SE7: EP13 Understanding and Expressing Menopause Anger in a Healthy Way

Thriving Thru Menopause

In this episode, Clarissa sits down with psychotherapist Bronwyn Schweigerdt for a powerful discussion on anger, particularly in the context of menopause.

Together, they dive deep into the societal stigma surrounding anger—especially for women—and how it’s often suppressed or labeled as unacceptable.

Bronwyn sheds light on why acknowledging and expressing anger in a healthy way is crucial, as bottled-up anger can wreak havoc on both mental and physical health.

They challenge the limitations of traditional anger management techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), arguing that these methods often fail to address the deeper roots of anger.

Instead, Bronwyn emphasizes the importance of understanding patterns of behavior, interpersonal relationships, and past trauma that shape our anger.

This conversation also uncovers how shame plays a major role in keeping anger suppressed, and Bronwyn offers an eye-opening exercise to help unlearn this shame.

She highlights the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in truly addressing anger, urging women to be true to themselves and not let their anger turn inward or outward in harmful ways. If you’re navigating menopause and the complex emotions that come with it, this episode is a must-watch.

TAKEAWAYS

* Anger is a natural emotion that should be acknowledged and expressed in a healthy way.

* Societal stigma, particularly for women, often leads to the suppression of anger. Repressed anger can manifest as mental and physical health issues.

* Traditional anger management techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may only address the symptoms of anger, not the root causes.

* Anger is often rooted in interpersonal relationships and past trauma. A holistic approach is needed to heal and manage anger.

* Shame plays a significant role in repressing anger and can lead to disintegration and compartmentalization of emotions. Unlearning shame is possible through exercises that involve recognizing the source of shame and returning it to the person responsible.

* Being true to oneself and taking responsibility for one's own feelings is essential in addressing and managing anger.

* Women need to address their anger and not turn it inward or outward in harmful ways, and this requires vulnerability and authenticity.

Connect with Bronwyn

Website https://angryattherightthings.com/

Podcast https://angryattherightthings.podbean.com/

Grab a copy of Clarissa's new book Beyond Hormones on Amazon https://bit.ly/BeyondHormones or Barnes and Noble https://bit.ly/3WCSNbn

Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe