Empty Nest, Menopause, Autism - Challenges and growth, with psychotherapist Julie Bieland

"In this episode, I take you on a deeply personal journey through some of the most challenging phases of my life.

Julie Bjelland continues, "I open up about the experience of facing an empty nest, the physical and emotional upheaval brought on by menopause, and the profound insights I gained from understanding how autism impacts me and others who are sensitive.

"These challenges led me through some dark times, prompting a pivotal moment of self-reflection and a strong commitment to prioritizing my health."

She adds, "This wasn't just about my physical well-being but about embarking on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

"By embracing changes and committing to learning more about my internal world, I discovered the nuances of autism and how it resonates with the experiences of sensitive individuals like myself."

Bjelland says this episode is "more than a story of personal struggle; it's a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of health, and the journey toward understanding myself on a deeper level."

Psychotherapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, specializes in helping Highly Sensitive and Neurodiverse people.

This audio is most of her HSP Podcast episode 187: Empty Nest, Menopause, and Autism.

See her page: Resources Supporting Highly Sensitive People & The Neurodiverse - "Helping you lower sensitivity challenges so you can thrive to your fullest potential" - with free classes, Sensitivity Quiz, posts, HSP Podcast episodes, paid courses, The HSP community, Autism Resources, and more.

Continued below: a video with Mayim Bialik and Julie Bjelland (“Positives and Strengths of Being a Highly Sensitive Person”), some comments by psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman on painful emotions and personal growth, plus a few related Creative Mind Audio episodes on autism and high sensitivity.