Despite the many jokes people often make about getting older, midlife crises can be uncomfortable, stressful experiences for individuals and their loved ones. While we all undergo different life transitions, a midlife crisis can cause you to question your priorities, relationships, and overall identity. And although it isn't a specific clinical condition, midlife crises may exacerbate other problems, like depression...[ read more ]
Chills, hot flashes, weight gain, thinning hair, vaginal dryness- these are some of the typical physical symptoms women may experience during menopause. That said, these dramatic hormonal shifts can undoubtedly impact your mood and emotional well-being. The relationship between menopause and mental health looks different for everyone, but it's essential to be aware of how these changes can affect you....[ read more ]
What exciting visions did you once have of retirement? Did you imagine one-way tickets to exotic destinations? Did you picture joyous bonding time with family and friends? Were you looking forward to tinkering and exploring new hobbies? As it turns out, retirement isn't just a long episode of bliss and freedom. It can be a jarring, difficult transition for many...[ read more ]
You devoted many years to diapering and feeding and educating your children. You worked tirelessly to make sure that they stayed safe and healthy. Parenting undoubtedly became an identity, a role that changed you indefinitely. It's one of the most challenging and rewarding commitments a person can make in this lifetime. And now the last baby has left home (or...[ read more ]
Maybe you have had the dreadful suspicion that something has been wrong for a while. Or, perhaps, you went in for a routine physical, and the doctor found a suspicious lump that you didn't even know was there. Regardless of the circumstances, receiving scary medical news isn't easy. It's reasonable to feel afraid, angry, or confused. It's also normal to...[ read more ]
Research shows that approximately 40 million caregivers in the US provide support and direct assistance to adults with a disability or illness. Caregiving can be tedious and complex, and it often requires emotional, physical, and financial considerations. Caregiver loneliness is a particularly concerning problem, as many caregivers struggle with feeling underappreciated, isolated, or afraid in their roles. And even though...[ read more ]
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects over 7% of the US population. While depression doesn’t discriminate against whom it impacts, approximately 40%-70% of adult caregivers report experiencing depressive symptoms. Moreover, in general, older adults appear to be at an increased risk for misdiagnosed or undertreated mental health problems. But does depression worsen with age? Is declining mental...[ read more ]