The Bridge

The Bridge

Is there a “generation gap” in your home? Have you found yourself trying to understand and care for both your children and an elderly parent or relative in your home?

Rappahannock, with its rural nature, has fortunately been slow to let go of the extended family practices of prior generations. The change from valuing age, with its wisdom, to valuing youth, with its vitality, has not been without frustrations for the “generation in the middle.” .. For many young families living with an elderly parent or relative, it has not been easy to be the “child” on one hand, and the “parent” on the other. For some, it’s a double dose of responsibility in a very hectic day-to-day world.

Have you ever thought that you were alone with your problems of trying to be a “bridge” generation? Have you ever longed to share your frustrations and concerns with others who can understand? Do you think you have gained valuable insights into how to build a good bridge of communications? Would you like to share your knowledge with others who are seeking answers?

As part of its community educatiop program, the Rappahannock Mental Health Clinic has staff available who are trained to help people experiencing frustrations with the problems of growing up, growing older, and facing rapid changes in family composition.

If you would be interested in becoming a part of a group of people of the “bridge” generation to talk about your experiences and frustrations, please call the Clinic at 675-3329. Depending on the number of people interested in forming such a group, a time, date and fee for the programs will be determined.

The Rappahannock Mental Health Clinic is an outpatient clinic of the Rappahannock-Rapid an Community Mental Health Center, a program of the Rappahannock-Rapid an Community Services Board.