk to a trained professional who understands the complexities... associated with ageing and/or social isolation. This is a private psychology service available for individuals that wish to self-refer or obtain referral via their GP. This means that there is no third party/agency involvement - except the referring GP if referral is via a Mental Health Treatment Plan, so privacy & confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Medicare rebates OR private health insurance rebates may apply depending on eligibility criteria. *Sessions can be as simple as a 50 minute phone call or a video call, and an initial 30 minute face-to-face meeting (for SA locals only) can be arranged to assist with creating trust & rapport if necessary. In addition to the above, I just want to share that here in South Australia we have become a world leader regarding successful COVID-19 testing, risk minimisation, & recovery. As we reach the 15 day mark of containment (zero new diagnoses), Ive decided its time to SLOWLY transition my private practice back to f2f sessions re individual/relationship counselling sessions only at this stage, whilst adhering to COVID-19 hygiene protocols. During this time & in the future I will continue to provide telepsychology sessions for all my current clients and new client referrals if that is the preference. If any of my services are relevant to you, or someone you know, please contact me via private message only (to ensure confidentiality) so that we can exchange contact details and discuss suitability/eligibility criteria in more detail. To keep up to date with the full range of services that I offer please follow me on instagram @midlife_menopause_beyond & @integrative_psychology (& FB pages). Take care everyone. Sharon See more

17.01.2022 Hey all, A reminder that I am no longer posting from this account @midlife_menopause_beyond ... For the sake of simplicity I am integrating this account with my original account: @sharonstinsonpsychologist (also previously known as @ integrative_psychology + even earlier as @integrative_psych_yoga ). The two accounts (and name changes) have merely reflected my evolution in business & practice as a psychologist, & while it’s been kind of messy, I am pleased to be able to shed the rigidity of how I thought things should be done to how it NOW feels right for me & my wellbeing, whilst also being of service to others. I’m keen to embrace a minimalist approach with just about EVERYTHING these days ... and so as the business owner, of a bricks and mortar full-time psychology private practice, my goal is to reduce my time on social media and focus more on LIVING the full potential of my life, including self care. As I’m personally journeying through the last few years of my 50’s (after doing it really tough for 5 out of 7 years post menopause), I’m now literally walking the talk regarding all the things (I’ve both learnt and taught) relevant to managing this midlife RITE-OF-PASSAGE. I’m super keen to keep the spotlight on issues relevant to midlife, menopause, and ageing psychology, & I will be carrying this content over to my main account, while also posting on a more diverse range of topics relevant to all adults in all life transitions/stages. If you are following me here, I would appreciate you taking the time to now join me over @sharonstinsonpsychologist . In the meantime I will keep this account visible so that any new followers can track back to some of the previous material I have posted. Thank you for connecting with me & please know that I am looking forward to more meaningful & reciprocal connections in the future. Sharon

16.01.2022 Conway, the former CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, has used the announcement to encourage young women to advocate for middle aged women who have emerged as the newest face of poverty in Australia, according to recent YWCA research.

15.01.2022 With so much information on social media regarding premature/early/ & peri - menopause, it’s important to also get informed about the range of post-menopausal experiences that some women have. This is particularly so because it is often portrayed that the peri-menopausal years + the menopausal year bring the most challenging hormonal changes in the female body, & that they will likely subside just a few years after menopause has been reached. For some that is fortunately tr...ue, and for many it’s simply not. For some post-menopausal women it’s possible to experience an ongoing, or more extreme, idiosyncratic combination of debilitating changes relating hot flushes, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, dry vagina, difficulty concentrating, mental confusion, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, osteoporotic symptoms, depression, headache, & so on that cause immense discomfort, unwellness, and an overall lower quality of life. Some women experience this as suffering, even despite the rhetoric out there that tries to convince YOU that menopause should not be synonymous with suffering. As a front line practitioner for women in peri/post menopause, I’m here to tell you that their stories are embedded in physical/emotional/mental/spiritual distress & suffering, that no amount positive thinking (or change of wording), alone, will address. This could go on for up to ten years or more, & is likely to attract a diagnosis of post-menopausal syndrome. It’s validly called a syndrome because it’s a bio-psycho-social-eco + medical complexity. And just so you know, there are principal health concerns for all women in any stage of premature/early/peri/post - MENOPAUSE including vasomotor symptoms, urogenital atrophy, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, psychiatric symptoms, neurological & cognitive decline, and sexual problems. Fortunately we live in a time where we have almost all the information we need at our fingertips & it’s possible to access a range of strategies to manage health & wellbeing, and to mitigate many risks. I wholeheartedly endorse that women seek a range of knowledgeable professionals skilled in the areas relevant to their own health needs. They are out there in increasing abundance now & this forms the topic of Monday’s live Q & A inside the @midlife_menopause_beyond (Australia) private fb group. I’m so looking forward to connecting on this topic. Let me know if you want to join this growing group. @midlife_menopause_beyond @sharonstinsonpsychologist #australasianmenopausepractitioner #australasianmenopausesociety #ams #menopauseawareness #menopause #postmenopause #menopausehealth #menopausewellbeing

