2013 at San Antonio Gardens in Norwalk, CA. One of the great benefits of living in an EngAGE community is a feeling of connection with neighbors, and the opportunity to participate in lots of spirit-lifting holiday classes and activities!
For most of us, the holidays are a time to gather with friends and family, celebrate, reflect on the past, and plan for the future. However, for some, especially some seniors, the holidays can be a difficult time. The American Geriatrics Society offers a few tips on how to deal with feeling sad during the holidays:
- Get out and about. Ask family and friends for help traveling to parties and events or invite family and friends to your home.
- Volunteer. Helping others can be a great mood lifter. Contact local schools, churches, synagogues and mosques to find out about volunteer opportunities.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol, which can lower your spirits.
- Accept and express your feelings. There’s nothing wrong with not feeling happy during the holidays — many people feel the same way. Talking about your feelings can help you understand why you feel the way you do.
- Recognize the signs of depression, which include: sadness that won’t lift; loss of interest or pleasure; changes in appetite and weight; sleeping much more than normal; crying often; feeling restless or tired all the time; feeling worthless, helpless or guilty; slowed thinking; thoughts of death or suicide.
Feeling blue for awhile is understandable and that will pass with time. But if you or someone you know is having problems with depression, that is a medical condition, so please seek help from a medical professional. You can learn more about seniors and depression at the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation website.
