Depression During the Holidays
Most families revel in the joy of the holidays by cooking familial recipes, visiting with young ones, and participating in holiday traditions. While most are enjoying their time with family, many elderly adults have a difficult time during these times.
Holiday Memories
The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone struggling with grief, but it may be especially hard for older adults who are celebrating without a spouse or close friend. Some traditions may prove too difficult to participate in without their special someone by their side. In some cases, grief during the holiday season can lead to depression.
Isolation
If you notice an elderly person is not interested in participating in holiday activities, they may be feeling isolated. It could be that 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.
The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone struggling with grief, but it may be especially hard for older adults who are celebrating without a spouse or close friend.
Signs of Depression
Depression does not discriminate and can affect people of any age. However, spotting the signs in yourself or others may be difficult. Not everyone will experience all the symptoms, and they can vary in intensity.
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?
Depression is a treatable condition, but it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. There are things you can do to ease the symptoms in the meantime, though. To start, focus on taking care of your physical health by eating well and exercising regularly. Staying socially engaged will also help lift your mood – try to make plans with friends or family members even when you don’t feel like it. 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 Augusta Pines 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 Augusta Pines, we work hard to make sure our residents feel connected and loved during the holidays. From decorating the community to hosting festive events, we go the extra mile to spread holiday cheer. We also encourage our residents to stay active and engaged by participating in activities like making crafts, and attending gatherings. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, we help our residents enjoy the holidays despite being away from their homes and families.
