Trending Topics on All Things Menopausal Podcast: Mental Health and Holistic Healing

As the podcast All Things Menopausal continues to grow, there’s been a noticeable surge around topics related to emotional and mental wellbeing. Specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are resonating deeply with the audience. Alongside mental well being, episodes on alternative healing modalities have also captured significant attention. Let's explore why these topics are gaining traction and what this means for our listening community.

The Rising Interest in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a well-established psychological treatment that focuses on changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing personal coping strategies. During menopause, women often experience a range of psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings. CBT has been shown to be effective in managing these symptoms by helping women reframe negative thoughts and develop healthier behavioral patterns.

Our episodes with Audrianna Gurr, LPC, explores practical CBT techniques that she has accumulated experience from over 14,000 client hours and two decades as a therapist. Her soon-to-be-released workbook, I’m Still Hot! Finding Sanity and Empowerment During Menopause, Gurr  teaches resilience through helpful nudge and guidance to release the healing power from within. Listeners can appreciate Gurr’s her actionable advice to implement in their daily lives to manage menopause-related stress and emotional upheavals.

One of the reasons CBT is resonating with listeners is its empowering nature. By providing tools and strategies to manage mental health, women feel more in control of their experiences. This sense of empowerment is crucial during menopause, a time often marked by significant physical and emotional changes and the heavy toll it can have on mental health.

Understanding the Connection Between PTSD and Menopause

PTSD, a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, can be exacerbated by the hormonal fluctuations of menopause. Research suggests that the decline in estrogen levels can make PTSD symptoms more severe, affecting sleep, mood, and overall well-being. The solo-episode focused on PTSD during menopause has struck a chord with the audience, and by sharing the relevant facts about the complexities and nuances of a brain injury or trauma with the menopausal experience has hopefully fostered a sense of community and reduced feelings of isolation. Our aim is that listeners find comfort in knowing they are not alone. Many others face similar challenges and there are effective strategies in managing PTSD and or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI / mTBI).

Embracing Alternative Therapies

Holistic approaches that combine Eastern traditional therapy with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, meditaiton, and nutritional changes are gaining mometum and highly regarded as extremely effective in menopause symptom relief. Along side CBT, particularly popular approaches that align with our audience’s interest in mind-body wellness are Reiki and Sound Bath Healing. These holistic practices offer gentle ways to manage menopausal symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

The episode with Paula Schuster, Reiki Master, on Sound Bath Healing, which uses sound frequencies to induce a meditative state, and Reiki, a form of energy healing, continues to gain traction. This increasing interest in topics that explore spirituality with energetic balancing is an indication there’s an appetite for more guest experts in these fields of therapy. Listeners are obviously atuned to learning about calming healing methods for its potential to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and foster a sense of inner peace.

What Do These Trends Mean for Menopausal Women

The increased interest in CBT, PTSD, and alternative approaches to symptom management highlights several key trends and insights about our listening community:

1. Mental Health Awareness: There is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health during menopause. Menopausal women and population in general are not only more open but proactive in seeking out information and resources to better understand and manage mental health and overall wellbeing.

2. Desire for Practical Solutions: Women values practical, actionable advice that they can incorporate into their daily lives. They are looking for tools and strategies to improve their quality of life and navigate the challenges of menopause with greater ease.

3. Holistic Health: There is a strong interest in holistic health approaches that consider the mind, body, and spirit. The podcast will continue exploring subject on a variety of treatments and strategies so that listeners can find tiops, tricks, ideas, and options that work best for them.

4. Community and Connection: Sharing personal stories and fostering a sense of community is crucial. Our podcast loves to dive into the backstory of guest experts to better understand what attracted them to their field of specialty. And, listeners can appreciate the support and solidarity that comes from hearing others' pain points and transformative journey. These are the breadcrumbs to follow to ultimately lead to better menopause experience

Conclusion

All Things Menopausal is a platform that explores all facets of midlife from the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual person that we are. It’s a podcast born from the idea that the social construct and medical approach to menopause have been wrong and not serving this important demographic  well. It’s a podcast that has quickly evolved toward uncovering the unique intersection between science and spirituality.  We remain committed to providing valuable insights, practical advice, and a supportive community for our listeners. The popularity of episodes such CBT and PTSD underscores the need for continued discussion and resources around mental health during menopause while wellness and alternative approaches to healing highlight the understanding that women  today are living at a time more open, curious and accepting that there is more than just conventional medicine to manage symptoms associated with hormonal changes. There’s an entire Eastern philosophical approach to wellness growing in popularity and gaining greater respect. Needless to say, there is much more to uncover and we look forward to bringing you more content that empowers, informs, inspires and connects. Together, we can navigate this journey with strength, resilience, and support. 

Thank you for being part of this community and for tuning in to All Things Menopausal. Midlife should be the best life, and it will be!

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health issue, it is crucial to seek professional medical help. Mental health conditions are complex and can have serious implications on one's wellbeing. Consulting with a qualified healthcare provider is the best course of action to receive proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Do not delay in reaching out for professional assistance in such circumstances.