Keeping Secrets, Comments On Your Appearance & Pregnancy Body Fears

11/02/22 • 23 min

1 Listener

Dear Clementine

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of sexual abuse & eating disorders

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

My kid sister is much younger than me & my brother. She recently shared with me that when she was 16 years old one of my brother’s 34 year old friends started a secret sexual relationship with her. My sister is so ashamed now, she’s sworn my to secrecy. I want to honour that but also want to tell my brother and confront the offender. How can I take action without betraying her trust or undermining her authority?
I get far too many comments on my appearance. It’s often from other women saying I look pale or tired, asking if I’ve lost weight etc. How can I tackle these conversations constructively in a way that makes me feel strong but also isn’t rude?
I'm a childless woman in my mid 30s. I’ve had a long battle with disordered eating, body dysmorphia, self-harm and low self-esteem. I have come to realise that the reason I was putting off having children was because of the fear of what pregnancy & motherhood would do to my body & identity. In recent months I am starting to feel like I’m ready to have a child, but I’m terrified of falling back into a bad place with the sudden changes to my body / hormones. Is this a normal fear?

If you have a question for Clementine, send her an email at [email protected]

LINKS
PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of sexual abuse & eating disorders

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

My kid sister is much younger than me & my brother. She recently shared with me that when she was 16 years old one of my brother’s 34 year old friends started a secret sexual relationship with her. My sister is so ashamed now, she’s sworn my to secrecy. I want to honour that but also want to tell my brother and confront the offender. How can I take action without betraying her trust or undermining her authority?
I get far too many comments on my appearance. It’s often from other women saying I look pale or tired, asking if I’ve lost weight etc. How can I tackle these conversations constructively in a way that makes me feel strong but also isn’t rude?
I'm a childless woman in my mid 30s. I’ve had a long battle with disordered eating, body dysmorphia, self-harm and low self-esteem. I have come to realise that the reason I was putting off having children was because of the fear of what pregnancy & motherhood would do to my body & identity. In recent months I am starting to feel like I’m ready to have a child, but I’m terrified of falling back into a bad place with the sudden changes to my body / hormones. Is this a normal fear?

If you have a question for Clementine, send her an email at [email protected]

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

Kids Exposed To Porn, Introducing A Partner To Your Children & Sex When You're Single

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

My 9 year old son was recently exposed to porn and I am heart broken. I feel completely overwhelmed and uncertain of how to move forward. I know I can't make him unsee what he saw, but what do I do? How can I help him now?
My partner of 6 years recently left me & our 3yo daughter. After 2 weeks, he had a new girlfriend... It has now been only 8 weeks since we split up and we are currently arguing about the right time for him to introduce his new girlfriend to my daughter. Am I being unreasonable asking him to wait at least 6 months?
I'm turning 40 in 3 months time, and am single, and childless. I’m very happy but I have had sex twice in about 4 years. I miss sex! However, I also know that I need emotional connection to truly enjoy sexual intimacy. I've never enjoyed using sex toys. Do you have any advice?

If you have a question for Clementine, send her an email at [email protected]

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.