The Need for Sharing - An excerpt from the book ' The Breaking Point' by Sue Shellenbarger
Sue Shellenbarger writes: 'Isolation marked the emotional lives of every single woman in my study who felt her midlife crisis had turned out badly. Some had carried out affairs or adventures in secret, and others had for some reason withheld information from friends about their emotional turbulence. Arguably, isolation contributed to their disappointment, by preventing them from gaining new perspectives or receiving emotional support.
Evidence is growing of the importance of friendships and networks of caring relationships to mental and physical health. Several studies have found that maintaining a connection with community - membership in social groups and regular contact with family and friends - reduces the risk of death and increases well-being in old age. Women who have a circle of female friends report higher well-being than women who lack such a group. Those who are close to their friends also report less depression and higher morale.'......At midlife, practising new ways of relating to others and expressing oneself in a group of supportive women can aid personal growth.'
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