Dear Counsellor:

I have been married for 30 years but lately I have been feeling bored. My children are now adults and it's just the two of us. I feel that I need some excitement in my life. Any suggestions?

- Marlon

Dear Marlon:

You have reached the stage of life when your children are grown and have left home. This is the time to rediscover your spouse and start dating in earnest. Invite your spouse to lunch or to listen to a lunch-hour concert. Sit together and listen to some oldies songs and recapture your youth.

Bring her a rose sometimes and surprise her with gifts. Remember when you were younger how you would talk for hours about nothing. Try to recapture that mood and excitement. Go to the movies or the ice-cream shop. Have dinner at a new venue each time.

Tour your country and discover interesting places and activities. You now have the time to make plans for the rest of your life. Take a cruise or a trip together and see the world.

Go to church together and get involved in the church activities. Pray each day together and read the Bible together. Study the scriptures and grow in your spirituality as a couple. Buy a book on sexual behaviour and make creative changes to your sex life.

If there are unresolved issues from the past, you both need to see a therapist.

PMS problems

Dear Counsellor:

I get irritable and depressed a few days before my period. This has been happening for some time and I would like some help.

- Annette

Dear Annette:

Premenstrual symptoms are very common in menstruating female. Those episodes can be quite distressing. Many women can tell when their periods are due because of how they feel emotionally. Some women experience pain before periods while others get depressed. Individuals with bipolar disorder also have worsening of their illness just before their menses.

Premenstrual symptoms can be treated with medication. One could take the medication a few days before the period is due.

Please check with a doctor who will take a history and assess the situation. The negativity and frustrations can be dealt with in a therapy session.

Having personal or family problems? Email questions to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at yvonniebd@hotmail.com or telephone 978-8602.