Sign-In
Cart
Shifting Ground: When Hormones Meet ADHD: A Psychologist's Memoir of Perimenopause, Late Diagnosis, and the Body That Stopped Cooperating
Paperback
Series: The Jigsaw Mind, Book 4
Publisher: Melanie Du Preez
Published: Jul 1 2026
Pages: 94
Weight: 0.26
Height: 0.23 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
You are forty-nine years old, standing in your shower at 6:47 AM, shampoo bottle in hand, and you have absolutely no idea what to do next.
Not in a philosophical way. In a physical, actual, my-brain-has-completely-blanked way. You are convinced you have early-onset dementia.
What you actually have is perimenopause meeting undiagnosed ADHD at full speed.
Shifting Ground is the fourth book in The Jigsaw Mind Series - a raw, honest memoir about the collision nobody warned you about. The one where your hormones strip away the coping strategies that kept you functional for decades, and suddenly the ADHD you never knew you had is impossible to ignore.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Melanie du Preez was fifty years old, twenty-three years into practice at Parkmed, when perimenopause unmasked her undiagnosed ADHD. She had been diagnosing it in other people for her entire career. She had never once suspected it in herself.
This book is about what happened next. The itching that kept her awake at 4:30 AM. The word-finding failures that happened mid-sentence with patients. The guard she chewed up in her sleep. The headaches that moved in for weeks. The medical system that kept missing the intersection of two conditions it barely acknowledged in women.
It is also about the slow, imperfect process of building a life around what is actually true - not what should be true, not what worked before, not what the productivity books promise. What is true for a brain and body that have changed, permanently, and are not going back.
This is not a recovery story. Some of what Melanie describes is still happening. Still difficult. Still far from solved. But it is an honest story. And honest, it turns out, is more useful than inspiring.
For women over 40 whose ADHD symptoms have suddenly got worse. For women who have been told it is just stress, just anxiety, just getting older. For women who are lying awake at 4:30 AM googling 'why is perimenopause making my brain worse' and finding only yoga suggestions.
You are not imagining this. You are not going crazy. You are losing your oestrogen. And your oestrogen, it turns out, was holding together pieces you never knew were scattered.
Welcome to shifting ground.
Also in
Mental Health
The ADHD Workbook for Kids: Helping Children Gain Self-Confidence, Social Skills, & Self-Control
Shapiro, Lawrence E.
Paperback
The Chemistry of Joy Workbook: Overcoming Depression Using the Best of Brain Science, Nutrition, and the Psychology of Mindfulness
Emmons, Henry
Paperback
The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness [With CD]
Segal, Zindel
Williams, Mark
Teasdale, John
Paperback
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Van Der Kolk, Bessel
Paperback
Unfuck Your Brain: Using Science to Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers
Harper, Faith G.
Paperback
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Haidt, Jonathan
Hardcover
The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
Kishimi, Ichiro
Koga, Fumitake
Paperback
The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life
Warren MD W. Lee
Hardcover
A Guide to Open Water Lifesaving: Lessons on Love, Care, and Survival: A Memoir
Eubanks, Virginia
Hardcover
Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression
Schubiner, Howard, MD
Hardcover
The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning--And How to Help Them Thrive Again; Updated Edition
Cooney Horvath, Jared, PhD Med
Paperback
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents
Lebowitz, Eli R.
Paperback
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself (Revised and Updated)
Beattie, Melody
Paperback
How to Deal with Your ____ So Your Kids Don't Have to: An Encyclopedia for Ditching Your Emotional Baggage
Harwood, Eli, M. a. Lpc
Hardcover
Why Does Everybody Hate Me?: Living and Loving with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
Partridge, Alex
Paperback
Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff
White, Dana K.
Paperback
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical Dbt Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, a
Brantley, Jeffrey
McKay, Matthew
Wood, Jeffrey C.
Paperback
Your Ocd Will Hate This Book: A Proven System to Overcome Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Take Back Your Life
Peterson, Nathan
Hardcover
It's Ok That You're Not Ok: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand
Devine, Megan
Paperback
The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole
Schwartz, Arielle, PhD
Paperback
Taking Charge of Adult ADHD: Proven Strategies to Succeed at Work, at Home, and in Relationships
Barkley, Russell A.
