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Some seniors face 'holiday blues' For most of us, the holidays are a time for happiness and celebration. We enjoy getting together with loved ones, going to parties, shopping and just enjoying the holiday season. But for many seniors, it is a time of sadness and isolation. Many seniors, whether they live at home or in an assisted living facility, are suspect to the "Holiday Blues." This time of year brings back memories of happier times. They struggle with the loss of loved ones as they grow older and worry about not being as mobile as they once were. Many are suffering from poor health. They begin to feel guilty for feeling sad, which perpetuates into more sadness and depression. Some common indications of depression can include: feeling down or "blue," change of appetite, anxiety, withdrawal, crying spells, loss of interest in activities, weight loss or selfmedicating with food or alcohol. While many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by someone who is clinically depressed, they are temporary. If the "holiday blues" persists for more than a few weeks or if the person becomes incapacitated, professional help is advised. There are strategies that can be utilized in assisting seniors cope with feelings of sadness during the holidays: Avoid isolation. If a person can't join you, go to them. Involve them with activities such as volunteering. Giving back to others provides a great sense of pleasure and self worth. Try to avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and brings about feeling of sadness. Set budgets. Many seniors are on a fixed income and overspending will cause stress when the bills come in. Share your feelings of sadness with others. Sometimes just opening up to another person can help alleviate the feeling of sadness. The staff at The Villas at Gulf Breeze, an Assisted Living Community, is very aware of how depression can affect seniors. Our activity director works on keeping our residents focused on the positive things in their life, building self-esteem and being independent. We have many events and entertainment scheduled throughout the month of December. If you are an interested senior who wishes to join us, please call The Villas at Gulf Breeze, 934-1061 and ask for a schedule of our upcoming events. From the staff and residents at The Villas at Gulf Breeze, we want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and great happiness for the New Year! |
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