Unraveling Silent Struggle Depression Suicide Women Over 45

Unraveling The Silent Struggle
On the path to midlife, drastic changes happen externally as well as internally for many women. 

Changes that can bring about loneliness,  isolation, self judgement, grief,  exhaustion, frustration, thoughts of hopelessness and irrelevance. These thoughts and feelings can wave in and out with the many changing circumstances of our journey.

Changes that can lead women down a path to profound darkness. Feeling disconnected from their worth and uncertain of their place in the world, many find themselves teetering on the edge of despair. 

In this place of profound darkness, the allure of escape begins to beckon, whispering promises of relief from the pain. For far too many women, these whispers culminate in desperate acts, as the struggle to find light in the darkness becomes overwhelming.

In the midst of life’s complexities, it’s easy to overlook the deep emotional turmoil that many women over 45 endure. Statistics reveal a startling truth: a significant number of women in this demographic grapple with depression and thoughts of suicide, often in silence.

Exploring Key Factors:

Hormonal Changes and Mental Health: As women navigate the transition into midlife, hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen during menopause, can significantly impact mental well-being. 

Subsiding hormone levels can bring old and unhealed wounds to the surface, amplifying feelings of disappointment and unworthiness. These unresolved traumas, left lingering beneath the surface for years, now emerge with newfound intensity as feelings of ‘not-good-enough’, ‘what’s-the-point’, ‘can’t-be-bothered’, ‘who-would-show-interest-in-me’, and more. 

All of these feelings point to unresolved hurts even if they can’t recall what exactly caused them. Either way, these feelings massively contribute to spiraling despair. As the sense of self-worth diminishes, women may find themselves engulfed in a sea of doubt, questioning their place in the world and struggling to find meaning amidst the turmoil.

Changes In our Health:
As we age, declining health becomes an inevitable reality for many of us, presenting challenges that extend beyond physical well-being. Chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis can significantly impact our quality of life, limiting our freedom of choices and ability to work. From mobility issues to cognitive decline, these conditions can impose barriers that restrict our independence and hinder our capacity to pursue meaningful endeavors. The burden of managing health concerns may require adjustments in lifestyle and career paths, forcing individuals to navigate a landscape of uncertainty and adaptation. 

Despite these challenges, resilience and determination can empower us to find new ways to thrive, embracing life’s changes with courage and grace.

Life Transitions and Stressors: Becoming an older daughter, mother, or grandmother brings about profound changes that can act as triggers for depression. The weight of care-giving responsibilities, empty nest syndrome, financial concerns, looming retirement, and increased tiredness and forgetfulness  can create overwhelming stressors, further exacerbating mental health challenges.

Social Isolation and Loneliness: In a world bustling with activity, many women over 45 find themselves grappling with their changing body, weight gain, difficulty losing weigh, body aches and fatigue, increasing fine-lines and wrinkles, greying hair and blurring vision can be very challenging for some women.

Not liking how you look and feel in you changing body can contribute to social isolation and loneliness. As social networks evolve and life circumstances change, maintaining meaningful connections becomes increasingly challenging, leaving women feeling disconnected and alone.

Self-Care Practices for Mental Well-being: Amidst the storms of life, women over 45 can find solace and strength in nurturing their mental well-being through self-care practices. 

• Embracing moments of stillness through meditation offers a sanctuary for the mind, allowing for inner peace and clarity to emerge. 
• Connecting with nature provides a grounding presence, offering moments of serenity and renewal amidst the chaos of daily life.
• Taking up a new interest or hobby can reignite passion and purpose, fostering a sense of fulfillment and joy. 
• Charity work is an incredibly rewarding use of time and it helps you get out of a rut without having to over commit.
• Try connecting with other women going through the same, maybe look online for local groups to join. Knowing you are not alone and not abnormal for feeling the way you do can bring relief.
• Engaging in the therapeutic practice of journaling provides a safe space for reflection and self-expression, allowing women to process their emotions and gain insight into their innermost thoughts.

  By prioritizing self-care and carving out moments of respite in their busy lives, women can cultivate resilience and empowerment, guiding them on the path towards healing and wholeness.

  Therapy is another powerful way to move forward. Release yourself from  emotional knots and fear can be a rapid way to empowerment and peace Introducing Stacey-Michelle’s – Advanced Rapid Subconscious Rewiring: Amidst the darkness, there is hope. Stacey-Michelle’s Advanced Rapid Subconscious Rewiring offers a beacon of light for women seeking relief from the grips of depression and despair. Through the Embrace Me program, women are guided on a journey of healing, self-compassion, self-love and a clearing for the way to a bright and exciting future.Embrace me consists of three powerful and transformative sessions –

1. One Advanced Conversational Hypnosis Session to address the most pressing issue blocking happiness and progress (more sessions available if needed) for issues like feeling anxious, unmotivated, stuck, depressed.

2. Inner Room Therapy: A unique therapy to Stacey Michelle that focuses on what block self love and self compassion as well as reconnecting with your inner/higher self or intuition. 

3. Future Me Therapy: Taking you forward in a gentle hypnotic state to see and feel what your ideal, most blissful  life would be like in around two years once you are fully feeling confident and peaceful. Has been described as having a vision board of your ideal life in your unconscious mind helping to set you up to take steps towards that life.
   This unique session brings with it insight and can reveal paths you would love to follow and can help you see changes and  choices you need to make.

   Usually run over the course of a month.

Conclusion: As we navigate the complexities of life, let us not forget the silent struggles faced by women over 45. By understanding the key factors contributing to depression and suicide in this demographic, we can pave the way for healing and transformation. Together, let us embrace the journey towards mental well-being, knowing that support and solutions are within reach.

Note to Anyone Considering Suicide:

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that help is available. You are not alone, and there are people who care about you deeply. 

Please reach out to one of the following helplines for support:

Australia:

• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

United Kingdom:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free to call, 24/7)

Ireland:

• Samaritans Ireland: 116 123 (free to call, 24/7)

United States:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 (24/7)

Canada:

• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)

New Zealand:
Lifeline New Zealand: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or text HELP to 4357 (24/7)

If your country isn’t listen please google the nearest suicide helpline to your location.

You are valued, you are loved, and you are worthy of support and compassion. Please reach out for help, and know that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.

With love and hope,

Stacey