Risa Kerslake

Mental Health Author

Risa Kerslake is a freelance writer and registered nurse living in the Midwest. She specializes in mental health, aging and older adult health, sleep, cancer, reproductive health, and parenting topics. Her work has appeared in Discover, Costco Connection, National Council on Aging, Cancer Today Magazine, Breastcancer.org, and Healthline.

See below for Sailor Health articles written by Risa Kerslake.

All articles

Understanding Mental Health in Later Life

Senior Wellness

Understanding Mental Health in Later Life

How emotional health tends to shift (and show up differently) with age.

September 17, 2026

When Grief Keeps You Awake at Night

Grief, Loss, & Life Transitions

When Grief Keeps You Awake at Night

Gentle ways to ease grief-induced sleeplessness and quiet your mind after loss.

September 15, 2026

Somatic Anxiety: When Symptoms Are Physical

Anxiety & Stress

Somatic Anxiety: When Symptoms Are Physical

Learn how anxiety shows up in your body and how to start feeling better.

August 18, 2026

Mental Health Exercises for Seniors

Senior Wellness

Mental Health Exercises for Seniors

Discover how small, daily steps can help ease anxiety, lift mood, and reclaim joy.

August 11, 2026

Is Daytime Sleeping Normal for Older Adults?

Sleep Issues & Fatigue

Is Daytime Sleeping Normal for Older Adults?

Understand when increased napping is part of aging and when it signals a potential issue.

Understanding Post-Hospital Syndrome

Illness, Injury & Mental Health

Understanding Post-Hospital Syndrome

Even a short hospital stay can have a hidden emotional toll.

Healing from Medical Trauma as an Older Adult

Healing from Medical Trauma as an Older Adult

Find hope and healing after a frightening medical experience.

Understanding Post-Caregiver Syndrome

Caregiver Support

Understanding Post-Caregiver Syndrome

How to heal and find purpose again after caregiving ends.

Mental Health Symptoms of UTI in Older Adults

Illness, Injury & Mental Health

Mental Health Symptoms of UTI in Older Adults

Sudden confusion or agitation in seniors may be a "silent" UTI.

Understanding the Cardiac Blues: Emotional Recovery after a Heart Event

Illness, Injury & Mental Health

Understanding the Cardiac Blues: Emotional Recovery after a Heart Event

It’s normal to feel down after a heart event - here’s how to heal.

Alcohol Use & Depression in Older Adults

Depression & Mood Changes

Alcohol Use & Depression in Older Adults

Learn why an evening glass of wine might be affecting your mood more than it used to.

Anxiety & Insomnia in Older Adults

Anxiety & Stress

Anxiety & Insomnia in Older Adults

Learn tips to break the cycle of anxious thoughts and poor sleep.

Why Anxiety Worsens at Night for Older Adults

Anxiety & Stress

Why Anxiety Worsens at Night for Older Adults

Nighttime anxiety is common and treatable - here’s what to look for, and what helps.

How Many Counseling Sessions Does Medicare Pay For?

Medicare & Mental Health

How Many Counseling Sessions Does Medicare Pay For?

Medicare doesn’t limit the number therapy sessions it covers. Get the facts on medical necessity coverage rules.

January 23, 2026

Medicare Coverage for CBT

Medicare & Mental Health

Medicare Coverage for CBT

Everything you need to know about accessing Medicare-covered CBT for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more.

January 22, 2026

Aggression in Seniors

Behavior & Cognitive Changes

Aggression in Seniors

Learn why sudden anger or aggression can show up in older adults, what it may signal, and how to respond.

January 5, 2026

Health Anxiety in Older Adults

Anxiety & Stress

Health Anxiety in Older Adults

Learn to identify the signs of health anxiety in older adults and discover practical ways to manage excessive worry about illness.

December 23, 2025

Practical Stress Management Tips for Seniors

Anxiety & Stress

Practical Stress Management Tips for Seniors

Learn why stress feels different later in life and discover practical ways to find relief through small, healthy changes.

December 16, 2025

Coping with a Loss of Independence in Older Adults

Grief, Loss, & Life Transitions

Coping with a Loss of Independence in Older Adults

Discover practical ways to adapt to life changes and regain a sense of autonomy in older age.

December 12, 2025

Self-Care for Seniors: 12 Essential Tips for Healthy, Happy Aging

Senior Wellness

Self-Care for Seniors: 12 Essential Tips for Healthy, Happy Aging

Discover 12 self-care tips for seniors to support healthy aging, boost energy, stay independent, and live a more fulfilling life.

October 28, 2025

Therapy Designed for Older Adults.