Aging coincides with loss, and older adults become well-versed in navigating all types of grief in their later years. Grief, of course, is a natural and expected part of life, but sometimes it also exacerbates into a deeper depression. The emotional landscape of grief is often deeply complex and can be hard to put into words. You may be grieving...[ read more ]
Conversations about pursuing therapy can be delicate, especially with an elderly parent. You may see your parent struggling with complex experiences like bereavement, loneliness, health challenges, or anxiety. You might believe therapy could be helpful, but bringing this up can be tricky. Many older adults grew up in times when mental health care was stigmatized or misunderstood. Others may feel...[ read more ]
Caring for someone with cancer can be an act of profound love, but it can also feel lonely, exhausting, and frustrating. Many caregivers struggle to manage the "double-life" of tending to their loved one's needs while also carrying the weight of their own responsibilities and day-to-day tasks. It may feel like you simply don't have enough time or bandwidth to...[ read more ]
If you have noticed that alcohol or prescription drugs are affecting you differently these days, you're not overreacting or imagining things. As the body ages, it can also become more susceptible to the various impacts of mood-altering substances. For example, you may experience new adverse symptoms or find yourself self-medicating complex emotions more frequently. These changes matter because substance misuse...[ read more ]
As people age, it’s not uncommon to experience various changes in memory, mood, and mental clarity. Sometimes these changes are subtle and fairly easy to reconcile. But other times, they can feel distressing and disorienting. As various changes progress, you may not understand what you need or how to take the best care of yourself. Furthermore, many mental health issues...[ read more ]
How Therapy Can Help If You're Experiencing Loneliness or Social Isolation Loneliness and isolation can be profoundly painful and even harder to talk about. You might feel disconnected from others, unsure how to rebuild meaningful relationships, or too exhausted by chronic illness or grief to reach out at all. If you're experiencing this, you're not weak or broken. You're responding...[ read more ]
Cognitive changes are part of normal aging. After all, everyone occasionally forgets a name or misplaces their keys. But when new symptoms of memory loss, disorientation, or changes in cognitive function start to feel persistent, it can bring up intense fear, guilt, and grief. If you're starting to notice mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or are concerned about worsening memory problems,...[ read more ]
Chronic illness impacts millions of people worldwide, affecting both their physical health and emotional well-being. Navigating intimate relationships- while also encountering challenges with pain, fatigue, complicated medical treatments, and other mental health struggles- can feel daunting. Here are some ways you can take care of yourself and your relationship simultaneously. Understanding How Chronic Illness Affects Intimacy Life with a chronic...[ read more ]
Although therapy has become far more mainstream in recent years, many older adults still face significant barriers when accessing mental health treatment. Despite increased awareness and reduced stigma around seeking therapy, people in their later stages of life don't always receive the support they deserve. The reasons for this are complex, rooted in personal beliefs and systemic issues that make...[ read more ]
A cancer diagnosis unquestionably changes everything—it can turn your world upside down, bringing uncertainty, fear, and an overwhelming mix of emotions. Beyond the physical toll, it can also coincide with financial stress, emotional exhaustion, and difficult decisions that affect every part of your life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you’re not alone. What you’re going through is incredibly challenging,...[ read more ]