15.01.2022 During menopause our immune system becomes weakened without the beneficial effects of oestrogen in our body. Which means we may now become more susceptible to ...colds, allergies, viruses etc. Apart from our common sense values of: *Washing hands *Avoid touching face *Avoid close contact with people who are sick. *Staying home if youre not feeling well. Also make sure to support your immune system by: Eating a nutrient rich diet, and make sure to include Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, miso, and sauerkraut. Lean animal protein as well as chickpeas, beans, lentils, and peas. Keep hydrated with water, coconut water and homemade electrolyte drinks. Boost your vitamin C and make sure youre getting sufficient Vitamins A,D&E Make sure youre getting sufficient zinc in your diet, or take a supplement if necessary (zinc helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses). Managing stress levels (try meditation) Try to get enough sleep. A tricky one, I know during menopause, but even if you cant sleep, try to remain in a calm state while in bed. Listen to relaxing music or audio books and practice relaxation techniques. The trick is not to get stressed out about not being able to sleep. If you can remain calm, your body will still benefit from being in this relaxed state. Consider acupressure to support your immune system. Acupressure, like acupuncture, is a method of sending a signal to the nervous system to "turn on" its own self-healing, but instead of using needles, you are using the pressure of your fingertips. Stay safe

14.01.2022 This 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight oclock, with her hair fashionably coiffed and makeup perfectly... applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home yesterday. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. I love it, she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mrs. Jones, you havent seen the room . just wait. That doesnt have anything to do with it, she replied. Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesnt depend on how the furniture is arranged, its how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. Its a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open Ill focus on the new day and all the happy memories Ive stored away, just for this time in my life. She went on to explain, Old age is like a bank account, you withdraw from what youve put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing. And with a smile, she said: Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less, & enjoy every moment.

13.01.2022 Here is evidence that there can be exciting life opportunities beyond midlife. Inspirational woman! Inspirational mindset!

13.01.2022 Words Matter. Definitions Matter. Framing Matters. And the words, definitions, & framing we use to describe aging are all about inevitability. We didnt just throw in the towel before the fight began, we threw it in before we even knew there was a fight to be had. ... But there is a fight. A glorious & global one. And I think, a winnable one. LIFESPAN. Why we age - and Why we dont have to. David A. Sinclair PhD. (2019). Have you read this book? I read parts of it last year whilst on holiday & have been meaning to get back to it again. And, now I have. Its not exactly light reading. It is however very inspiring, and I recommend reading it, or re-reading, if positive ageing is on your agenda. #lifespan #davidasinclairphd #agingnarrative . . To keep up to date with the full range of services that I offer through my private practice please follow me on Instagram @midlife_menopause_beyond & @integrative_psychology (and FB pages). ******** Take care everyone. Sharon ********* #integrativehealth #integrativepsychology #ageing #positiveageing #qualityoflife #longevity

13.01.2022 Hey midlifers & beyond, Here in South Australia we are all so grateful to be currently avoiding a second wave of COVID-19, however as other parts of Australia go back into various levels of restrictions due to a resurgence of infections I am now continuing my telepsychology outreach service for residents in all states. ... This service is specifically relevant to: Women and men in their midlife & beyond years - covering a range of mental health challenges & adjustment issues. Women requiring support for physical & mental health issues, & relationship issues, specifically relating to perimenopause/menopause/postmenopause. Isolated seniors - people over 55 who have a limited support network, or who may have mental health challenges, or who may be at risk of psychological distress due to chronic health issues and the associated mental health risk factors, or anyone who simply wishes to talk to a trained professional who understands the complexities associated with ageing and/or social isolation. This is a private psychology service available for individuals that wish to self-refer or obtain referral via their GP. This means that there is no third party/agency involvement - except the referring GP if referral is via a Mental Health Treatment Plan, so privacy & confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Medicare rebates OR private health insurance rebates may apply depending on eligibility criteria. *Sessions can be as simple as a 30-50 minute phone call or a video call. Please connect via a private message in order to maintain confidentiality.

