MSI Press Blog

  1. Has Depression Increased, Decreased, or Remained the Same? The short answer: it has increased slightly . National surveys from the CDC and NIH show that rates of reported depression and anxiety remain higher than before the pandemic , especially among young adults and women. While the steep rise seen in 2020–2022 has leveled off, the baseline is still elevated. In 2025–2026, roughly one in five adults reports symptoms consistent with depression — a figure that used to hover closer to one in ten before 2020. The persistence of this higher level suggests that the social, economic, and psychological aftershocks of the pandemic have not fully resolved. 2. Causes of Depression (a brief litany) Depression rarely has a single cause. It is a confluence of biological, psychological, and social factors. Here’s a concise litany of contributors: Genetic predisposition and family history Chronic stress and burnout Trauma (past or recent) Isolation and loneliness Sleep disruption and ...

  In your 20s, introducing someone to your friends was casual. You brought them to a party, a bar, a group hang, and hoped no one embarrassed you. In midlife, introductions are strategic. Your friends are seasoned, perceptive, and unafraid to say, “Absolutely not.” They’ve seen you through heartbreaks, triumphs, questionable haircuts, and at least one relationship you now refer to as “a learning experience.” So when do you bring someone into that circle—and when do you keep them far, far away? Let’s break it down. 1. Introduce Them When You Actually Like Them This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. If you’re still deciding whether you like the person or just the attention (see Episode Ten), keep them separate from your friend group. Friends are truth‑tellers. They will ask questions. They will raise eyebrows. They will say, “Betty… really?” Only introduce someone when you feel a genuine spark—not just a convenient distraction. 2. Don’t Introduce Them Too Earl...

  Every expectant mother imagines the moment her baby arrives. For some, that vision includes a hospital room with monitors and nurses; for others, it’s a quiet home surrounded by familiar things. Both settings can be safe and meaningful—but they offer very different experiences. 🏠 Home Birth — The Comfort of Familiar Surroundings Home birth appeals to families who want a natural, intimate experience. It’s usually attended by a certified midwife , sometimes with a doula for emotional support. Advantages You’re in your own space—calm, private, and personal. You can move freely, eat, rest, and labor in any position. You avoid hospital routines and interventions unless medically necessary. You can immediately bond with your baby without institutional interruptions. Considerations You need a low‑risk pregnancy and a qualified midwife . Emergency transfers to a hospital must be planned in advance. Pain relief options are limited to non‑medical methods. Insurance coverage may vary. Ho...