Beating the Baby Boomer Blues

Sometimes when you feel overwhelmed, overtaxed, overwrought and over-the-top, you also feel the blues. It’s not surprising that thoughts automatically come into your head, telling you that you can’t do it, or that you should be afraid of what lies ahead. Negative emotions interfere with the natural joy of life and cause unhelpful thoughts to surface and not leave. You experience a roller coaster of emotions, many of them hard to deal with. When this happens, you can actually ask yourself some important questions, which may help you come to terms with your feelings, release them and actually turn things around.

1. What is the evidence that I should feel this way? Am I jumping to conclusions? Do I have all the facts at this time or are my thoughts distorted?

2. How else can I look at what’s happening? Are there alternative ways of thinking?

3. Am I taking things too personally? Am I expecting myself to be perfect?

4. Am I falling into the pity-party state of mind? If so, what advantages are there for thinking this way? What are the disadvantages?

The key to overcoming your negative emotions and restoring balance again lies in learning to challenge your doubts and fears. Question your doubts and then let them go so you can gain faith in your restorative ability. Baby Boomers have 30, even 40, more years of living to do, so now’s the time to re-think the future to make it productive and full of possibilities. Don’t let your fears take hold and keep you from experiencing your dreams or doing something you’ve always wanted to do. If you KNOW you’ll get through whatever challenges you face, you will see solutions instead of problems and opportunities instead of battles.

Amy Sherman, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice. Amy is the author of the ebook, “Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer’s Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life” and “The Joy of Optimism” 10-Lesson eCourse. She specializes in issues specific to the 40+ generation and is available for telephone coaching, face-to-face therapy, teleseminars, radio and TV interviews. For more information, go to http://www.bummedoutboomer.com, sign up for her free newsletter and receive a Special Report on Overcoming Adversity. She can be reached by email at amy@bummedoutboomer.com or by phone at 561) 281-2975.

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