12.01.2022 A culture that values youthfulness and beauty above all else leads to a negative perception of growing old. Conversely, a culture that reveres the elderly for their life experience and wisdom contributes to a more positive perception of what it means to grow old. ... Source: Perspectives on the Future of the Sociology of Aging. The National Academies Press.

12.01.2022 Hey Midlifers & Beyond. Im touching base today to share that, as of a week ago, my private practice in psychology is now 100% online (well the website ... not quite yet). Anyway, if youve been following me for awhile you may know that I have three main aspects in my day to day work life: 1. A focus on a cross section of adult mental health issues utilising an integrative psychology framework. See also @integrative_psychology. 2. A focus on Midlife, & Peri/Post Menopause... (+ its impact on women AND men). 3. A focus on pro-active and positive ageing. (More on this in the future). I used to work with kids and families too but decided to concentrate on the adult niche in the years to come. Oh,& I still do relationship counselling - it dovetails nicely into all of the other work that I do. I work with women every single day who are experiencing some kind of distress in relation to peri/post menopause, & often they havent made the menopause link. I was doing this long before I hit menopause myself and now at almost 56, and almost six years post menopause myself, Ive both witnessed and experienced a great deal regarding the menopause journey. So ... Midlife, Menopause & Beyond is not my business name, its merely the description of the client work that I do. In 2015 I ran my first group for women called Midlife, Menopause & Beyond: Integrative Psychology and Yoga for Women. As a trained group facilitator (I had previously run many other kinds of groups), I designed and delivered a six week group series to midlife women. And here we are in 2020 with COVID-19 putting a halt to all face to face group work. So to get around that Ive just opened up a private COMMUNITY of support for South Australian women in their midlife & peri/post menopausal years. In there I will also be collaborating with other health professionals in SA. If you want to know more please send me a private message, because as a psychologist I am bound to an ethical code of confidentiality with regards to the people I provide a service to. More info to come on all of the above later. Thanks for being here with me. Stay well. Sharon See more

12.01.2022 An amazing story of connection back to memory via music, for a former ballerina who has Alzheimer’s Disease. It demonstrates that the impact of music on humans is totally visceral. Make sure you watch the video to see that in action .... it’s truly phenomenal. https://www.classicfm.com//new-york-dancer-alzheimers-re/

11.01.2022 Words have power ... as do the words left unsaid! ... What powerful words might you choose to say? You mean a lot to me. I appreciate what you do. I notice all your efforts. You are inspirational. You brighten my day. I enjoy your company. I get a buzz from your energy. I admire your creativity. I like it when YOU ... . Im here for you. Im listening. How can I help? Thank you for your company. Thank you for being you. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! . . #wordshavepower #wordsofencouragement #wordstoinspire #emotionalintelligence

11.01.2022 The traditional definition of menopause relates to a physical event in the female body, a change in internal functioning relating to a typical hormonal profile, indicating loss of fertility and future incapacity to reproduce. It is often surrounded by stigma relating to loss of true feminity, invisibleness, escalation of physical dysfunction, & medical risk or crisis.... However the experience of menopause, for each woman, is so uniquely variable that this traditional scientific reductionist model is slowly fading into obscurity. The new research paradigm informs us that the transition across the menopause spectrum is complex, extensive, non-linear, and unique to each individual, as it spans across the decades. Some women experience it as an effortless and empowering life transition, and some will have debilitating experiences that negatively impact on quality of life, and multi-dimensional aspects of wellbeing. The true story is to be found in each woman’s unique somatic experience of the biological, psychological, social, ecological, etheric and spiritual contexts that impact on her, and the way in which she ultimately creates meaning out of her own menopausal transition. Sacred. Powerful. Empowering. Listen to her. Honour her. In celebration of today: ~ World Menopause Day ~ With heart-centered love, compassion and support. Sharon. INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOLOGY

