FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE® with Karli Newman

MIDLIFE MUSINGS: THIS TIME OF YEAR CAN BE TOUGH

Karli Newman

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This is a tough time of year for many women in midlife and beyond. The holiday season stirs up a mix of emotions. 


In this episode, I share compassionate and practical ways to navigate difficult emotions, whether you're offering support or seeking it for yourself.


Reaching out can feel vulnerable, but it can also make all the difference. If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health, below are three resources to help:

  • National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial/Text 988 - Free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress, including those facing suicide risk or mental health crises. It’s also available for those seeking help for a loved one in need of crisis care. Learn more at 988lifeline.org.
  • Community Information and Referral - This service connects people to local community resources, including crisis support, housing, food, and healthcare. Available in multiple languages, it helps with disaster recovery, housing, utility bills, food programs, and mental health services. Visit 211.org or call 2-1-1 for free and confidential assistance 24/7.
  • Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA helps individuals struggling with mental health and substance use by providing free, confidential resources and treatment options. Their website and helpline connect you to local support services to improve well-being and recovery. Learn more at samhsa.gov/find-treatment.


I’d love to hear what comes up for you as you listen. Reach out at karli@flipsideofmidlife.com. Please share this episode with a woman in your life who might find it helpful.

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The holiday season stirs up emotions. Overwhelm and loneliness are common, yet often unspoken. There's a cultural expectation of joy and lightness, but many feel heavy with grief, anxiety, or disappointment.

Several times over the past few weeks, I've been reminded how hard this time of year is for many women in midlife and beyond.

{MUSIC INTRO}

Hi there, my friend. It's me, Karli. Thanks for listening to my MIDLIFE MUSINGS.

If you're feeling any of the tough emotions I mentioned, please know you are not alone. These emotions are valid and shared by others. 

At this time of year, reaching out, either to support another woman or to seek support for yourself, can make all the difference.

I know it can be uncomfortable to take the first step, so I'm here with three ways to check in with the women in your life and three steps to help you reach out if you're navigating tough emotions this season.

First, how you can reach out and support other women.

Do not build this up in your head, my friend. A simple text, call, or message can convey care and create space for her to be honest with you. Set the tone for a safe and supportive conversation.

Another way to reach out is to offer specific support. She may not know what she needs or be able to put it into words. Maybe you offer to drop by with coffee or lunch to have time to talk. Perhaps you meet for a walk to get her outside into a different environment. Ask if your offer would feel good or be helpful. Be open to her saying no or needing time to think about it. Your offer of support may be the glimmer she needs to feel cared about and seen.

A third way to support a woman in your life is to genuinely listen when she opens up to you. Focus on what she's saying without reacting, offering advice, or trying to fix it. Oh gosh, do we love to help by fixing it. Allow her to express her thoughts and feelings without interruptions or judgment.

Be present and empathetic. Listen with care and concern. It can validate her feelings and let her know she's not alone.

Okay, now, if you're the one feeling tough emotions, here are three steps you can take to reach out.

First, choose one trusted person to reach out to. Who in your life feels safe and supportive. Maybe a close friend or a family member or even a professional who's in your care circle. Just one person. One feels less overwhelming than many.

Another way to reach out is to be honest about how you're feeling. You don't need to have the perfect words, just say, I've been feeling a little off lately and I really need someone to talk to.

That can be enough to start a supportive conversation. And remember, those who care about you want to help.

A third way to feel supported is to give yourself permission to ask for what you need. If you want someone to listen, say so. If you need advice, a distraction, or even space, speak up. Communicating your needs can help you feel more supported and understood.

Reaching out, whether it's to offer or seek support, can be challenging because it feels vulnerable. As women in midlife and beyond, let's make sure the women in our life, ourselves included, are doing okay this time of year. 

If this episode resonates with you, ask the women in your life how they're doing. Listen compassionately. Share if you're having a hard time. Ask for help. Practice self-compassion if you're not feeling the joy of the season. 

Please know, I am not a mental health professional and my content is created for educational and entertainment purposes.

There are incredibly helpful resources available to help you if you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health. I've linked three of these resources for you in the transcript and show notes.

As always, my friend, I love to hear what comes up for you as you're listening to my episodes. Feel free to reach out at karli@flipsideofmidlife.com. I'm just a message away.

I'll be back with another MIDLIFE MUSINGS in two weeks. Until then, catch my Wednesday episodes of FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE®.

{MUSIC OUTRO}

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Reaching out can feel vulnerable, but it can also make all the difference. If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health, below are three resources to help:

  • National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial/Text 988 - Free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress, including those facing suicide risk or mental health crises. It’s also available for those seeking help for a loved one in need of crisis care. Learn more at 988lifeline.org.
  • Community Information and Referral - This service connects people to local community resources, including crisis support, housing, food, and healthcare. Available in multiple languages, it helps with disaster recovery, housing, utility bills, food programs, and mental health services. Visit 211.org or call 2-1-1 for free and confidential assistance 24/7.
  • Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA helps individuals struggling with mental health and substance use by providing free, confidential resources and treatment options. Their website and helpline connect you to local support services to improve well-being and recovery. Learn more at samhsa.gov/find-treatment.

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