Paperback
Why We Fight: A Transformative Road Map to Healing Conflict in Any Relationship
Polinder, Kim
Hardcover
It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle
Wolynn, Mark
Paperback
Ungrateful Immigrant Daughter: A Memoir from the Child of a Mail-Order Bride
Suvorova, Katya
Paperback
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies
Menakem, Resmaa
Paperback
Overcoming the Wall of Awful: Why It's Hard to Get Things Done with Adhd, Autism, and Anxiety (and How to Do Them Anyway)
Mahan Med MS, Brendan
Capell, Alex Hughes
Hardcover
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence---From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
Herman, Judith Lewis
Paperback
How Will I Ever Get Through This?: Evidence-Based Tools to Help You Heal from Hardship, Grief, and Loss
Hone, Lucy
Paperback
El Cuerpo Lleva La Cuenta: Cerebro, Mente Y Cuerpo En La Superación del Trauma / The Body Keeps the Score
Van Der Kolk, Bessel
Paperback
The Success Trap: How the Pressure to Stand Out Is Fueling Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout in Teens--And the Fundamental Fix They Deserve
Slavin, Stuart, MD Med
Hardcover
Self-Care for People with ADHD: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Prioritize You!
Hamdani, Sasha
Hardcover
When the Ache Remains: Lessons on Tending to the Unfixable and Finding Beauty Anyway
Olivera, Lisa
Hardcover
The Internal Family Systems Workbook: A Guide to Discover Your Self and Heal Your Parts
Schwartz, Richard C.
Paperback
The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD: Cultivate Self-Compassion, Live Authentically, and Be Your Own Advocate
Mitchelson, Monique
Kemp, Jennifer
Paperback
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
Perry, Bruce D., M. D. PH. D.
Winfrey, Oprah
Hardcover
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief Workbook: Tools for Releasing Pain and Remembering with Love
Kessler, David
Paperback
ADHD and Women: A Guide to Optimizing Your Hormones and Thriving with ADHD
Brighten, Jolene
Hardcover
The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation: The Secret to Finding Balance, Getting Things Done, and Enjoying Your Life
Free CCC, Jenna
Hardcover
The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
Kishimi, Ichiro
Koga, Fumitake
Hardcover
Where Do You Feel That in Your Body?: Moving Beyond Talk Therapy to Understand the Language of the Nervous System
Saunders, Simone
Hardcover
The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It
Apigian, Aimie
Hardcover
Once I Get Started: The Adult ADHD Program for Turning Your Intentions Into Actions
Ramsay, Russell, PH. D.
Hardcover
Ungrateful Immigrant Daughter: A Memoir from the Child of a Mail-Order Bride
Suvorova, Katya
Hardcover
One in Five: Why Child Sexual Abuse Is Our Biggest Public Health Crisis--And What We Can Do to Stop It
Letourneau, Elizabeth J.
Malone, Luke
Hardcover
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Van Der Kolk, Bessel
Hardcover
The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit: Embrace Your Authentic Self and Harness Your True Potential
Moryoussef, Kate
Hardcover
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think
Padesky, Christine A.
Greenberger, Dennis
Paperback
Actually, You're Fine: A Compassionate, Practical Guide to Maximizing Your Child's Potential in the Age of Anxiety
Davis, Katie S.
Hardcover
Parenting Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids
Elkins, Meredith, PhD
Elkins, Meredith, PhD
Hardcover
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences
Levine, Peter A.
Paperback
Girlhood, Translated: Understanding Young Women in the Age of Therapy Speak and Self-Diagnosis
Garfinkle-Crowell, Suzanne, M. D.
Hardcover
Therapy Nation: How America Got Hooked on Therapy and Why It's Left Us More Anxious and Divided
Alpert, Jonathan
Hardcover
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers
Kleiman, Karen
Hardcover
How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It)
McCabe, Jessica
Hardcover
Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
Murthy, Vivek H.
Paperback
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Hayes, Steven C.
Paperback
Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder
Mason, Paul T. T.
Kreger, Randi
Paperback
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
Winfrey, Oprah
Perry, Bruce D., M. D. PH. D.
Paperback
I Hate You--Don't Leave Me: Third Edition: Understanding the Borderline Personality
Straus, Hal
Kreisman, Jerold J.
Paperback
You're Not in Trouble: The ADHD Guide to Building Healthy, Connected Relationships
Carder, Kristen
Hardcover
Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to Overcome Anxiety, Panic, and Worry
Karle, Elizabeth M.
Pittman, Catherine M.
Paperback
Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!
Neff, Megan Anna
Hardcover
Embracing Our Fragmented Selves: A Workbook for Trauma Survivors and Therapists
Fisher, Janina
Paperback
You Can't Be Brave Until You're Scared: A Call for Courageous Women to Face Fear, Fight Anxiety, and Awaken Holy Awe
Connolly, Jess
Paperback
Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A Cbt-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive, or Disturbing Thoughts
Winston, Sally M.
