Treating women in life’s “Hot Spots”
In my 20 years of psychiatric practice, I have observed there to be certain phases in women’s lives that can be particularly challenging. They appear to stem from societal expectations of women, psychological changes, and biological shifts in women’s bodies. I have dubbed these phases “hot spots” because intense emotions can arise - this can be completely normal or can lead to anxiety, depression of other psychological issues. One of my favorite parts of my job is to help women navigate through these phases in a creative, intelligent, and thoughtful manner.
Early 20’s: Leaving home and family for the first time can be extremely stressful on the body. Often this can trigger first-time symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, or depression. The pressure to “have a ball” in college often leaves one feeling abnormal and isolated.
Mid 20’s - Early 30’s: There is a myth that the mid- to late-20’s are supposed to be the best times of one’s life. This could NOT be farther from the truth. There are so many unknowns concerning career, relationships, and finances that it is actually an incredibly stressful time. (For more information on this topic, read “I’m in My 20’s - Why Aren’t I Having Fun Yet?” on the Insights page).
Reproductive Years: Challenges of fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the postpartum period can wreck havoc on one’s emotional state. Add cultural expectations and hormonal changes and you have a hot spot.
30’s – 40’s: The exhausting balancing act of trying to make everyone happy - motherhood, marriage, career. This is a phase where women often lose themselves. We forget our identity and forget about our own needs. This can create chronic exhaustion, depression and feelings of emptiness. (For more information on this topic, read “Mommy Burnout” on the Insights page).
Late 30’s – Late 40’s: This can be a particularly challenging time of life: children’s problems, an infidelity, a divorce, or a medical event. This phase can give rise to the so-called midlife crisis - where everything we once believed is turned on its head. (For more information on this topic, read “The Truth of the Midlife Crisis” on the Insights page).
50’s – 60’s: Another phase of great change: children leaving the home, peri-menopause, the aging process, death of a loved one. This is a time when the external becomes less important, and we need to reflect on our internal life.