So let me preface by saying that I'm autistic, with dysthymia, additional bouts of depression, and significant anxiety, heightened greatly by menopause. I had a total hysterectomy in August at the age of 39 due to severe endometriosis. Currently on oestrogen, progesterone, and have just started testosterone.
Always had a fairly good diet, home cooked food almost every night, takeaway or eating out 1-2 times a month, very minimal snacking. I drink far too much alcohol but am really trying to cut down. Have a gym membership and if I could commit to it would do a mix of Pilates/Barre Pilates, uphill walking on the treadmill, and Body Pump, plus some YouTube workouts at home. I've always managed to stay a size 6-8 with curves and a tiny waist (boobs are fake, 5'1" height, almost always been under 9 stone).
But herein lies the problem, nothing much has changed diet/exercise wise but the menopause is making me feel not only huge, but also like I've lost my waist. I have a pouch now from surgery whereas I always had an incredibly flat stomach. I know I need to eat less/move more but in terms of diet there's really nothing much to cut, and... here's the main issue... I am trapped in a job I hate where I am working sometimes 12-14 hours a day. There are no jobs to move into in my sector on my pay grade, and nobody is listening to me in terms of my workload. I'm supposed to job share but it's evident she does bot all of the work.
I can't carry on like this, it's making me miserable. But also putting weight on is making me more miserable. I genuinely have no time to myself anymore.
Has anyone at all got any tips or words of advice, anything to make it easier for me, or how to pretty much change my life as a whole, it all feels a bit overwhelming right now.
Oh and to add, I'm also single right now but reconnected with an ex who I'm meeting for the first time in 15 years this weekend - he's got really into health and fitness since I last saw him, including a PT business, and I.... haven't. I'm worried he won't like what he sees