11.01.2022 Walking + Time in Nature = HIKING, and this has benefits for brain health & Ageing.

10.01.2022 What yoga philosophy and all the great Buddhist teachings tells us is that solidity is a creation of the ordinary mind and that there never was anything permanent to begin with that we could hold on to. Life would be much easier and substantially less painful if we lived with the knowledge of impermanence as the only constant. - Donna Farhi - With the current challenges we all face across the world right now these words seem to be more relevant than ever before, and so I in...tegrated them into my yoga contemplation/meditation during a backyard session in the sunshine a few days ago. It felt like a reset into knowing & resonance, and empowerment. Yoga & yoga philosophy informs us of some deep insights relevant to these times of #midlife #perimenopause #menopause #postmenopause AND this #globalpause . What about you? What kind of yoga (or other spiritual) practices are you delving into to help restore & maintain your wellbeing during this time of global pause ? I would really enjoy connecting with other midlife & beyond yogis. . . #impermanence #acceptance #psychologist #yogateacher #humanbeing #yogini #midlifeyogini #midlife #ageing #menopausepsychology #activeaging #proactiveaging #psychologyofaging #menopausepsychologist #ageingpsychologist #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #yoga #yogaformentalhealth #yogaforageing #yogaformidlifeandbeyond #midlifeyoginis #weareallinthistogether #letsdothis See more

10.01.2022 Cold therapy, anyone? Brrrr! https://selfhacked.com/blog/12-reasons-embrace-cold/

10.01.2022 . I STAND FOR: #love ... #hope #Peace #Unity #Diversity #Acceptance #Solidarity #Change #antiracism ALWAYS HAVE, ALWAYS WILL . Image via @motherhoodish See more

10.01.2022 People often think that the first indicators of menopause are hot flushes and fluctuating periods. However, for many women it is the psychological upheaval - ANXIETY & MOOD SWINGS, in the Peri-Menopause stage. These are the most common reasons why women present for psychology treatment, via a GP referral, or a word of mouth recommendation via a friend. Often they dont know that its peri-menopause, often they have never even heard of the term, and sometimes their GP hasnt... recognised it, & inevitably prescribe psycho-tropic medication when perhaps there are less intrusive management options . In Australia the generic label has been Menopause & the pervasive assumption has been that it is only relevant to women who are in their fifties. In other parts of the world it is identified as The Menopause or various other language specific labels/name, or perhaps no label/ name whatsoever. Whatever we call it, we now know that women typically transition along the menopause spectrum from PRE-MENOPAUSE (in their 30s) to PERI-MENOPAUSE (usually in early 40s, sometimes earlier), then into actual MENOPAUSE - technically twelve months after the last period (typically early 50s), and then we are in POST- MENOPAUSE for the rest of our lives. For many women there will be fluctuations and flare-ups of hormone related experiences until the end of life. It is rarely ever a linear journey, and in all cases, the impact of hormone decline on our physical/mental/psychological health will be ongoing & constantly changing. It sounds ominous, doesnt it? However there are so many things we can do to mitigate risks, and to improve/maintain our overall status of health & wellbeing as we travel the ageing journey. The way through is to get proactive about your midlife & ageing journey. Would you be willing to explore a more proactive midlife/ageing health & wellbeing journey? I can assist you with this in my clinical practice as a psychologist via face-to-face sessions, tele-psychology sessions, group sessions, or via my private fb support group for Australian women. Contact me via private message. Website coming soon See more

07.01.2022 Building and maintaining strength is one of the most important things you can do at any stage of life, especially after age 50.

06.01.2022 Sound on Serotonin is a brain chemical that influences your mood. ... If you are suffering from low mood, feel tense & irritable, are low in energy, tend to comfort eat, have sleeping problems & a reduced interest in sex, the chances are you are short on serotonin. There are six main reasons for serotonin deficiency: Not enough oestrogen (in women). Not enough testosterone (in men). Not enough light. Not enough exercise. Too much stress, especially in women. Not enough co-factor vitamins & minerals. Blood sugar imbalances. Low tryptophan. Source: Optimum Nutrition For The Mind. Patrick Holford. : My nature moment #moodboost for #serotonin #sunlight #exercise & #stressreduction #beachtrail #walk #heysentrail #fleuriuepeninsula #southaustralia . . #sharonstinsonpsychologist #midlifemenopausebeyond #southaustralianbusiness

