I'd forgotten What It Was Like To Smile

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 ifster35@gmail.com 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.


Join our mailing list.


Email the show: thekarenarthur@mail.com


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 thekarenarthur@mail.com 


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.