December 9, 2022
For many the holiday season is a joyful, happy time built around togetherness, family, and friends, but for some it can be very stressful and filled with overwhelming expectations, depression, and anxiety. The holiday season can be a reminder of those who are not with us anymore, financial limitations, sadness from being separated from loved ones, and the loss of treasured traditions. Celebrating this time of year doesn’t have to be a sad or overwhelming time. It can be a peaceful time of reminiscing, volunteering, spending time with friends, and creating new traditions!
Per the health partners, the common causes of depression during the holiday season are generalized stress, physical and mental fatigue, pressures of perceived obligations, financial stress, travel anxiety, stressful family gatherings, first holiday season after the passing of someone you love, loneliness, disappointment over not being able to see family and friends, pandemic isolation, and worries about gathering safely.
There are many symptoms of depression and anxiety which can include feelings of sadness, changes in appetite, loss of pleasure in things you used to enjoy, loss of motivation, feelings of fatigue and excessive tiredness, becoming withdrawn, and behavior becoming erratic, impulsive, or more irritable.
We can do many things to help eliminate the blues for our residents, such as setting reasonable expectations, keeping things simple, maintaining a routine, letting go of the past and looking toward the future, and planning to seek mental support from a professional.
Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in the elderly during the holiday season. It can be stressful but sticking to a routine during high stress can help us feel healthy, grounded, and secure. Starting a new tradition with the people around you, such as eating dinner or if you can’t be with your adult children, meet on a video call and find new ways to celebrate together.
The holiday season means different things to each of us. The holidays are about family, friends, food, and tradition. For many, the smells, taste, and decorations bring memories flooding back. We at The Madison Senior Living hope some of these ideas will be helpful as the holidays approach.
The Madison Senior Living in Kansas City, MO offers assisted living and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Conveniently located with easy access to a wide variety of attractions and local shopping.
Arrow Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
