Women Over Thirty

Women Over Thirty

A very common topic of discussion in relationships and dating refers to age. Interestingly enough, very often there is a fairly biased, even sexist approach to men and women getting older. For example, men are often considered more manly and attractive once they reach 40 years old, while women, depending on who you ask, may be considered as being at the peak of their beauty at 19, before 23, before 30 or before 35 years of age. Alternatively, young adults are typically characterized as between 18 and 39 years old. And hence, the often discussed midlife crisis, which often happens to people when they reach an age important to them.

To look at the bright side of life, and to remain positive, it seems important to always believe that you are as young as you feel. Because people often put themselves in their own worse prisons. For example, there are theories, particularly in self-help books and publications such as The Secret outlining the Law of Attraction, that we ourselves build the life we lead. However, such arguments may be easily rebutted by people who are struggling with their overweight problems, their lack of will power or energy when it comes to routinely exercise, or even procrastination on an academic assignment.

Women over thirty. Photo by Elena

Nonetheless, psychological structure and our own intrinsic motivations and outlook on life greatly shapes our behaviour. In turn, behaviour and actions shape our life and our life circumstances, which sometimes are under our control. The interplay between cognitions, attitudes and actions is the focus in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT was developed by Aaron T. Beck and continues to be used today to treat a variety of mental illnesses, including depression.

 Interestingly, CBT has been shown to be more efficient in treating depression (or Major Depressive Disorder) in combination with antidepressant medication, than pharmacotherapy alone. Thus, CBT, as many other therapies used by psychiatrists and psychologists, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) represent much more than simple talk therapies, in many cases they genuinely help people get better.