Seif, Martin N.
Paperback
Your Anxiety Is Giving Me Anxiety: A Survival Guide for Thriving in a High-Stress World
April, Elizabeth
Paperback
The Road Less Traveled, Timeless Edition: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth
Peck, M. Scott
Paperback
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers
Solden, Sari
Frank, Michelle
Paperback
Unfuck Your Brain Workbook: Using Science to Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers
Harper, Faith G.
Paperback
Who You're Becoming: The Slow and Courageous Work of Cultivating Character in a Narcissistic Age
Degroat, Chuck
Paperback
Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed
Miller, Kelli, Lcsw MSW
Paperback
Mind Your Body: A Revolutionary Program to Release Chronic Pain and Anxiety
Sachs, Nicole J., Lcsw
Hardcover
The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps
Orlov, Melissa
Paperback
MANUAL SUPERANDO PÉRDIDAS EMOCIONALES, vigésimo aniversario, edición extendida: programa de acción para superar la muerte, el divorcio y otras pérdida
Friedman, Russell
James, John W.
Paperback
The Unfragile Mind: A Physician's Call for Restoring Hope and Humanity to Mental Health Care
Francis, Gavin
Hardcover
Mind Drama: The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist
Nakazawa, Donna Jackson
Hardcover
All in Your Head: Illness as Identity, Trauma as Fashion, and the Desire to Be Disordered
DeBoer, Fredrik
Hardcover
Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD
Rosier Tamara Phd
Paperback
Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks: A Workbook for Managing Depression and Anxiety
Gillihan, Seth J., PhD
Paperback
Ifs (Internal Family Systems) Health Therapy: Treating Trauma-Related Physical Illness & Toxic Stress
Sowell, Nancy
Sweezy, Martha
Schwartz, Richard C.
Paperback
Even the Darkest Night: A Father's Journey of Hope and Healing from Paternal Depression
Choukalas, Christopher G., MD
Hardcover
I Don't Want to Talk about It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
Real, Terrence
Paperback
Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind
Brewer, Judson
Paperback
Helping Kids Through Grief: A Parent's Guide for Making Sense of Death, Processing Loss, and Finding Hope
Goff, Sissy, Lpc-Mhsp
Paperback
The Shame Compass: A Radical Framework for Trauma Healing and Self-Acceptance
Spinelli, Frank
Paperback
Pure O Ocd: Letting Go of Obsessive Thoughts with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Lejeune, Chad
Paperback
Freedom from Panic: Evidence-Based Techniques to End Avoidance and Stop Panic Before It Stops You
Zucker, Bonnie
Paperback
How to Thrive at College: A Guide to the Ups and Downs of Mental Health on Campus
Ross, Mathilde
Paperback
Strength beyond the Shadows: Overcoming a Childhood of Trauma, Neglect, and Sexual Abuse
Gehle, Seth
Paperback
Enciende Tu Cerebro: La Clave Para La Felicidad, La Manera de Pensar Y La Salud
Leaf, Dra Caroline
Paperback
Artistry of the Mentally Ill: A Contribution to the Psychology and Psychopathology of Configuration
Prinzhorn, Hans
Paperback
Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing
McBride, Hillary L., PhD
McBride, Hillary L., PhD
Paperback
Why We Suffer and How We Heal: Using Narrative, Ritual, and Purpose to Flourish Through Life's Challenges
Song, Suzan, MD PhD
Hardcover
Living Well with Adult ADHD: Practical Strategies for Improving Your Daily Life
Knouse, Laura E.
Barkley, Russell A.
Paperback
Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday
Sockolov, Matthew
Paperback
Anxiety Relief for Kids: On-The-Spot Strategies to Help Your Child Overcome Worry, Panic, and Avoidance
Walker, Bridget Flynn
Paperback
Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better (Updated with Two New Chapters)
Hansen, Brant
Paperback
F*ck Anxiety: 101 Ways to Soothe Anxiety, Stop the Panic + Get Back to Your Badass Self
Douglas, Lauren
Paperback
Psychedelic Medicine & Internal Family Systems (Ifs) Therapy: A Clinical Skills Manual
Schwartz, Richard C.
Sweezy, Martha
Lovas, David
Paperback
The Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook: An Integrative Program to Understand and Manage Your Bpd
Fox, Daniel J.
Paperback