Do You Feel Emotionally Numb or Disconnected in Midlife? You’re Not Alone

Ever find yourself saying "I don't even know what I feel anymore"?

For autistic and midlife women navigating menopause, trauma, and burnout, emotional flatness may not just be hormones. It may be interoception — the hidden sensory system that shapes how you feel, regulate, and reconnect with yourself.

In this episode, Dr. Stacey Denise sits down with Dr. Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L — award-winning occupational therapist and world leader in interoception science — to uncover the missing link in midlife mental health. If you have ever felt numb, foggy, or disconnected from your own body, this conversation explains exactly why — and what to do about it.

What You'll Discover:

What interoception really is and why it matters in midlife
How alexithymia makes you feel numb, foggy, or emotionally flat
Why trauma, masking, and neurodivergent burnout disconnect you from body cues

The double empathy problem and what it means for your relationships
Gentle non-clinical rituals to rebuild body trust — no perfection required
How to tell if your habits are nourishing or numbing your nervous system

Timestamps:
00:00 What is interoception
01:40 Grounding the science
02:30 Dr. Kelly Mahler introduction
03:39 Defining interoception
05:43 Trauma and complex PTSD
10:46 How to better discuss emotions
12:21 Bringing interoception into mainstream care
16:22 The double empathy problem
21:24 Basic scoresheet for body disconnection
25:06 Translation into healthy living
29:40 Can interoception help women in menopause
32:23 Nourishing or numb
35:33 Take a free quiz

This Episode Is For You If:

You feel emotionally flat, numb, or disconnected in midlife
You're autistic, ADHD, or have alexithymia and struggle to name what you feel
You've experienced trauma, burnout, or chronic masking
You want to rebuild body trust without a rigid protocol

Guest:

Dr. Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L — occupational therapist and world leader in interoception science
Website: kelly-mahler.com
Instagram: @kelly_mahler
LinkedIn: Kelly Mahler

Your Next Step:

Take the free Color Archetype Quiz to begin rebuilding your sensory connection →
quiz.drstaceydenise.com/color-archetype-start-here

Take the free Sleep Saboteur Quiz if emotional numbness is showing up at night →
quiz.drstaceydenise.com/sleep-saboteur-start-here

Ready to work with Dr. Stacey directly? Book a Reset Foundations Consultation →
drstaceydenise.com/reset-foundations-consult

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only. The information shared does not constitute medical advice and does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Dr. Stacey Denise is a licensed physician but is not YOUR physician unless you are an active patient of SDM Medical PLLC. Individual results vary. The practices discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.