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Banishing The Holiday Blues

Author

Healthcare Network Southwest Florida

Posted on

Nov 15, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

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With stores putting out holiday decorations well before Halloween, it is hard to avoid the hype surrounding the holiday season.

For most people, it is an anticipated time of year with traditions, memories and family gatherings. But for older residents, these same reasons may result in the blues, making the holidays a challenging time.

Sometimes beloved traditions and family gatherings become out of reach as we age and may be isolated from friends and families. Holidays may remind us of the passing of time, who is missing in our lives and who is not nearby. The loss of holiday traditions and gatherings often changes the way we feel about the holidays. Sometimes reminiscing on traditions that have gone can fuel feelings of loneliness.

An AARP study found that 31% of respondents felt lonely during the holiday season. Additionally, another 41% worried about a family member or friend feeling lonesome. What’s more, more than 12 million Americans over age 65 live alone, according to the American Psychological Association.

As children grow up and move away, neighborhoods change, and friends pass, the opportunities for close connections sometimes become limited. Financial constraints and loss of independence and mobility can change looking forward to the holidays to dreading them.

To help avoid the holiday blues, here are some steps you can take to restore holiday joy.

· Find new ways to connect, such as video chat and email. Write letters, cards and call. You do not have to wait for family members to reach out. Take initiative. Connecting with others is one of the best ways to relieve loneliness.

· It is heathy to feel sadness about missing family and friends. It is important to acknowledge your feelings.

· Volunteer and help others. If you are able, you can help with daily tasks that may seem overwhelming or share a meal.

· If you are feeling lonely, maybe your neighbor is, too. Being available for someone else is good medicine.

· Be kind to yourself. Continue your wellness routines and healthy habits.

· Rethink how you do things this season. Joy is not limited to the last two months of the year! Every day can be treated as a holiday!

· Consider trying a new activity or hobby or teach someone something you are good at.

· Limit screen time. A constant diet of bad news creates anxiety.

· Resolve to make the best of the holidays but adjust your expectations and adopt realistic goals.

While the holidays may look different over time, they can still be meaningful. The most important thing to make someone feel special this season is to simply spend time with them. If you cannot participate in person, FaceTime or Zoom also work.

Here are other ways you can help others (and yourself) find joy in the holidays and help banish the holiday blues:

· Share your traditions with others and enjoy theirs. Reflect about past holidays as you unpack cherished decorations. Listen to the stories of others and ask about special pieces.

· Make a conscious effort to be available for those who might be feeling isolated. Plan a regular call or visit or reach out with a video call or old-fashioned letter.

· For anyone who might be struggling with holiday loneliness, provide a comfortable space for them to talk. Save judgments or problem solving and simply have a genuine conversation.

· As you plan your celebrations, look for ways to be inclusive. Extending an invitation may not be enough to make others feel included. Being with a crowd of strangers who have little in common can still feel very lonely.

· Being recognized and honored goes a long way in combating loneliness. Be open to asking about and including favorite memories such as treasured decorations, traditional treats and meaningful music.

· Religious organizations often offer extra social and/or spiritual support. Just talking with someone can go a long way.

· Bring or send familiar treats that represent holiday customs for elders to enjoy and share.

Often, holiday blues are temporary. However, if symptoms last for more than two weeks, they can indicate clinical anxiety or depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), socially isolated older adults are at higher risk for depression.

It may be time to seek help if you or someone you love is experiencing any of these common symptoms of depression:

· Feeling so down you cannot shake it off

· Too little or too much sleep, or interruptions through the night

· Changes in appetite; eating more or less than usual

· Difficulty concentrating

· Lack of interest in the things that typically make you happy

· Irritability

· Lack of interest in socializing or engaging with others.

Plan to look for and spread cheer this season, but if the holiday blues linger well beyond the season, discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Courtney L. Whitt, Ph.D. is Director of Behavioral Health at Healthcare Network, which offers behavioral health services as a routine part of comprehensive care and traditional counseling services. Healthcare Network provides quality primary care services for children and adults in locations throughout Collier County. To learn more or make an appointment, please call 239.658.3000 or visit HealthcareSWFL.org.

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