Elder
Law FAX -- December 12, 2005
|
Education |
|
Holiday Depression & Stress: Tips for Coping
with the Season
The holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings.
However, for many people, for seniors, especially, it is a time of self-evaluation,
loneliness, reflection on past failures, and anxiety about an uncertain
future.
What Causes Holiday Blues?
Many factors can cause the "holiday blues": stress, fatigue,
unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints,
and the inability to be with one's family and friends. The demands of
shopping, parties, family reunions, and house guests also contribute to
feelings of tension.
People who do not become depressed may develop other stress responses, such as: headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating, and difficulty sleeping. Even more people experience post-holiday let down after January 1. This can result from disappointments during the pre-ceding months compounded with the excess fatigue and stress.
The National Mental Health Association offers advice for coping with holiday depression and stress.
Coping with Stress and Depression During the
Holidays
Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Try to set realistic
goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and
prioritize the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and
cannot do.
Do not put entire focus on just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day) --remember it is a season of holiday sentiment and activities can be spread out (time-wise) to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.
Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.
Leave "yesteryear" in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don't set yourself up in comparing today with the "good ol' days."
Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some time to help others.
Enjoy activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations; going window shopping without buying; making a snowperson with children.
Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach
out and make new friends or contact someone you have not heard from for
awhile.
Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share responsibility
of activities.
Can Environment Be a Factor?
Recent studies show that some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder
(SAD) which results from fewer hours of sunlight as the days grow shorter
during the winter months. Phototherapy, a treatment involving a few hours
of exposure to intense light, is effective in relieving depressive symptoms
in patients with SAD.
Holidays and Demented Persons
Millions of Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other dementing
illnesses. It is natural for many families to make a special effort to
include demented elderly family members in the festivities. This may be
the last holiday in which "Grandma" can recognize her own family,
the families reason.
Be cautious about including demented persons in holiday activities, however. This can cause stress and anxiety, and even exacerbate your loved one's illness.
Demented persons do not adjust well to constant activity and, as a result, may become confused and upset. Introduce your loved one gradually to holiday festivities. Don't try to force her to participate.
Avoid large family gatherings showing up at the residential care facility to visit your demented loved one. Make the visits short and curtail them if your loved one appears to be confused or agitated.
Elder Law FAX is published weekly by Timothy L. Takacs, Attorney at Law. 201 Walton Ferry Road, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37077-0364. (615) 824-2571, (615) 824-8772FAX. Copyright 1995-2005 by Timothy L. Takacs. Would you like Elder Law FAX e-mailed to you free every week? To subscribe, please use the Elder Law FAX Subscription Form.