Retirement & Aging
Age-Related Hearing Loss and Mental Health
By Maureen Chapman
Mary is 67 and she came in to discuss her fear that her 69-year-old husband had something terribly wrong with his behaviour. She noted that he was experiencing depression, irritability, isolation, confusion, anxiety and, at times, what appeared to be unprovoked rage. He would interrupt people and exhibited what appeared to be extreme self-centeredness. At…
Burnout Isn’t Just a Workplace Problem
By Shawn Marsolais
Are you finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning? Are you feeling indifferent about things you once cared about? Are you avoiding social connections? Are you turning to unhealthy coping strategies? Do you fantasize about getting sick just enough that you can stay home from work for a couple of weeks…
Boomer Upgrade
By Denis Boyd
Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1965) are entering into their “winter years” and in the process are facing a variety of stressors which they may not know how to manage. Mis-managed stress (distress) can contribute to a variety of mental and physical health challenges. When Boomers were children and young adults, the popular method for dealing…
Married After Children – Surviving The Empty Nest
By Don Lasell
Married for 32 years, and now empty nesters, Mike and Anna found themselves struggling to connect with each other in their marriage. Until recently, when the last of their children had left the house, Mike and Anna’s lives were filled with the typical busyness of parents having active children. Weekdays and most weekends were filled…
Do Your Homework
By Jean-Claude Bazinet
As an old proverbs states « Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand. » In a few words, this wise saying reminds us that discussion, reflection or analysis are not sufficient to effect lasting change. If we want to make a real difference in our lives, we…
The Challenge of Being Single Again
By Denis Boyd
It can be a huge challenge to be “single again” after years of marriage. Divorce rates are at an all time high and may even be getting worse. Many people are alone again after years of being married. Major adjustments need to be made. Some people say they initially like the change because it is…
Anniversary Grief
By Denis Boyd
Molly’s loss occurred many months ago. She had been feeling much better; yet her turbulent feelings seem to have returned. She is shocked and scared to be feeling so distraught. It seems like she has returned to the emotional state she was in around the time her husband, Felix, died. Felix had been ill for…