Depression During the Holidays
The holidays are a time for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company. For many, this means cooking familial recipes, visiting with young ones, and participating in holiday traditions. However, for elderly adults, the holidays can be a difficult time. Many are living with chronic illness or disability, which can make it difficult to participate in activities that they once enjoyed. Additionally, many elderly adults are living alone and may not have family nearby to spend the holidays with. As a result, they can feel lonely and isolated during this time of year. There are ways to help ease the difficulty of the holidays for elderly adults, such as knowing the signs of depression.
Holiday Memories
Grief can be a difficult feeling to handle at any time, but it may be more complicated for older adults who are celebrating holidays without a spouse or close friend. Some traditions that were once easy to participate in may now prove too difficult without their special someone. In some cases, grief and the holiday season can lead to depression.
Isolation
Elderly people who may find it difficult to participate in holiday activities. If you notice that an elderly person is not interested in participating in holiday activities, it could be because the event is too crowded or difficult for them to attend. Instead of ignoring the issue, try to understand their reasoning and help them find a solution to participate more easily. By taking the time to include them in holiday celebrations, you can help make the season a little brighter for everyone.
However, for elderly adults, the holidays can be a difficult time. Many are living with chronic illness or disability, which can make it difficult to participate in activities that they once enjoyed.
Signs of Depression
Depression is a serious mental illness that can have a profound effect on every aspect of a person’s life. It is important to remember that depression does not discriminate and can affect people of any age, race, or gender. Spotting the signs of depression may be difficult, as not everyone will experience all the symptoms and they can vary in intensity. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, it is important to reach out for help. Depression is treatable, and there are many resources available to those who need support.
Check out these most common signs of depression:
• Persistent sadness or empty mood
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Restlessness or irritability
• Memory problems
• Lack of motivation
What Can You Do?
Though depression is treatable, it’s essential to find professional help immediately. While you wait for treatment, though, there are things you can do ease the symptoms. Begin by taking care of your physical health through eating nutritiously and working out frequently. Additionally, staying social will also enhance your mood–try planning events with friends or family even when you’re not in the right headspace. If your symptoms persist despite these self-care measures, reach out to a mental health professional for help. With treatment, most people with depression can successfully manage their symptoms and live happy lives.
How Avanti Senior Living at Covington Helps Residents During the Holidays
For many people, the holidays are a time for family, friends, and traditions. But for seniors living in assisted living communities, the holiday season can be a time of isolation and loneliness. At Avanti Senior Living at Covington, we work hard to make sure our residents feel connected and loved during the holidays. We love going above and beyond to make our community festive for the holidays! We also know how important it is for residents to feel connected and engaged, so we host events and activities like crafting sessions and holiday gatherings. By creating a warm atmosphere, we help our residents enjoy the holidays even while they’re away from home.
