Many women find themselves awake late at night battling insomnia brought on by perimenopause, only to be met with advice from their GP to reduce stress, lose weight or try yoga for their anxiety, often without addressing the deeper issues at play.

Middle Age for Women Is a Minefield

Because menopause and raging hormone changes aren't enough of a gift basket, the list of life changes at this time can be overwhelming. When the kids fly the coop and you finally have time to focus on your own life, it can stir up big emotions. The easing of the mental load leaves plenty of time for reflection (and for some, this is not a good thing!)

Many people find themselves cursing how they have neglected friendships during the parenting years and realise their village has shrunk significantly, and loneliness starts to creep in.

The plot twist is you now have time to wonder why your personality quirks are starting to dominate your personality.

You also have more time with your husband, who you suddenly notice breathes too loud and is obnoxiously unaffected by middle age.

When Your GP Tells You It's All in Your Head

There is a reason why jokes about doctors not taking women's health issues seriously are so cliche — it happens all the time! However, this shouldn't stop you from consulting with your doctor or finding a healthcare provider who listens to your concerns. Middle age for women is challenging and can affect mental and physical health and may also reveal neglected health conditions.

Are you infuriated when someone eats something slightly crunchy or moist without sealing their lips? Always found routine changes intolerable and just put it down to a preference for organisation? There is an emerging epidemic of women in their 40s and 50s getting an ADHD diagnosis and discovering that their ‘quirks’ are down to a medical condition.

Life changes so much, and not seeing your children every day, knowing they are out in the world without your protection, can cause anxiety and depression. Anxiety counselling and depression counselling are treatments you can benefit from.

Women often take on the role of caring for ageing parents, which can bring on anticipatory grief — or grief after a loss. Grief counselling can offer support during this time and provide a safe space to process and express those emotions. 

Relationships can become strained in middle age; with the sudden onset of abundant free time together, they can blossom or start to show cracks. Personal counselling, as well as relationship counselling, can help ease the strain and rekindle connection between couples who have drifted apart during parenthood and struggle to find common ground.

Regaining your spark mid-life can be tough, but at least with help from psychologists Melbourne middle aged women have time for it now.