WHAT IS ANXIETY AND IS IT NORMAL?

Even when good stress happens in our lives – such as the birth of a grandchild or a long-awaited trip – we can feel anxious.  Having jitters or worries is a normal part of life.  But what happens when we have worry that goes beyond what should be a healthy response to stress? Sometimes when we worry too much about...[ read more ]

As you get older, it may be difficult to sleep uninterrupted throughout the night.  Does this mean that something is wrong with you?  Not necessarily.  Changes in physical and mental health, activity levels, and medications all can lead to sleeping pattern , and activity levels can contribute to sleeping pattern alterations that are due to aging.  As one example, you...[ read more ]

Did your pet die? If so, this is a heartbreaking event to go through.  The emotional pain you experience can be intense and you may not understand what is happening. Losing a pet can be a devastating loss, especially for people who rely upon their pets for companionship and their sense of well-being.  People and their pets often have an...[ read more ]

What is well-being and are you at peace with yourself? There are many answers to this question, but it essentially boils down to three things:  feeling comfortable, healthy, and happy in your life.  Well-being is linked to satisfaction in life and ultimately, how you feel about yourself.  Well-being is tied to your mental health and whether you find yourself in...[ read more ]

Addressing one’s mental health is just as important as addressing one’s physical health. Sometimes, the two are interrelated and cause problems if left unchecked. Seeking services from a trained mental health counselor is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many people may feel a sense of stigma or shame if they go to a counselor to talk about their personal...[ read more ]

Here are a few examples of life transitions for older adults: Retirement, Loss of loved one, Declining health, Relocation, Physical and emotional effects of aging, social isolation A life transition is something you go through that changes your life as you once knew it. It causes you to re-examine your life and where you have been and where you are...[ read more ]

Have you been feeling sad lately, especially since the winter weather is upon us? Do you usually feel sad or is this something that has cropped up since the days are getting shorter with less sunlight? What is sadness, anyway? It is an emotion that you can have, bringing with it feelings such as disappointment, disinterest, a low mood, helplessness,...[ read more ]

Since the COVID pandemic, telehealth has become a popular way to see your doctor from the comfort and privacy of your home.  Telehealth can either be done via video visits and/or telephone visits. Most insurance companies allow both medical and mental health visits via telehealth. It is always wise to check with your health plan first prior to having an...[ read more ]

What is hope and when do we call upon it? Hope is linked with desire and anticipating better things in life.  Perhaps you are experiencing some difficulties and things have changed with your plans, your family, your health, your career, your finances or whatever it might be.  You may feel on-edge, uncertain, and/or negative about something and think that life...[ read more ]

What do the words “staying engaged” mean to you?  Consider some of the following definitions: Being interested and involved; joining or participating; and/or undertaking some action or activity. As we age, our lives change.  And as our lives change,  we may not realize some of the changes that are taking place.  In looking back, do you recall from the past...[ read more ]