It's the Most Wonderful Time of The Year.... Or Maybe not.....
The holiday season is upon us. For some individuals this time of year is not just mistletoes and warm cozy fires. This time of the year can bring around some serious problems like depression. Everyone is at risk for depression, but there are some who are at a higher risk for developing depression during the holidays than others.
One group who is higher risk for depression during the holidays, are the elderly. Especially those who have lost their spouse. We are very busy during this time, but these individuals often spend all day alone with little to do. Especially if the weather is bad outside, they tend to stay closed up inside their home with minimal interaction with others.
Holiday season triggers feelings of loss more than any other time of the year. Especially if the loss of a spouse is more recent. The more recent the loss, the higher the risk for depression. They just miss them and that is a normal feeling to have. For those of us who know an elderly individual who has lost a spouse, it is important to remember them and take some extra time to check in on them. Ask them how are they doing. Many may reply fine, but watch for the non-verbal communication to answer this question. Invite them to holiday events. Even just a 15 minute phone call can help and let them know someone cares about them.
Another group at risk for depression during the holidays are individuals who have lost a loved one recently (last 2 years). Holidays are typically spent with those you care and love. The loss of a loved one can become hard to bear during this season. Call them and let them know you are thinking about them. Again, watch the non-verbal communication to know how they are "reallly" doing.
Some signs that someone may not be doing as well as they are telling you they are:
I wrote this topic to remind all of us during this super-crazy busy time to take a quick moment and think of others in our life that may be going thru a rough patch. To take 15 minutes and make a difference. It is so easy to get so busy that you meant to call them or had wanted to... Make it priority that no matter what, you will reach them. It may make a world of difference to that individual.
Happy Holidays to all our Blog Readers
Wishing You Health and Wellness,
Ask a Nurse Now
The holiday season is upon us. For some individuals this time of year is not just mistletoes and warm cozy fires. This time of the year can bring around some serious problems like depression. Everyone is at risk for depression, but there are some who are at a higher risk for developing depression during the holidays than others.
One group who is higher risk for depression during the holidays, are the elderly. Especially those who have lost their spouse. We are very busy during this time, but these individuals often spend all day alone with little to do. Especially if the weather is bad outside, they tend to stay closed up inside their home with minimal interaction with others.
Holiday season triggers feelings of loss more than any other time of the year. Especially if the loss of a spouse is more recent. The more recent the loss, the higher the risk for depression. They just miss them and that is a normal feeling to have. For those of us who know an elderly individual who has lost a spouse, it is important to remember them and take some extra time to check in on them. Ask them how are they doing. Many may reply fine, but watch for the non-verbal communication to answer this question. Invite them to holiday events. Even just a 15 minute phone call can help and let them know someone cares about them.
Another group at risk for depression during the holidays are individuals who have lost a loved one recently (last 2 years). Holidays are typically spent with those you care and love. The loss of a loved one can become hard to bear during this season. Call them and let them know you are thinking about them. Again, watch the non-verbal communication to know how they are "reallly" doing.
Some signs that someone may not be doing as well as they are telling you they are:
- Their appearance is not how they usually look
- They avoid talking or spending time with you
- Flat affect: in the health field, we professionals refer to this when somone does not show any emotions good or bad - they appear like they just don't care about anything
- Tearful or very hyper-emotional: extemely sad or upset
I wrote this topic to remind all of us during this super-crazy busy time to take a quick moment and think of others in our life that may be going thru a rough patch. To take 15 minutes and make a difference. It is so easy to get so busy that you meant to call them or had wanted to... Make it priority that no matter what, you will reach them. It may make a world of difference to that individual.
Happy Holidays to all our Blog Readers
Wishing You Health and Wellness,
Ask a Nurse Now
