Dear Therapist: I'm Turning 50 and Panicking About My Appearance

Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, Lori Gottlieb answers questions from readers about their problems, big and small. Have a question? Email her at dear.therapist@theatlantic.com.

Dear Therapist,

I’ll be turning 50 later this year and I’m having a very difficult time with my current stage in the aging process. I’m not so much worried about the number itself but about the changes in my body and especially my looks and attractiveness, which are putting me into a kind of quiet but desperate panic. I’m entering menopause and it feels as if my face and body have changed overnight. I’ve gained weight in new places, my face and neck are beginning