Managing Holiday Blues and Depression

Holidays are for making new memories and fondly recalling memories of years gone by.   But as we age and loved ones and friends pass or move away, memories that once brought joy may now bring sadness. 

Sometimes memories of lost friends and loved ones, far away family or not feeling well enough to take part in holiday festivities can make the holidays especially difficult.  For some seniors the holiday blues can lead to a more serious condition: Depression.

Family caregivers, home health agency CNAs, and home health aides can be of assistance, especially around the holidays.  Some helpful tips:

• Recognize Changes In Mood: Feeling down or stressed, less energic, feeling lonely or sad? It’s normal to feel a bit down during the holidays.  Recognizing these feelings can be the first step to relief.  Caregivers can assist their loved ones or clients in reaching out to family members and friends.  Write a journal, write letters or holiday cards.  Communicating with friends and family can be a powerful remedy.
• Hire a Home Health Agency over the Holidays: Caregivers offer companionship as well as personal assistance. Sharing feelings of sadness or stress with someone who hears and empathizes without judgement can be very comforting. Connecting with others is one of the most effective ways to avoid holiday blues and lift a mood with friendly conversation or a laugh.
• Pet Therapy: Spending time with dogs, cats and other domestic animals can provide an emotional lift that many seniors may need at this time of year. Animal therapy can reduce anxiety, depression and sadness and increase feelings of relaxation and comfort.
• Stay Active: Despite the tendency to feel uninspired and blue, one of the most effective ways to lift the spirit is to take on some form of exercise or physical activity. Exercise has been proven to improve symptoms of depression in seniors and can also be a memory booster and can improve cognitive performance.  A good companion or caregiver can accompany a client on a relaxing stroll around the neighborhood or can assist with mild activities at home such as chair yoga or gentle exercise to get the endorphins flowing.  Of course, it’s important to get clearance from a doctor or member of the client’s medical team before engaging in any type of physical activity. 
• Ask For Help: If a senior is persistently sad, anxious or seems to be experiencing other symptoms it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Although friends, family and caregivers are important support systems, some seniors may need a little more help with their feelings.  A trained professional can get past these concerns and identify and manage negative feelings before they become more debilitating.

Allcare Home Health wishes everyone a

Happy, Healthy and Joyful Holiday Season!

References:

www.seniorsathome.com; www.medicalnewstotday.com; www.healthline.com