The Australian Women’s Weekly recently held an inaugural Health Summit in Sydney where the Editor In Chief Sophie Tedmanson tackled the task of breaking down the barriers surrounding the often-taboo discussion of all things menopause.
Myf Warhusrt makes her voice heard
The summit opened with radio and TV star Myf Warhurst – who candidly shared her lack of knowledge about menopause. Her reflections were a stark reminder of how the topic has long been shrouded in stigma and misinformation. Myf, who initially felt uncomfortable discussing menopause, revealed her own surprise at how little she knew despite her extensive media experience. She stressed the importance of preparing younger generations with accurate information about menopause to avoid the embarrassment and confusion she faced.
Julie Goodwin joins the conversation
Julie Goodwin, best known for her TV cooking shows, then used her platform at the summit to address her personal struggles with mental health. Goodwin, who has openly discussed her battle with anxiety and depression, emphasised the ongoing journey toward mental wellness. She highlighted that recovery is not a straightforward path but rather a series of ups and downs. Her message was one of perseverance and hope, underscoring that even amidst the challenges of menopause and mental health issues, there is a path forward.
Michelle Bridges: Crossing from fitness to mental health
Fitness icon Michelle Bridges, renowned for her fitness programs and motivational talks, also took the stage to discuss her experiences. Bridges focused on the intersection of physical health and mental well-being, stressing that menopause can significantly impact both. She highlighted the importance of maintaining physical activity as a means to support mental health during menopause. Her insights provided valuable strategies for managing physical changes and emotional challenges, reinforcing the need for a holistic approach to health.
Alison Daddo on modelling, mood swings and menopause
Author Alison Daddo shared her deeply personal journey with menopause, which led her to write her book, Queen Menopause. Daddo’s account of her battle with severe symptoms like mood swings, sleep issues, and depression resonated with many. She admitted that her lack of preparation for menopause had been overwhelming, to the point of questioning her will to continue. Her story highlighted a crucial point: many women enter menopause with inadequate support and information, which can exacerbate the challenges they face.
What women want …
The Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit wasn’t just about individual stories – it also aimed to spark broader societal change. With speakers like Jelena Dokic, who spoke about embracing oneself despite personal struggles, and financial expert Effie Zahos, who addressed the often-overlooked issue of financial security in women’s later years, the summit offered a comprehensive look at the factors affecting women’s health and wellbeing.
Effie’s discussion on financial literacy was particularly poignant. She shared her own fears about financial instability in retirement and advocated for women to take control of their financial futures. Her call for better financial education for women was a vital addition to the summit, emphasizing that financial health is integral to overall well-being.
In conjunction with the summit, The Australian Women’s Weekly launched the Walk with the Weekly initiative. This campaign encourages women to collectively walk a million minutes throughout September, aiming to improve physical and mental health while fostering community connections. Chrissie Swan, the official ambassador, emphasised how walking can transform one’s view of exercise from a chore to a source of joy.
The Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit represented a pivotal moment in women’s health advocacy. By bringing together voices from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the summit created a space for honest dialogue about menopause and other critical health issues. The emphasis on breaking stigmas, sharing personal stories, and providing practical advice marked a significant step toward empowering women to face menopause with knowledge, support, and confidence.
As the conversation continues to evolve, the commitment of these influential women and the broader community to address and normalise menopause will hopefully lead to a future where no woman has to navigate this stage of life in silence.