06.01.2022 Hi all, Did you know that as much as 30% of all late life dementia could be associated with preventable lifestyle factors? So NOW is the time to focus on preventable actions such as physical activity, nutrition, cognitive training and peace of mind. Here in Australia the Centre For Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) is currently undertaking one of the largest clinical trials targetting risk factors for Alzheimers disease & dementia for people aged between 55-77. Interesti...ngly, this research covers multiple online interventions designed to target modifiable risk factors & includes interventions that focus on physical activity, nutrition, brain training, and mental health. The clinical trials will be completed in 2021 & you can stay connected with this groundbreaking research via maintainyourbrain.org FYI: In my private practice as an Integrative psychologist & yoga teacher, I work with adults across the lifespan & this includes women & men in their midlife & beyond years. My work involves a multifaceted approach to addressing the modifiable risk factors for age related health challenges (mind & body), with a specific skill set underpinned by formal training during my psychology internship (almost 30 years ago ) utilising a bio-psycho-social-eco paradigm of assessment & treatment for mental health, in conjunction with other evidence based psychology systems. This means that I pay attention to ALL the biological, psychological, social & environmental factors that impact on mind-body wellbeing &, if necessary, I do collaborate with other health practitioners to provide my client with the most comprehensive service to meet their individual needs. Please contact me via private message to learn more about how I can support YOU to navigate an intentional positive ageing journey. Face-to-face or telepsychology sessions are available. ******* To keep up to date with the full range of services that I offer through my private practice please follow me on Instagram @midlife_menopause_beyond & @integrative_psychology (and FB pages). ******** Take care everyone. Sharon ********* See more

05.01.2022 Any female who has reached puberty will also experience the natural life transition of menopause. This will spark the end of fertility & capacity to reproduce. Some women will experience this transition with minimal disruption to their lives & others will experience substantial changes to their health, wellbeing & quality of life. Why is this so? ... The answer is multi factorial relating to genetic predispositions for symptoms (eg hot flashes, joint/tendon/ligament pain, neurological & cognitive disturbance, cardiovascular anomalies etc) + surgical interventions (hysterectomy, oophorectomy), + underlying manifested medical health issues (eg dysregulated gut health, auto immune conditions, endocrine complexities etc) + certain treatments/ prescribed pharmaceutical medications (eg cancer regimes, psychotropics) + substance use/abuse (cigarettes, alcohol, recreational drugs) + other lifestyle factors (eg stress, exposure to environmental toxins, poor sleep, poor nutrition, minimal exercise/excessive exercise etc). Finally the science is catching up with truth that the menopause transition happens across a wide spectrum and each womans experience is very individual. Some aspects of menopause are natural, preventable and/or manageable. Some aspects of menopause are medical, inevitable and may have long term consequences. For some women this could be a complex, clinical presentation and therefore requires a MEDICAL menopause specialist. Make sure you find a doctor/practitioner who is informed of the current research to support your individual needs. If you experience any kind of dismissiveness, or even contempt, from a practitioner regarding your health and wellbeing, reach out further afield to find someone who is capable to validate your individual experience & support you through it. IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO ACCESS QUALITY MENOPAUSE HEALTH SERVICES . #midlifemenopausebeyond #adelaidepsychologist #australianpsychologist #integrativepsychology

04.01.2022 Hey all, A reminder that I am no longer posting from this account @midlife_menopause_beyond ... For the sake of simplicity I am integrating this account with my original account: @sharonstinsonpsychologist (also previously known as @ integrative_psychology + even earlier as @integrative_psych_yoga ). The two accounts (and name changes) have merely reflected my evolution in business & practice as a psychologist, & while it’s been kind of messy, I am pleased to be able to shed the rigidity of how I thought things should be done to how it NOW feels right for me & my wellbeing, whilst also being of service to others. I’m keen to embrace a minimalist approach with just about EVERYTHING these days ... and so as the business owner, of a bricks and mortar full-time psychology private practice, my goal is to reduce my time on social media and focus more on LIVING the full potential of my life, including self care. As I’m personally journeying through the last few years of my 50’s (after doing it really tough for 5 out of 7 years post menopause), I’m now literally walking the talk regarding all the things (I’ve both learnt and taught) relevant to managing this midlife RITE-OF-PASSAGE. I’m super keen to keep the spotlight on issues relevant to midlife, menopause, and ageing psychology, & I will be carrying this content over to my main account, while also posting on a more diverse range of topics relevant to all adults in all life transitions/stages. If you are following me here, I would appreciate you taking the time to now join me over @sharonstinsonpsychologist . In the meantime I will keep this account visible so that any new followers can track back to some of the previous material I have posted. Thank you for connecting with me & please know that I am looking forward to more meaningful & reciprocal connections in the future. Sharon

