Beating the holiday blues

     Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year are supposed to be of good cheer, so why is it that as the holidays come into full swing, many seniors find themselves feeling blue? First, it’s not the actual holiday that causes sadness, but the fact that the holidays tend to bring up earlier, happier times. Also, during the holidays older adults tend to feel the passing of time, as well as the absence of parents, siblings and friends who have died. Adult children and their families may have moved away leaving the elderly parent feeling lonely. Additional factors leading to increased feelings of depression include medical problems, chronic pain, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and general frustrations with aging.

     Because the elderly population is much more likely to experience holiday depression, it’s important to know what symptoms to look for in your loved one. Here are some indicators: depressed or irritable mood, feelings of worthlessness or sadness, expressions of helplessness, increased anxiety, episodes of crying, sleeping disturbances, loss of interest in daily activities, loss of appetite, weight loss, lack of attention to physical cares, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If you are worried your loved one may be depressed, talk with him/her about your concerns and also talk to his/her doctor. If the case is severe, the physician may prescribe antidepressant medications as an effective treatment. Also, therapy/counseling seems to have a positive effect with depressive moods and behaviors.

     While the holidays may not be the same as they were in the past, there can be plenty of reasons to celebrate. Here are some things you can do to help your loved one deal with depressed feelings and enjoy the holidays: As a caregiver, get involved. Visit your elderly loved one often and if you can’t visit, call frequently. Share holiday memories in a scrapbook or photo album. If an elderly person’s depression is linked to a loved one who has passed, reminiscing about the departed may result in sharing feelings that need to be expressed. Prioritize holiday tasks and include your loved one. Help send holiday cards and share ones you’ve received. Make shopping lists together so they feel a part of the gift giving tradition. Try to keep a routine and don’t feel guilty about limiting the number of gatherings and parties you both are able to attend. Encourage your loved one to get enough rest and proper nutrition during the holiday season. Most importantly, this holiday season, slow down and give the gift of time.