In this episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with Dr. Sue Varma, a board certified psychiatrist, distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and author of Practical Optimism. They open by taking on a question that sits at the intersection of psychiatry and menopause medicine: why do some women thrive through the most difficult biological transition of their lives, and what can the rest of us learn from them? Early in the conversation, Dr. Varma shares a finding that reframes everything: only 25% of people are born optimistic, and there is actually a gene for it. The other 75% have to learn it. Dr. Varma explains why optimism is not toxic positivity, what practical optimism actually means, and why both extreme optimists and extreme pessimists end up paralyzed into inaction in different ways. She also addresses what happens when depression, anxiety, and brain fog layer on top of the hormonal changes of menopause and perimenopause, and why so many women are being undertreated as a result. Guest links: * Dr. Sue Varma (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/doctorsuevarma/ * Dr. Sue Varma (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/Doctorsuevarma/ * Dr. Sue Varma (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudeepta-varma-m-d-p-c-dfapa-8a48286/ * Dr. Sue Varma https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/ Books: * “Practical Optimism,” by Dr. Sue Varma https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Optimism-Practice-Exceptional-Well-Being/dp/0593418948 * “The New Perimenopause,” by Dr. Mary Claire Haver https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+new+perimenopause+book&adgrpid=185684972785&hvadid=779592551415&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9005532&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=18330210678458028246--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=18330210678458028246&hvtargid=kwd-2387728085172&hydadcr=15526_13558562_10471&mcid=8f075e950fa43e08945fd3c1e8259db3&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_4itlivvs6o_e * “The New Menopause,"⁠ by Dr. Mary Claire Haver https://www.amazon.com/New-Menopause-Navigating-Through-Hormonal/dp/B0CKBZ4K1Z/ref=sr_1_3?crid=10GNBSGVPDFJZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.djG88jtefTqLpTg36Li8QIefDxRPHA-WKVyCC9DQ7X71Ad734j96bPWX-yewnsv9Pqm7WCali5P5-h2eixUH_yHkbz1DHy2rQFoQSh7O92HNwttIL_ZBgXVor81D-Z3sbsfBh7JOJXDQwUuhWNnA5LHbsuI1CyhIyjtRm6_DXYJFaWrkYTjJeqJyFBnBZfgTprhlgJe_RZoWH9pOY6S9XzRapnMjnZgOq7PBA7Wy2KM.ZfI9WXwN58225D-i3qDhw4ZlXZO4pt8rPX1nAKiBNHM&dib_tag=se&keywords=perimenopause+book+mary+claire&qid=1775810714&sprefix=perimenopause+book+mary+claire%2Caps%2C511&sr=8-3 * “Joyspan,” by Dr. Kerry Burnight https://www.amazon.com/Joyspan-Science-Thriving-Lifes-Second/dp/1546007350 * “The Relaxation Response,” by Dr. Herbert Benson https://www.amazon.com/Relaxation-Response-Herbert-Benson/dp/0380815958 For full show notes, please visit: https://bit.ly/unPAUSEDDrSueVarma Never miss an episode—sign up for The ’Pause Life Newsletter: https://thepauselife.com/pages/newsletter Medical Disclaimer: The information, including opinions and recommendations, on this platform is meant for informational and educational purposes only. Mary Claire Media, LLC, the unPAUSED podcast, and The ’Pause Life are not medical organizations. Medical advice or medical diagnosis cannot be provided to you through the platform, any associated website, or customer portals. Using this platform does not establish a patient-physician relationship.