04.01.2022 When it comes to the psychological issues that manifest during midlife, peri/post menopause and beyond, whats required is a comprehensive and holistic assessment to determine the best therapeutic strategies for each individual to explore. . An integrative approach to womens health in these scenarios typically focusses on: fatigue, insomnia, low libido, pain during sex, chronic pain, mood disturbance, depression, anxiety, allergies, nutritional deficits, autoimmune condit...ions, genetic medical risk factors, manifested illnesses, stress, relationship or family stress, work dynamics, self esteem, unresolved trauma, substance dependence, unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Theres definitely more that could be added to the list. A complex clinical presentation of any of these factors indicates a need to seek the services of a doctor, perhaps a specialist, as well as a psychologist to assist with the recovery of health and well-being. If your personal circumstances overwhelm you then tackle one challenge at a time - starting with the issue that concerns you the most. As you handle that one big issue, you may find there is a ripple effect on reducing the intensity of some of your other challenges. . Food for thought! So, whats the most important thing you might need to address first? See more

04.01.2022 Midlife is not the time to disenchant ourselves. Its a time to turn on all our magic in full force. ** #mariannewilliamson ** .... . In what ways do you connect into your own #midlifemagic ? . . My experience of magic often comes through hugging my loved ones, learning new things, having fun + d&ms with my best buddies, mindfulness (especially mindful walking) , yoga, meditation, breathwork, cardio (cycling/rpm/rebounding/swimming), and soaking myself in gentle sunlight (oh the bliss). However, my absolute favourite way to connect into the embodiment of magic is to spend time in nature. Its the ultimate way I take care of myself. #naturetherapy #walkingformentalhealth . . As restrictions started to lift here in South Australia, a few weeks ago, the very first thing I did was head outside of urban Adelaide to find Autumn (#stirlingsouthaustralia as pictured) ... oh the gorgeousness!. The second thing I did was put on my well worn hiking boots (not pictured) and immersed myself in nature along the rugged coastline & rolling green hills of the Heysen Trail on the Fleurieu Peninsula (1.5hr drive from my home). It felt like coming home & it was MAGIC. Im bound to share a few of the pics here at some point. #midlifeadventure . . Life here in SA is gradually rebounding back to its pre-COVID self, even the gyms are re- opening on Monday (WOW). Yet, my biggest heart desire is to continue to re-enchant myself in the magic of nature, and therefore the magic in myself. Bring it on. The gym can wait . . . How will you continue to ENCHANT yourself in #midlife ? What is #yourmagic ? . @midlife_menopause_beyond @integrative_psychology See more

04.01.2022 *Long post here ... because it is important* Hey all. There are many published reports & studies identifying the clinical effects of perimenopause on physical health, cognitive health, and mental health. Hormonal changes are a huge factor here. Right? ...Continue reading

03.01.2022 https://nationalseniors.com.au//older-australians-covid-19

02.01.2022 Mindfulness as a positive ageing strategy? How?... By being open, without judgement, to all of your thoughts, sensations and emotions that arise in relation to your changing, ageing self. By selectively NOT focusing on any of those things in detail. Simply allowing them all to gently: Rise and pass Rise and pass. Rise and pass On repeat. Repeatedly observing, and letting go. Observe, Let go. Observe, let go. Observe, let go. Whilst also cultivating a loving kindness meditation: e.g. ~ I lovingly nurture, nourish, & embrace my changing/ageing body and allow myself to fluidly flow through all the natural experiences of my bodys inner wisdom ~ So that this may lead to a journey towards self-compassion. Until before you know it ... you have glimpses of compassionate self-acceptance. Gentle, compassionate acceptance of your changing, ageing self. How many times do you do this? Whenever the thoughts, sensations, & emotions come back. How long does it take? As long as it takes. Perhaps, forever. . . . #positiveageing #mindfulness #mindfulageing #selfcompassion #compassionateaaceptance #radicalselfacceptance #midlifemenopausebeyond #sharonstinsonpsychologist

