Author Archives: sandymalawer

Baby Boomers — Suicide, Depression, and Couples Communication — Good Communications Always Necessary.

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     Aging Baby Boomers

 

         It’s clear that suicide risk is on the increase for baby boomers facing a career or a personal setback, illness, or leaving the workforce. What can be done? One strange fact that emerged concerning Robin Williams is that his wife left for work without checking in on him or saying goodbye. He was already dead. Does this indicate a breakdown in marital communications? I don’t know. One thing I do know is that good marital communications are essential for couples to confront problems and newer situations as they go through all stages of life. But this is even more necessary as they begin to retire, become ill, and begin to confront new challenges.

 

“Suicide Risk on the Rise for William’s Age Group.” Wall Street Journal (August 13, 2014)

Husbands and Couples Counseling — How to Start.

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Counseling and Husbands (WSJ 8.12.14)

Often husbands don’t want to start couples counseling. Newer approach is to start with one or two sessions with just the husband. Not a bad idea. Still need to get him to start. No easy task. But a very worthwhile undertaking. Eventually, hopefully, increasing better communications.

 

“Husbands and Counseling.” Wall Street Journal (August 12, 2014).

10 Minute Naps and Real Vacations — Biologically Restorative.

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     Npas (NYT 8.10.14)
     New research shows the importance of real vacations and short naps (even 10 minutes). They are both biologically restorative. They improve cognitive vigor and decrease sleepiness and fatigue. You are then better to start solving some problems.

 

“Hit the Reset Button in Your Brain.” New York Times (August 10, 2014).

Self-Absorbtion and Maturity — Does Maturity Mean Seeing the Broader Landscape?

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Introspection

     Does keeping a journal contribute to self-absorption and narcissism? This article argues that maturity is moving from the close-up to seeing the broader landscape. Focusing less on your weaknesses and more on the broad context. We should not over-analyze information. Ruminators end up making themselves more depressed. Citing newer studies this is a good article for everyone. Look at the mountains not the weeds.

 

….. “Introspective or Narcissistic.?” New York Times (August 8, 2014).

Charisma and Presence — The Office & Social Media — The Message & Communications Need to be Consistent.

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Presence (WSJ 8.6.14)

 This article gives you 5 steps for developing ‘presence.’ Most importantly is to stay calm in stressful situations, and then show your teeth when necessary. The way you communicate is important. It’s important to understand that your online presence is part of your corporate and professional presence. So take care.

 

“The Charisma Boot Camp.” Wall Street Journal (August 6, 2014).

Promising Development — Blood Test & Risk of Suicide.

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Mental Health

This is a really promising development. Early tests indicate that a blood test may be capable of indicating the risk of suicide. More needs to be done. But this holds great promise.

 

“Blood Test May Show Risk of Suicide.” Washington Post (July 30, 2014).

Annoying ‘Little Things’ — Discuss Them Sooner Than Later.

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Couples (Flaws)(WSJ 7.30.14)

What do you do when something your partner does that used to be funny now drives you crazy? This article discusses how partners grow apart and often change their perception of each other, especially their ‘little things.’ The solution — Discuss these perceptions and communicate how you feel about them. Sooner the better. With good will you can overcome the friction. Sounds like sound advice.

 

“Couples, Beware: Adorable Traits Become Unbearable Flaws.” Wall Street Journal (July 30, 2014).

Equality within Marriages but Inequality Among Couples — Tough Economic Times and the New Instability.

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couples

This is a good article discussing the evolving relationship of couples in today’s socioeconomic times. The author argues there is a dual characteristic. On the one hand, there is growing equality within marriages. Yet, there is a growing inequality among families. This is creating on balance a new instability. Unfortunately, this seems accurate given the last seven or eight years of economic stagnation for most but soaring wealth for a few. “The New Instability.” Sunday New York Times (July 27, 2014).

Five Rules for a Happy Marriage …. You’re a Team !

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Happy Marriage (Parade 7.26.14)

Good article on maintaining a good marriage. Five rules. But the most important one is that you are a TEAM. A partnership as you go through life. Good advice. “Happily Ever After.” Parade (July 26, 2014).

 

Paranoia at Work …. Build Relationships …. Most Important

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Cyberespionage

Good article on the workplace. The conclusion is that hard work is important but relationships in the workplace are most beneficial. But you need a balance in the workplace — a good degree of suspicion and vigilance. “Paranoia at the Work is Out to Get You.” Financial Times ((July 18, 2014).