Sep 24 2024 72 mins 2
Menopause Whist Black Season SEVEN Episode THREE!
Our guest for Episode 3 of S7 is Ify Okoye. British Nigerian, Ify Okoye is a trained lawyer and a former policy adviser in the Home Office and Department for Education. She left the Civil Service last year to recover from Long Covid, having first contracted Covid in November 2021. Ify has caring responsibilities for her elderly mother and is currently cat fostering as part of Cats Protection’s Lifeline scheme.
During the course of her treatment for Long Covid, Ify was diagnosed last year as being autistic. Ify has a passion for cats, the works of Jean Claude van Damme, films and music from the 1980s and 90s, and she has recently discovered the joys of crochet. In this clip Ify talks about the immense value of self trust.
During this episode we talk about a wide range of topics including:
> Long Covid. Impact and recovery
> Coming to terms with her autism diagnosis.
> The overlap between long covid and peri-menopause symptoms.
> Grief and loss - around career, health, motherhood and self
> The importance of her faith.
> Learning to 'be' instead of doing...
...and so much more.
This episode touches some topics that some may find difficult or upsetting. Pace yourself. Reach out here or to others. Know that you are never alone.
CONNECT
Ify does not 'do' social media but is happy to speak to others about topics that resonate via email [email protected] Please be kind.
SHOW NOTES
Psychologist: Adriana Coelho - Body Mind Healthcare Clinic
Yoga for Life project - online community for Long Covid (restorative yoga):
East Barnet Health Centre - Covid Clinic
Magnesium Glycinate
Ayurvedic Massage
Moringa benefits for menopause
Raynauds disease
Gingko Biloba
Otter Craft Studio in Wood Green
The Year of Yes - Shonda Rhymes
This episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and beyond. Should Ify's words resonate please share this episode with those who may need to hear our conversations. And leave a comment and/or glowing review on your chosen platform! They really make a difference to our reach!
If you love this podcast please support us by following Menopause Whilst Black on Facebook and Instagram, leaving a glowing wordy review on any platform and like, subscribe and comment on YouTube.
Please keep talking about menopause amongst your family, friends and work colleagues of all genders. Together we will break this taboo and ensure that every person gets the menopause care they need.
Jiggle your bits to our Spotify playlist.
Email the show: [email protected]
Karen Arthur is a broadcaster, artist, author and menopause activist. She is host of bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'.
Karen hosts The Joy Retreat Barbados, the worlds first retreat for Black women in any stage of menopause. Bookings for April/May 2025 open shortly. Email [email protected]
Karens first childrens book, 'Grandmas Locs', illustrated by Camilla Ru, on celebrating natural Black hair through the relationship between a grandmother and her grandson, will be published by Tate publishing on 24th October 2024. Preorders open.
New episodes miraculously* appear on Wednesdays. *thanks to the invaluable work of @beyongolia and @yaa___studio who are bloody amazing. #MenopauseWhilstBlack
*we recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term women is used whilst mindful of this.
