All emotions are valid during grief. In a society that often misunderstands grief and loss, this can't be emphasized enough. As you move through various feelings, both crying and not crying are valid responses. That said, it can sometimes feel unnerving to not be able to cry during a particularly tenuous time. Maybe you resonate with feeling sad or scared,...[ read more ]
There's no doubt that retirement represents an incredibly significant life transition. Although you can take steps to emotionally prepare for this time, the change can still feel quite jarring. While many retirees first feel excited about the prospects of newfound freedom and relaxation, lacking structure can sometimes coincide with retirement anxiety, despair, or apathy. In some cases, this can lead...[ read more ]
Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once said, 'Everything has been figured out, except how to live.' This poignant quote speaks to the intricate complexity of what it means to be alive. As we grow and evolve as humans, our own mortality is something each of us must grapple with. Moving through existential dread can be challenging. And when you experience it amid...[ read more ]
Acute stress refers to how the body immediately responds to real or perceived threats. This type of stress response is situational and often has a defined beginning, middle, and end. Everyone experiences acute stress at times- it's a typical reaction to external stimuli, and it can strengthen our mental focus, provide much-needed adrenaline, and help us problem-solve effectively. But there's...[ read more ]
There is no doubt that family estrangement feels emotionally complex for everyone involved. Even if you haven't spoken to your parents in years, their poor health or natural aging process may cause you to question reconciliation. What you do is a deeply personal decision without a definitive right or wrong answer. You have the right to take time to explore...[ read more ]
Every loss we face in life comes with its unique grieving process, and the death of a best friend can trigger intense feelings of sadness, anger, fear, confusion, and more. Unlike the death of spouses or core other family members, sometimes people unintentionally overlook the significance of a friend's death. However, this experience can feel just as shocking or gutting...[ read more ]
At some point, many working professionals face this kind of dilemma: they're burnt out, apathetic about work, or unsure whether they want to stay in their current role. This inner battle causes them to question: do I retire? Do I stick it out? Do I look for a different job altogether? Does any of this sound familiar to you? If...[ read more ]
Divorce occurring later in life, sometimes called 'gray divorce,' has become more common recently. Recent research shows that 36% of all couples divorcing are over age 50. Regardless of where you stand on this topic, it may be helpful to understand the nuances associated with this significant life transition. In any situation, divorce can be emotionally and logistically complicated. While each...[ read more ]
We often spend a great deal of time trying to build healthy relationships with our loved ones. You may care deeply for your partner, friends, coworkers, and children. You might try hard to consider their needs and attune to their emotional states. This is, after all, what it means to be a good friend or family members. But what about...[ read more ]
Emotional numbness is an act of self-protection. Sometimes, the body prepares for a threat by physically or emotionally shutting down- this is known as the freeze response, and it's a way to cope with immediate adversity. If you experience this stress response, it's important to understand its function and learn how to care for yourself. Let's get into some important takeaways....[ read more ]