22.12.2021 If an average human like me in my 50’s can learn to do something like #devaduuta (Fallen Angel yoga pose), what else might be possible? Well, all sorts of things. ... I get inspired by many people in their 50’s & beyond every single day because they are busting the myths of ageing and kicking ageism to the curb. I’m committed to doing the same. If you have been following me for awhile you may know that I have attempted to operate from two social media accounts: @sharonstinsonpsychologist + @midlife_menopause_beyond , however that is about to change. Moving forward I will be integrating these two accounts and only posting from @sharonstinsonpsychologist where I will continue to post on topics relevant to all adults across the lifespan as I have done so far & will also include topics relevant to the experience of midlife + ageing + longevity . Issues relating to midlife and ageing are relevant to everyone, because even if you are not close to those life stages YET, one day you might be lucky enough to experience that privilege (yes it’s an absolute privilege to evolve into our ageing selves even if it’s not always easy), and because right now you will undoubtedly have loved ones who are. Also the reality is that there is a massively rising ageing population across the whole world ... people who we will be interacting with, sharing life with, providing services to, receiving services from, and as such this awareness is key to all aspects of these human connections. Disclaimer: This post is not about driving the agendas of #selfcomparison #fitspo #antiageing #dietculture #bodyshaming #ageshaming or any type of #shaming for that matter, or complex #yogaposes (fallen angel pose is not a secret pathway to wellbeing at any age). There are many people experiencing midlife and ageing through a lens of chronic health/physical/injury/mobility challenges, and cognitive & mental health decline. There are also many who are not. The majority are living fulfilling & meaningful lives whilst learning to embrace their personal ageing challenges. So let’s raise an open narrative on all of it. Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic.

08.12.2021 I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories ... water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom. CLARISSA PINKOLA ESTES #womenwhorunwiththewolves .... . . #timetobloom #menopausenarrative #ageingnarrative #menopause #prematurememopause #poi #perimenopause #menopause #postmenopause #ageing #proactiveageing #activeageing #psychologyofmenopause #menopausepsychology #psychologyofageing #ageingpsychology #integrativepsychology #narrativepsychology @sharonstinsonpsychologist @midlife_menopause_beyond See more

01.12.2021 With so much information on social media regarding premature/early/ & peri - menopause, it’s important to also get informed about the range of post-menopausal experiences that some women have. This is particularly so because it is often portrayed that the peri-menopausal years + the menopausal year bring the most challenging hormonal changes in the female body, & that they will likely subside just a few years after menopause has been reached. For some that is fortunately tr...ue, and for many it’s simply not. For some post-menopausal women it’s possible to experience an ongoing, or more extreme, idiosyncratic combination of debilitating changes relating hot flushes, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, dry vagina, difficulty concentrating, mental confusion, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, osteoporotic symptoms, depression, headache, & so on that cause immense discomfort, unwellness, and an overall lower quality of life. Some women experience this as suffering, even despite the rhetoric out there that tries to convince YOU that menopause should not be synonymous with suffering. As a front line practitioner for women in peri/post menopause, I’m here to tell you that their stories are embedded in physical/emotional/mental/spiritual distress & suffering, that no amount positive thinking (or change of wording), on its own, will address. If unmanaged, this could go on for up to ten years or more, & is likely to attract a diagnosis of post-menopausal syndrome. It’s validly called a syndrome because it’s a bio-psycho-social-eco + medical complexity, and causes significant physical and psychological distress. And just so you know, there are principal health concerns for all women in any stage of premature/early/peri/post - MENOPAUSE including vasomotor symptoms, urogenital atrophy, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, psychiatric symptoms, neurological & cognitive decline, and sexual problems. Fortunately we live in a time where we have almost all the information we need at our fingertips & it’s possible to access a range of strategies to manage health & wellbeing, and to mitigate many risks. I wholeheartedly endorse that women seek a range of knowledgeable professionals skilled in the areas relevant to their own health needs. They are out there in increasing abundance now & this forms the topic of Monday’s live Q & A inside the @midlife_menopause_beyond (Australia) private fb group. I’m so looking forward to connecting on this topic. Let me know if you want to join this growing group. @midlife_menopause_beyond @sharonstinsonpsychologist #australasianmenopausepractitioner #australasianmenopausesociety #ams #menopauseawareness #menopause #postmenopause #menopausehealth #menopausewellbeing

19.11.2021 The traditional definition of menopause relates to a physical event in the female body, a change in internal functioning relating to a typical hormonal profile, indicating loss of fertility and future incapacity to reproduce. It is often surrounded by stigma relating to loss of true feminity, invisibleness, escalation of physical dysfunction, & medical risk or crisis.... However the experience of menopause, for each woman, is so uniquely variable that this traditional scientific reductionist model is slowly fading into obscurity. The new research paradigm informs us that the transition across the menopause spectrum is complex, extensive, non-linear, and unique to each individual, as it spans across the decades. Some women experience it as an effortless and empowering life transition, and some will have debilitating experiences that negatively impact on quality of life, and multi-dimensional aspects of wellbeing. The true story is to be found in each woman’s unique somatic experience of the biological, psychological, social, ecological, etheric and spiritual contexts that impact on her, and the way in which she ultimately creates meaning out of her own menopausal transition. Sacred. Powerful. Empowering. Listen to her. Honour her. In celebration of today: ~ World Menopause Day ~ With heart-centered love, compassion and support. Sharon. INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOLOGY

