We value ourselves based on our self-esteem. The way we feel about ourselves, our life, and our capabilities might be good, negative, or somewhere in between. Self-esteem and low self-confidence can influence many aspects of our lives, including work and relationships with family and friends.
When we have low self-esteem, we don't value ourselves very highly. It's possible that we've adopted a pessimistic view of life, which might cause us to feel hopeless or worthless. We may spend a lot of time evaluating ourselves against others, believing that we are undeserving, and other people are far superior to us, which causes us to lack confidence in ourselves.
Raising one's self-esteem and building self confidence comes from understanding the negative messages which are causing you to feel this way. Once you understand and acknowledge them, then you can start to take steps to address them.

To make an appointment call or text on 0755324614, email joanne@thrivepersonaltherapy.co.uk. Or book a free consultation via the contacts page.

Every woman will go through the menopause at some point in their life. One in four women will experience mild symptoms, whereas three in four will encounter life changing and sometimes debilitating symptoms, due to the drop in their oestrogen levels. A BBC survey conducted in 2018 reported 48% of women between the ages of 50-55 years said that their mental health was affected by their menopausal symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, menopause does not only affect women in their 50s. Perimenopause (which is the time between the onset of symptoms and when a woman has gone 12 months without having a period), usually starts in a woman’s 40s and is hardly ever accompanied by hot flushes. More common symptoms are, anxiety, low mood, sleep disturbance, fatigue, irritability, poor memory etc. Moreover, the decline in hormones can be extremely consequential when a woman has had to go through surgical or medical menopause. Many women find themselves emotionally overwhelmed and are conscious they have gone from feeling even-tempered and happy, to fluctuating between angry, irritable, and crying. Many women say they feel like they have lost who they thought they were, and are often left questioning, if they will ever return to the person they once were, or is she has gone forever? Others may grieve for their loss of their fertility, having the choice to have a baby now taken away. Furthermore, symptoms could be compounded by ‘empty nest syndrome’- when your children leave home for university or permanently, resulting in women feeling redundant and questioning their meaning and purpose.

Staggeringly one in four women will consider leaving their jobs due to their symptoms, reporting they feel unsupported and unable to discuss their circumstances with their managers. Sadly, personal relationships  can breakdown caused from both physical and emotional symptoms leading to a stagnation in communication, understanding and the lack of sexual desire. Therefore, the menopause can be a critical time for relationships, and the breakdown of long-term marriages has risen by 19% in recent years for those of menopausal age. Relate state that seven out of ten divorces are now initiated by women.

As a therapist who myself has had to undergo surgical menopause in my early 40s, I am fully aware and understand the stresses and strains of this multifaceted difficult time in one’s life. Therefore, I can offer an empathetic understanding and time to work through the emotional turmoil the menopause can bring.

To make an appointment call or text on 0755324614, email joanne@thrivepersonaltherapy.co.uk. Or book a free consultation via the contacts page.