The holiday season is often painted as a time of happiness, family gatherings, and festive cheer. For many people, this is the reality: a festive season filled with joy, giving, and companionship. But for others, this season is a hard time as we might miss our loved ones who live far away or ones who’ve passed.
For many seniors and their caregivers, the holiday season can be challenging times full of feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation. The absence of loved ones, physical limitations, or the stress of caregiving can make the holiday season burdensome on mental health.
At Senior Industry Services, we understand the unique challenges that both seniors and caregivers face during this time of year. In this blog post, we’ll share key mental health reminders to help navigate the season with care, compassion, and resilience.
1. Acknowledge the Feelings of Loneliness
For many seniors, the holidays can bring up a sense of loneliness and sadness. This may be true if they have lost spouses, friends, or family members or live alone. Acknowledge this feeling and allow yourself to miss those who are no longer in your life. It’s healthy to recognize and accept your feelings as they come, without shame.
Similarly, caregivers may also feel lonely, especially in those cases when they are busy caring for their patients and unable to partake in typical festive events and traditions. Caregivers should also acknowledge the hardships and emotions surrounding their workload and talk openly and honestly with the family they’re caring for about any concerns. Confiding in friends and family can also be helpful and help combat feelings of loneliness.
2. Create New Traditions
Traditions are important, they remind us of our past and help us to reminisce on good memories spent with those we love. But sometimes, old traditions can be painful reminders of losing someone, so creating new and fun traditions can be beneficial for your mental health. Making new traditions, in general, can be an enjoyable experience and introduce you to new seasonal festivities or hobbies. Don’t be afraid to try something new; you might just create a new tradition that will last for years and bring many moments of joy and connection.
Tip: Ask your loved one what would make the holiday special to them this year, even if it’s simple. Sometimes, building new traditions can make the season feel more manageable and less emotionally charged.
3. Stay Connected, Even from a Distance
Another major contributor to holiday depression and loneliness is isolation. Seniors who are far from other family members or cannot travel may feel disconnected. Many caregivers, especially those providing long stretches of care, may also not be able to connect with their loved ones as deeply as they might desire to.
Tip: Use technology to stay in touch. Video calls and social media have made bridging the distances much easier. If personal visits are not possible, schedule a routine call or video chat with family and friends. Caregivers should carve out time for social contact to call or catch up with a friend or family member to help break the monotony of their heavy workload.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations are common, considering the classic holiday movies with perfectly polished houses and decor, but the reality is far less perfect than a Hallmark movie. Whether entertaining family or decorating, don’t put too much pressure on trying to create a “perfect” holiday experience. These expectations can be overwhelming and stressful or lead to burnout for all people – so be gentle with yourself and don’t try to make things perfect – just be you and do your best because your best will always be enough!
Tip: Set realistic goals and prioritize what matters most. Decorations don’t matter nearly as much as the company we surround ourselves with.
For caregivers, remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. It’s okay to say “no” and ask for help when needed.
5. Focus on Self-Care
Self-care is often the first casualty of the holiday season, particularly for caregivers. Taking time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day, can greatly help to reduce feelings of stress and prevent burnout.
Self-care for seniors can be as simple as finding comforting and easy activities such as reading, going on a walk, or listening to music.
Self-care is simply doing things to take care of yourself and your mental health – whatever that may be.
Tip: Implement habits of self-care into your daily life. Even small actions can go a long way in supporting mental health and emotional well-being.
6. Seek Professional Help When Needed
In some situations, winter and the holiday season can ignite and intensify depression or anxiety disorders. Common signs of depression may include prolonged sadness, distancing from activities they enjoy or loved ones, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.
If you or your loved one exhibits any of these signs, it may be a good idea to get professional help. Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be prioritized as such. One way to help combat feelings of depression is to talk to a therapist who can help you work through your feelings.
Tip: Many therapists offer virtual sessions, making therapy accessible to seniors and caregivers as they can have therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes. If you are not sure where to start, speak with a primary care provider who can refer you to a mental health professional or support group.
7. Give Back and Treat Yourself
Giving back and helping those in need is a great way to step outside of your feelings and experiences and have the opportunity to serve someone else.
For seniors, volunteer work can be done by helping neighbors, giving to charities, or serving in your community in any capacity.
As caregiver spend their lives and devote their work to helping others, it would be a good opportunity to take a break from serving others and allow yourself to be pampered. Treat yourself to a spa day or some quiet time in a park, or do something you enjoy to find some peace from all the busyness.
Tips: Try to find volunteer opportunities that suit your life and physical abilities. Even the little acts of kindness help uplift the mood and provide a feeling of accomplishment during the festive seasons. Treating yourself is a good thing for everyone to partake in from time to time, treat yourself to a yummy dessert or a new book to read!
Your mental health matters!
At Senior Industry Services, we are here to support seniors and caregivers through all seasons, including the holidays. If you or someone you care for is struggling, reach out. Together, we can make this holiday season a time of connection, care, and healing. If you would like more information or resources on how to support your or your loved ones’ mental health through the holiday season, please contact us today.
We are here to help make Central Texas the best place for seniors to age.
Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling
