Why Midlife Feels More Overwhelming for Some Women

Through my work at Radiance Therapy in Theale, near Reading, I regularly support women navigating stress, burnout, menopause and nervous system overwhelm. Increasingly, I'm meeting women who are either neurodivergent themselves or caring for neurodivergent family members and are looking for a place where they can simply be themselves.

As we reach midlife, the world for many women becomes overwhelming and difficult to navigate.  Many put this down to their hormones shifting, and peri/menopause; but for some it’s a realisation that they may have been covering or masking for years.

Why Menopause Can Feel Harder for Neurodivergent Women

In the last 10-15 years, adult neurodivergent diagnosis have raised dramatically.  It seems to have coincided with the increasing discussion on menopause, but our understanding of both menopause and neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD is still relatively new, and confusing.When  look at my clients, I have a higher percentage of those who are either neurodivergent or who are mothers of neurodivergent children.  I guess many are looking for a space to decompress, where they feel safe and understood.  They have nothing to fix, a medical practitioner is not needed, but they do need something.  If this resonates with you, or someone you know, read on.

Is this you?

Have you spent your life being described as an overthinker, sensitive, a perfectionist.  Maybe you are really organised but also exhausted. You have been brilliant at coping, raised or supported a close family.  You are pretty much superwoman.  But as perimenopause hit everything you did before suddenly felt harder, the mental overload – overloaded, emotions got bigger.Yes, all of this happens in menopause, but for those who are neurodivergent the change can be even harder. That doesn’t mean everyone who find meno is neuro, or all neuros will find men harder than those who aren’t.  Bu the combination is often the cocktail we didn’t order.

The sigh...

However, we when understand this, it certainly makes more sense.I hear from hose recently diagnosed as neurodivergent just that – it all makes sense now.  Just having the knowledge is like releasing that huge deep breathe you have been holding for years!  It’s like a sigh of relief.And that exhale is just the start.Its now time to support your body that works with your brain not against it.

How I can help

I have always loved that I offer bespoke treatments.  It means I’m able to adapt to your neds and  no one size fits all.  Radiance is a place where you can feel supported and safe, whether you are neuro or not.But if you are, here’s what I offer that could work well for you.

Your treatment, your way.

We all love different treatments, some love a chat, others crave silence. Some love nature sounds, some classical music, others silence.  Some love the smell of aromatherapy oils, others prefer basic oils.Before your treatment, I have added to the confirmation email you get a list of things you might like to consider.  You simply need to let me know if there is anything specific from this list (or anything else you might like – Ill see if I can add it in)

·       A silent treatment

·       Light conversation

·       No music

·       Specific music

·       Reduced lighting

·       An eye mask

·       Minimal essential oils

·       No essential oils

·       Extra explanation of your treatment

·       Additional grounding time at the end

·       Heavier blankets

·       Lighter coverings

·       Heated bed

·       No heated bed

I get it!  Whether you want a quiet space, a listening ear, a space where you don’t have to mask or put on a face.  I can tailor the treatment to support you.

Its simple, I aim to create a calm, comfortable experience, where you can truly be yourself and leaving feeling calmer and lighter than when you arrived.

Whether you choose reflexology, aromatherapy massage or a facial treatment, as someone who is aware of neurodivergence, I can  create an experience that works for you.

To find out more about treatments at Radiance Therapy in Theale, Reading, get in touch or book your appointment today.