communication

How do I explain what I’m going through to my partner or family?

How do I explain what I’m going through to my partner or family?
Navigating the waters of personal health shifts can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure how to communicate your experiences to those closest to you. Whether you're experiencing hormonal changes, emotional stress, or physical symptoms, talking about these shifts with loved ones can feel overwhelming.

šŸ’­ “I don’t want to be dismissed or seem dramatic.”
šŸ’­ “How do I explain what I’m feeling in a way they’ll truly understand?”
šŸ’­ “I just need support—but I don’t know how to ask for it.”

The truth is, your body’s ability to adapt to change—your stress bandwidth—affects how you experience health shifts. When that bandwidth is low, symptoms can feel more intense, exhausting, and unpredictable. Open communication with loved ones is one way to ease stress and create the emotional space for healing.
Here, we’ll explore clear, beginner-friendly ways to explain what you’re going through, so you feel heard, supported, and empowered in your relationships.

Understanding the Importance of Communication

Before starting this conversation, understand why it matters. Open communication reduces emotional stress, strengthens your support system, and widens your body’s bandwidth for adaptation.
Your stress tolerance isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. When you feel understood and supported, your body processes stress more effectively, helping you recover and adjust during perimenopause and beyond.

Tips for Communicating Health Shifts

  1. Set the Scene
    Choose a comfortable, private setting where you can speak without interruptions. Timing is essential; ensure everyone involved is calm and not distracted. You might say, "I've been going through some changes, and I'd like to share them with you when you have time to chat."
  2. Use "I" Statements
    Begin your conversation with "I" statements to express your feelings and experiences without sounding accusatory. For example, "I have been feeling unusually tired lately, and it's affecting my mood and energy levels."
  3. Educate and Inform
    Instead of simply explaining symptoms, help your loved ones understand how stress, hormones, and emotional shifts are connected. You might say:
    "My body is working hard to adjust—sometimes I feel great, and sometimes I feel drained. It's not just one thing causing this; it's about how much my body is dealing with at once."
  4. Share Your Needs
    Be clear and direct about what you need from your partner or family. Whether it's emotional support, help with daily tasks, or simply a listening ear, articulating your needs can help them understand how best to support you. For instance, "I would appreciate it if you could check in with me more often during the day" or "Could we plan a quiet evening together this weekend?"
  5. Encourage Questions
    Let your loved ones know that you're open to any questions they may have. This openness can help clear up misconceptions and build a stronger connection. "Please feel free to ask me anything – I'm here to share and answer any questions you might have."
  6. Practice Patience and Empathy
    Recognise that your partner or family might need some time to absorb the information and adjust to your new reality. Be patient with their reactions and encourage empathy by saying, "I know this is new for both of us, and I'm grateful for your support as we figure it out together."
  7. Follow Up
    Keep communication open and ongoing. Your stress bandwidth is dynamic—some days you’ll feel resilient, others more overwhelmed. Check in with loved ones:
    "Thank you for listening—having your support really helps me manage everything better."

Conclusion

Empowering yourself with the words to articulate your health shifts helps ensure you receive the support you need—but it also reduces emotional stress, allowing your body more space to heal and adapt.
You don’t have to do this alone—book a free wellness consult call today and let’s create a plan to help you widen your stress bandwidth, rebuild resilience, and feel supported in every aspect of your health journey.


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🌻 Track What Matters – Grab your free Wellness Tracker  to start uncovering patterns.
🌻 Get a Personalised Review – Book your Serenity Health Review—a deep dive into your health story with tailored recommendations.
🌻 Ready to Go Deeper? – My wellness programmes guide you through hormone, energy, and gut support—without the overwhelm. You can Find Your Balance here.

to begin at your own pace.

Meet Jo

 
For over 40 years, I’ve been helping people like you take charge of their health with a calm, caring, and supportive approach. Clients (and friends) often say I’m a great listener and highly knowledgeable — qualities I bring to every session to ensure you feel understood, empowered, and on the right path to feeling better.

My passion for wellness started young. When I was 9, my mum was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which shaped my understanding of how deeply health challenges affect not just the individual but their entire family. Watching her recover through a long journey — navigating major surgery, menopause, and a stoma — taught me how important it is to support the whole person: body, mind, and emotions.

This experience has fuelled my lifelong mission to uncover what keeps us feeling our best. 

Working with me means learning how to:
  • Balance your blood sugars with nourishing foods tailored to your needs.
  • Reduce stressors — from food intolerances to emotional triggers.
  • Support your hormones, including those that regulate energy, mood, and digestion.
  • Improve gut health and build a thriving microbiome.
  • Strengthen your immune system for resilience.
  • Prioritize rest and relaxation for better energy and well-being.
Why Work with Me?
I understand how overwhelming health struggles can feel. Whether you’re navigating hormonal changes, dealing with persistent pain, or feeling like nothing is working, I’ll provide natural, practical solutions tailored to you. My approach isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about finding lasting answers and helping you build them into daily life.

My process also complements medical treatments, giving you tools and strategies to feel empowered while supporting your body’s natural healing ability.

What you need to know
I’m not just a therapist, I’m a listener, a teacher, and someone who’s walked alongside many clients on their health journeys. I believe in combining the best of science and holistic practices to help you feel your best.

On a personal note, I’m a wife, a mother to 2 beautiful girls, and a proud pet parent to Kiko the cat and Maisie the dog. Just like you, I know how busy life can get, which is why I’m here to make taking care of your health feel achievable and rewarding.



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