Women in their 30s and 40s?
Hi everyone! I'm pretty new to 7 cups and think it's a great site. However, it seems that many if not most members are students in their early 20s. Are there any women in their 30s or 40s who would like to connect? I'm a married woman in my late 30s and just dealing with the general stuff--a little depression, a little anxiety, a little existential angst. Would like to connect with others in a similar life stage. Thanks!
One thing I personally struggle with is finding my place in the world as a childfree woman. My husband and I are childfree by choice, but at the same time I find that it is difficult to carve out a niche in a world that is mostly geared towards families. I also deal with anxiety over growing old (even though I'm only 39!). Would love to hear what others are dealing with!
I'm am currenly child free, as well. I'm trying to figure out if I should just leave it at that or try to change it while I still have the chance. I know you're not struggling with the same thoughts as I do, but I made a post about my thoughts, and if you felt like it, I'd be very interested in hearing some of your thoughts there too (but no pressure at all if that's not for you, of course!):
https://www.7cups.com/forum/MemberSupport_32/GeneralEntries_39/Trytostartafamilyornot_18570/
I know what you mean about living in a world that normalizes and encourages having children. Like you said, it's very geared towards that. I personally am reminded of that every single day.
I'm also child free, and have actually started to find many others out there who have made the same choice - several coworkers and new acquaintances. It can be tough feeling like the only one who has made this choice, but there are many more of us out there that you would believe.
I may be a little older than many in this thread but health issues creep in and the feeling of getting older. I have anxiety, menopausal symptoms, hypothyroidism plus relationship problems. Its difficult when you have few friends or others for support.
Yay this thread is awesome!
30 years old this year! Single, moving into a great career and loving life.
Happy to talk to everyone!
I'm in my 30s. Also strongly leaning towards not kids, although I won't 100% say never yet. I've been dealing with health issues though, and there would be a 50% chance of passing it on if I conceived naturally, so that factors in too.
Even before I knew I had all these issues my husband and I weren't all gung-ho about having kids.
Hi...I'm 46, 3 kids all 18 or over. I'm a new empty nester (single mom most of the time) but that part is ok - not contributing to my issues. I focused on being the mom I really wanted to be and pulled it off about 75% of the way. I like this community - it's a brilliant way to connect with all types, and I agree the population tends to be on the younger side. So I'm glad to find this post!
Someone upthread mentioned that they were struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Does anyone have any tips for dealing with depression/lack of motivation during these long winter months (well, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere!). I have been trying to make self-care a priority (exercising, eating well, etc) but it just seems like this winter is never going to end. Would love to hear from others!
@globalRainfall50 - That was me. I find exercise outside helps, but living in the pacific northwest that is easier for me than for some. On days when I can?t get out, I use my light box. I use it every day, and usually start in the fall, though this winter it didn?t seem to matter, but it still seems to help, and I supplement in the afternoon on some days. I have one of the old fashioned light boxes that is very bright and full spectrum, as I didn?t find that the blue LED ones did anything for me. I also take vitamin D and I eat a lot of wild Alaska salmon for the Omega-3, which always seems to boost my mood. If you can?t take the salmon, you can take supplements, just take good ones and you can take more than the suggested dose (you can?t overdose on fish oil, and the suggested dose might not be at a therapeutic level). For whatever reason though, February is always the worst for me, and despite all the things I do, I still suffer most in Feb and sometimes dragging into March. This winter has hit me hard, so I?m so glad to have found this site to get such amazing support from people who understand! If you have any advice over things that have helped you, I?d love to hear :)
Hi @tealSummer28. I'm a 37 year old woman, not married but in a committed relationship. I've dealt with (and I'm still dealing with) depression, anxiety, tragedy, loss, devastating setbacks, relationship troubles, chronic illness... If you still need someone to talk to, I'm here.
@tealSummer28
hi! I’m a female in my 40’s...
Hi. I'm 35. I turn 36 in october. Recently legally married ( it will be two years in october ), my husband and I have been long term partners for longer.
I deal with depression, anxiety, and adhd and or autism ( not yet confirmed, but I suspect that I am on the spectrum )
@tealSummer28
Hi, I'm a woman in my 40s. I'm just starting training to become a listener so I will check back in once that is complete with my listener account. :-)