Mood Swings: Roller Coaster Ride, Anyone?

Recently, you’ve started to notice that Samantha, a client you’ve been working with since she was in her mid-thirties, is exhibiting some concerning behavior, and after knowing her for 15 years, this is uncharacteristic of her.  She comes into the session seemingly content.  Then, when you throw in a new exercise that’s an appropriate increase in challenge, she blows up and barks, “What is the purpose of this exercise?!  This is too confusing!”  

What.  Just.  Happened?  

There are a few clues that something more could be going on here.  

1. Samantha is now in her mid-forties.
2. This mood swing is unusual for Samantha.
3. She normally enjoys an [appropriate level] increase in challenge to her exercises.
4. You know these things because you’ve worked with her for many years.

What might you need to be thinking about as the Fit Pro?  

You might need to have a conversation with Samantha about seeing her medical provider to determine if she has entered perimenopause, and/or you might want to consider recommending a therapist who can help her through the mental health aspect of this stage in a woman’s life.  It never hurts to have a reputable doctor of psychology or psychiatry to whom you can refer clients.