Menopause, a time where a woman’s ovary function ceases, is defined by the absence of menstrual period for twelve months. The average age for menopause to begin is 51 years old. Changes in the body quickly become apparent as some undesirable symptoms such mood changes. Women going through menopause often find their frustration tolerance drops substantially, and subsequently, mood swings become a regular endurance. Due to these changes, women often feel a lack of motivation, great fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, all caused by feelings of sadness and anxiety. How do women combat these symptoms of mood change?

A sports concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by impact to the head while participating in sports, particularly contact sports. If left untreated, concussions can result in long-term negative affects on brain function and can even result in fatality. This has become a growing problem for young athletes. The American Academy of Pediatrics has reported that emergency room visits due to concussions for children between the ages of 8 and 13 has doubled in the last ten years. 

Feelings of anxiety are considered normal in life, particularly if a person is facing a stressful or challenging situation. After all, the brain is wired to use anxiety to communicate feelings of fear. However, when anxiety begins to consume a person’s daily life and functioning, creating constant feelings of worry and being overwhelmed, an anxiety disorder may be present.

 Linda B.'s Story

Hurried but not quite awake, Linda B. left her house on a cold, snowy February morning. There was nothing to grasp in her icy driveway, and she fell quickly, unable to break her fall. Dazed, her heart pounding, she crawled to her car and pulled herself to her feet, carefully touching the growing bump above her left ear. The dazed and dizzy sensations, followed by an annoying headache, were reminiscent of an auto accident two years ago. The forty-four year old fifth grade teacher arrived at her classroom and brushed off the bad start to her day.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects daily functioning for those suffering. Feelings of sadness can make a person feel less interested in the activities they once loved. Getting through each day is a new challenge. Depression currently affects approximately 19 million Americans, yet there are still many myths associated with depression that prevent true understanding of the disorder. In order to help loved ones struggling with depression, knowing the truth about the disorder and debunking depression myths is key.