Ask Dr. Lowenstein: How can I be more optimistic?
The last 10 months or so have been difficult for everyone. Yet despite it all, some people naturally manage to remain more optimistic than others. If you’re a glass-is-half-empty type of person, you may need some help to see things on the bright side. Here are some tips for making that a reality. Hang out […]
What You Should Know About Co-parenting Apps
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone, and families are certainly no exception. In addition to the obvious threat of illness, the pandemic has impacted lives in many ways, from job and income loss to virtual or hybrid schooling. These sudden changes have shattered routines, resulting in adjustments that may be especially challenging for […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: What can people do to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend life as we know it, people living in northern climates may be hit harder than ever with seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD or simply seasonal depression. Some people even refer to this seasonal funk as the winter blues. This year, with fewer or no getaways and […]
Recovering from the Emotional Upheaval of an Unexpected Divorce
Divorce is difficult for everyone involved, and an unexpected divorce can feel absolutely devastating. But it may be a more common experience than you think. According to the American Psychological Association, 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States go through a divorce. While knowing that many others go through the same pain, […]
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 […]
