Menstrual mental health
I never used my voice much until one day I had something to say. Women’s health, specifically menstrual cycle education, has become a cornerstone of my work. I have written a succinct but impactful book, Mindful Menstruation, as a way to educate people about the intersection of menstruation and mental health.
While I am passionate about people learning the menstrual cycle, this is just one of many lenses I use as a therapist. My objective is not to have therapy center around one’s period, but rather to honor the menstrual cycle as a valid experience and one worth of exploring.
I work with all genders, but I often work with women in their mid-to-late 20s, 30s, and 40s who tend to be ambitious but anxious, strong but soft, courageous but cautious.
WHY MENSTRUAL MENTAL HEALTH?
After learning my cycle as a grown adult, I took some time to understand this sometimes-frustrating but incredible occurrence. I was able to connect so many dots tying my lived experience to the cyclical experience happening in my body.
Like seasons changing, our bodies are never stagnant. Not only over time as we age, but changing cyclically with hormone fluctuations or in relation to health or pregnancy — all of which impacting our physical, mental, and emotional states.
Deepening my connection with my cycle has had the most transformative impact on my relationship to my mental health. I believe learning the ebbs and flows of the cycle can help people manage their mental health, deepen their relationships, and lean into their connection with themselves. I am committed to educate and empower others to connect with their cycle in their own authentic way.
At times I find it difficult to own this trope of dividing differences between men and women. Aside from the binary narrative, it also feels like it goes against the parity and equality we have fought to have for decades. I have gotten over that resistance though. We can be deserving of equality while also highlighting differing physical and emotional needs.
MORE ABOUT MINDFUL MENSTRUATION
Joanna wrote Mindful Menstruation book to educate people about the intersection of menstruation and mental health
Available for purchase, this book and cycle tracker is a great introduction to better understand and embrace your cycle
Recommended for clients and clinicians, this book includes an introductory overview of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and PME (premenstrual exacerbation)
FEATURES
Silverlake Psychotherapy Blog, THE TABOO OF MENSTRUATION
Canvas Rebel Interview, MEET JOANNA GREENBAUM
At The Well, MENSTRUATION AND THE MOON