The Fremont Senior Living Prepares for Possible Holiday Blues

For many the holiday season is a joyful, happy time built around togetherness, family, and friends, but for some it can be very stressful and filled with overwhelming expectations, depression, and anxiety. The holiday season can be a reminder of those who are not with us anymore, financial limitations, sadness from being separated from loved ones, and the loss of treasured traditions. Celebrating this time of year doesn’t have to be a sad or overwhelming time. It can be a peaceful time of reminiscing, volunteering, spending time with friends, and creating new traditions!

Some common causes of depression during the holiday season include lack of sunlight, not being able to be with loved ones, and financial concerns. Signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season are increase or decrease in appetite, insomnia, increase in sleeping, and increase agitation.

To help eliminate the holiday blues for our residents we should keep them engaged in activities, make a positive and happy environment, and offer opportunities to enjoy the sunshine when weather is nice.

Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To combat that we have events where friends and families can be involved. We should also encourage new and fulfilling traditions, while keeping an open mind and support participation in the daily events.

The holiday season means different things to each of us. The holidays are about family, friends, food, and tradition. For many, the smells, taste, and decorations bring memories flooding back. We at The Fremont Senior Living hope some of these ideas will be helpful as the holidays approach.