Ask Dr. Lowenstein: How to Nurture Your Mental Health as the Pandemic Continues
As we enter the eighth month of the pandemic, what can people do to help keep their mental health intact? Although it may be difficult to envision at this time, one day the pandemic will be behind us. Until then – and especially as the winter months approach – infectious disease specialists tell us to […]
Marital Stress During COVID-19
It’s no surprise that a global health pandemic has led to widespread anxiety as people try to protect themselves and loved ones from COVID-19. Individuals have changed the way they work, learn, and socialize to accommodate safety precautions and policies like social distancing. But in this effort to stay physically healthy, many are seeing the […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: Anxiety about the Upcoming Election
As we approach the election, what advice do you have for people who may be feeling overly anxious about the outcome? My advice is to vote. It’s not only your right, but it’s your civic duty. The act of voting can be very empowering – especially while living in a world that at times feels […]
Gray Divorce and Your Mental Health
By now, most people have heard of gray divorce. It’s the term given to a divorce that occurs when the couple is over 50, a phenomenon that is increasingly prevalent during the empty nest years of a marriage. How common is it? During the past 25 years, as the divorce rate among couples 25 to […]
Are You Doomscrolling Again?
Doomscrolling (or doomsurfing) is a relatively new term used to describe the tendency to continuously scroll or surf through bad news – especially when that news is sad or depressing – without the ability to stop or step away. This year there’s been no shortage of bad news, from a global pandemic and subsequent recession […]
Getting a Divorce? How Will You Tell the Kids?
You and your spouse have decided to call it quits. Maybe you’ve both come to terms with the fact that the relationship is over. But as much as that may or may not be true, remember that the news will likely be a surprise to your children – regardless of their age. Your divorce could […]
Depression: 5 Myths and Misconceptions
According to the National Mental Health Association, 43 percent of Americans think depression is a weakness or character deficit. Unfortunately, this is just one of many misconceptions associated with the illness. These misconceptions, or myths, are the reason depression is so often stigmatized. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common fallacies […]
Coping with the Trauma of Divorce during COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, stress and tension are on the rise everywhere. If you happen to be navigating a divorce, you’re also dealing with the trauma of ending a relationship, which may be further complicated by the necessary rules of social distancing. Add in illness or a job loss, and there’s a good […]
Let’s Talk Politics
7 Tips for discussing politics with older kids and teens In last month’s post, I wrote about the importance of talking with younger children about politics – minus the anger that characterizes so much of the political conversation today. While younger children aren’t likely to get involved in heated political discussions, they’re watching to see […]
Pint-Sized Politics
How to raise politically savvy kids – without the anger and vitriol When it comes to unsettling times, 2020 appears to be in the running for first prize. From COVID-19 to worldwide protests, there’s been no shortage of anxiety-inducing events to keep everyone awake at night. Now, with only about five months until the national […]
