The Holiday season is amongst us. It is a time of year when many people are jolly and are usually looking forward to gathering with friends and family; looking forward to getting presents and ringing in a new year. Nevertheless, for many of our seniors, the holiday season is sometimes the roughest part of the year. Many seniors are widows/widowers, have lost friends and other family members as they have aged, are separated from family or their current loved one or themselves could be ill either physically or mentally and can no longer participate in the holiday events like they used to. While many will try to hide their feelings during the holidays, it can be quite a tough time for our seniors, which can lead to the holiday blues and even worse depression.
Several symptoms of the blues are:
- Crying often
- Loss or gaining weight
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty thinking, remembering or concentrating
- Irritability
- Loss of interest
- Sense of worthlessness
- Thoughts of suicide – Contact a mental health professional immediately
One should pay special attention to their friends and family during these times and if you notice any of the symptoms; even if they are not an elderly person, you should approach them and see if they might be feeling blue during the holidays. Listen carefully if someone complains to you about being depressed or says people don't care. That person may be telling you he or she needs help.
There are many things one can do to avoid feeling the blues:
- Volunteer – Helping others is a great way to distract your mind from your own troubles. Churches and other civic groups would appreciate your help.
- Do not be alone – If you cannot be with family during the holidays invite some close friends to come over.
- Avoid alcohol if possible – Alcohol is a depressant and that is what you are trying to avoid.
- Don’t deny or hide your feelings of sadness – Just being able to share your feelings with someone can help you cope with the holiday blues.
- Avoid stress – Stress during the holidays may make you feel more isolated and worsen your mood.
- Honor loved ones – Remembering the person that cut the turkey or dressed as Santa can be difficult, but it can also bring the family closer and aide in having a pleasant holiday.
At
First Care of New York, Inc., we are here to help with concerns like the holiday blues and depression. Our staff is trained to recognize and handle clients who may be dealing with depression when visiting patient’s homes in the
Bronx,
Brooklyn,
Queens, and
Manhattan. Our home health aides and personal care aides are trained to help you. The aides serve as companions during those hard and dark times. We also have Live-in care for those of you who may need 24 hour support. No matter the time, day or place, we want to brighten your day first with care. We hope you have a very happy and safe holiday season.