17.11.2021 In my private practice as a psychologist I’ve lost count of the number of times that I have shocked my amazing female clients, who were in their early midlife years, by suggesting that the reason for their escalating #anxiety #panicattacks #sadness... #irritability #anger #brainfog #confusion #poormemory #fatigue #insomnia #lowmotivation #depression #relationshipangst #etc #etc ... could have something to do with PERI-MENOPAUSE. I get it. I really do! I had the same reaction when someone suggested to me (in my mid 40’s) that my ever-increasing & unrelenting #migraineaura experiences were probably related to #perimenopausal hormonal changes. I asked myself, how could that be when I still had the endurance to cycle 80-100km through hills, and swim hour long laps a few times a week, and had extra energy to burn in my career + keeping up with my (then) teenage twin daughters. I mean peri-menopause wasn’t a word commonly used, & I just didn’t see myself being in that stage of life ALREADY. Although I knew a lot about menopause (I had been researching it and working with many women for years who reached menopause long before I did), there just wasn’t much information around to suggest that some women experienced extreme debilitating neurological disturbances due to peri/post menopause, + my experiences actually got much worse in post-menopause (who knew? But that’s for a future post ), however fast forward to today, at the age of 56, and a whole lot more lived experience + professional experience, I am now (mostly) WELL & STRONG, & totally on board the menopause awareness campaign train. If you are an early/peri/post menopausal woman living in Australia and want to connect into the @midlife_menopause_beyond FB PRIVATE COMMUNITY please make contact so I can discuss it with you and invite you in. There is a lot going on in the group right now in line with the international #menopauseawarenessmonth for October. . . #menopausewellbeing #menopausementalhealth #migraine #migraineaura #neurological #brainhealth #hormonalhealth #hormonebalance #oestrogen #progesterone #testosterone #hormones #womenshealth #womenshealthaustralia

28.10.2021 | Menopause before 40 & spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency | Early menopause can be triggered by chemotherapy, radiotherapy treatment, or surgical removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy), thus resulting in sudden or gradual menopause symptoms.... Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a loss of function of the ovaries on women who are less than 40 years old. Spontaneous POI affects 1% of women less than 40yrs & in most cases the cause is not identified. Irregular/no menstrual periods & menopausal symptoms may be the only sign of POI & blood tests are needed for diagnosis. POI can cause infertility & the risk of long-term health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis & memory problems and dementia. The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) recommends Hormone replacement therapy for POI until the natural age of menopause to reduce the long-term risks. In all of the above instances psychological symptoms may include mood changes, depression, anxiety, feelings of confusion & sadness. Over the years I have worked with several women experiencing early menopause or POI, & just recently I had one of my followers (age 32) share that she was diagnosed with POI at the age of 21. So, to clarify ... it is possible to start the journey on the menopause spectrum in any decade of your fertile life. The AMS provides a digital resource for health practitioners supporting women with POI & early menopause + offer a companion digital resource on women’s experiences for patients/clients. If this info is applicable to you or someone you know & further support is required, please feel free to contact me via private message. I offer an integrative approach to all woman on the menopause spectrum via face-to-face, telehealth, & group sessions. With heart-centred love, compassion, support. Sharon

18.10.2021 Following on from an earlier post ... The international Menopause Society has designated the theme for ... World Menopause Day ~ October 18, 2020 as PREMATURE OVARIAN INSUFFICIENCY (POI). POI occurs when a woman’s ovaries run out of eggs, or do not release eggs regularly and do not produce typical amounts of oestrogen, before the age of 40 years. The impact of POI has far-reaching consequences due to its impact on general, psychological and sexual quality of life, fertility prospects and long-term bone, cardiovascular and cognitive health. Via an International Menopause Society White Paper aimed at providing the latest research & information on understanding POI, and practical management strategies. More to come on this topic. . . . #menopauseawarenessmonth #prematureovarianinsufficiency #POI #internationalmenopausesociety #IMS #menopausehealth #womenshealth : My personal pic taken at #brightonbeachsa #brightonjettyclassicsculptures at sunset, last Summer . #nofilterneeded

01.10.2021 Another interesting post on ageing & longevity.