At some point in midlife, many women quietly ask, “Who am I now?” I remember facing that question myself at 48, newly separated and adjusting to a home that was suddenly much quieter. It can feel disorienting when your body is changing, your roles are shifting, and the old rules no longer seem to apply, yet the world still expects you to carry on as usual.In this episode, we explore authenticity in midlife and what it really means to become more yourself, not less, through perimenopause and beyond.I’m joined by Dr. Gail Saltz, MD, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, to unpack the cultural narratives women have absorbed about aging, beauty, relevance, and identity. We discuss why this stage can feel unsettling and how to move through it with clarity, self-respect, and even joy.Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional well-being, and mental health contributor in the media, where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books, including “The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius,” and serves as a Medical Expert for the Physicians for Human Rights. Dr. Saltz is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine, a psychoanalyst with the New York Psychoanalytic Institute, has a private practice in Manhattan, and hosts the "How Can I Help?" podcast.Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.Find Dr. Saltz:Website: https://drgailsaltz.com/IG: @drgailsaltzFB: @GailSaltzMD Podcast: https://drgailsaltz.com/how-can-i-help-podcast/Stay connected with JFW:Watch on the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultationsJoin April's Group Health Coaching cohort here:https://www.jillfooswellness.com/group-coachingIf you’re a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts:https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related