SBB University Mental Health Series presents: Depression, Suicide and the Holiday Season. Today's speaker is Cassandra Cote', RN with WellBridge Hospital Greater Dallas/Kindred Behavioral Health. The video of this presentation may be watched at the bottom of this article. Cassandra reviews some of the content for you here. Society and the media have turned the holidays, especially Christmas in to a time of obligatory traditions and responsibilities, more than it ever was before. The pressures can be relentless this time of year to make the season merry and bright for all of those around you, often times at the cost of your own sanity and happiness! Think about this for a moment. Do you feel like you HAVE to do some particular tradition, event, party or dinner? Do you HAVE to put up Christmas lights even if they really arent in the budget this year? Do you HAVE to make cookies for the office, even though youre exhausted and have other things youd rather do? Do you HAVE to go to church with the family on Christmas eve, just because thats what we are expected to do? What about hosting family for dinners, or buying gifts for every boss, uncle or cousins girlfriend on the list? Do you feel anxiety just hearing this list of obligations that many of you can completely relate to? I know I do. For several years now starting sometime in September or October I will have occasional nightmares that it is Christmas eve and Im at the store trying to buy gifts for my whole list because I put it off out of dread and now theres nothing good left, the lines are around the buildings, its 8pm and the pressure is on! Im thinking of how Im missing out on Cocoa and Christmas stories, and will be up until 6am on Christmas morning just trying to get it all wrapped!! Its enough to give anyone ulcers. Let me ask you, Do we have to do all of these things? Do we want to do all of these things? What happens when we feel like we have failed our own expectations? We missed the candy canes for the Christmas morning hot cocoa and now its no longer perfect. Is it possible there is another way? Ive listed the 5 most typical reasons for holiday depression.
We feel overwhelmed by all the things we are expected or expect ourselves to accomplish or participate in. Its too much, and the pressure becomes defeat, despair and depression. We long for what was before. Maybe there was a time in our lives when the holidays were everything you could have dreamt of. The right people, the right stage of life with motivation, the finances and the support to put together a season that was incredibly fulfilling for us. We feel an obligation we know we cannot oblige either because we do not have the capacity to put in the time or effort or perhaps we dont have the finances to do what we think is required or expected of us. Maybe that expectation is even self imposed. Finances have us in a spot where we cannot, or maybe SHOULD not do all the things we wish we could especially this year, when so many people have experienced lay-offs, cut backs or a long stint of illness because of the pandemic. Finally Family & friends Perhaps we are unable to be with the ones we want to celebrate with. This could be for so many different reasons for instance, the death of a loved one. Distance, Isolation. COVID is a glaring reason this year. This reason, isolation and the pandemic effects our elderly patients this year the greatest. Especially those being cared for in a facility setting. Memories of Holidays past One final reason for an increase in depression over the holidays for our elderly population especially is the memories of holidays from the past that come out the strongest at this time of year. These memories can create a longing for connection or a frustration knowing the connection is lost.
Sometimes as we age, the holidays no longer seem very jolly, and we don't feel like celebrating much anymore. What used to be a joyous occasion can change and take on new meanings as life throws us curve balls. We think we're supposed to be exceptionally happy this time of year, but that expectation alone can cause people of all ages to become sad or depressed. Caregivers and older adults are especially susceptible to the holiday blues. As a caregiver, you can be prone to adopting your loved one's melancholy feelings or anxiety and vice versa While the holidays may not be the same as they were in the past, there can still be plenty of reasons to celebrate. One of the most important things to remember is that it's okay to enjoy the holidays as they are now. Old memories hold a special place in your heart, but there is always enough room to add new ones. Lets talk about some practical advise to deal with these holiday stressors we have talked about. Theres Too much to do!!! By definition caregivers (all of us) have too much to do already, let alone adding decorating, dinners, shopping and wrapping to that list! To keep from feeling overwhelmed and out of control,
Be realistic!!
Perhaps this year a 5 course dinner is not practical!
Focus on what YOU and what those the very closest to you NEED
instead of what others expect of you.
Prioritize and Downsize Holiday tasks
Decide which decorations are most important and compromise. For example put up the tree lights and the mantle decorations but skip the outdoor lights this year. Consider drawing names and each person, or each family buying gifts for only one person/family? IN my family the adults each get one gift and we all buy for the kids. This means I have about 8 gifts to buy instead of 29 gifts. I enjoy giving to the kids, so this makes me happy! Same idea applies to dinners. Dont make 6-8 dishes, instead choose the 3-4 most important dishes to your family. You could also try a new tradition this year and make it a potluck. If everyone pitches in it makes your job much easier!
Speaking of pitching in
Accept help
when others offer it and ask for help when you need it. It makes others feel great to help those that they care about. You may be blessing them in a roundabout way!!
Make lists.
It helps to see what exactly needs to be done, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you cross off completed tasks
Financial Pressures Finances are another notorious source of stress during the holidays. Money is often already tight for seniors and caregivers alike. Spending also tends to increase this time of year on things like gifts, holiday meals and basic necessities like heating, warm clothing etc.. Be proactive!
Set a budget. Making a budget frees you from contemplating over and over, Can I really afford this? It takes emotions out of your holiday shopping and allows you to remain objective. Either it fits the budget or it doesnt. It may seem like a bummer to live by a budget, but its far better than realizing after the holidays that you spent far more than you could afford.
Remind your loved ones that less expensive gifts can be just as thoughtful and useful as more expensive ones. Make baked goods or create handcrafted gifts for family and friends. Have your family members draw one or two names for gifts, instead of having everyone buy presents for each person. This may help other family members save money as well. Dont wait until the last minute to mail cards or buy presents. Take care of a few items each day to complete tasks with minimal stress and expense. Remember that less can be more.. Sometimes a simplistic holiday with a small dinner and fewer, very heartfelt gifts is more gratifying
Social Isolation due to the pandemic or other reasons:
Make a concerted effort to reach out to the people you enjoy. Plan some online events for the family
Netflix has group watching parties Use Google Hangouts or WhatsApp to have a family quiz night, caroling night or reminiscing night.
Up your holiday/Christmas card game this year Find a new tradition that is ALL ABOUT YOU (and your household) such as an outdoor event going to the zoo a nature preserve, having a game night or movie marathon.
Dealing with Death: One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the loss of a loved one. Whether it was a recent loss or the loss occurred a decade ago. The holidays often highlight their absence and bring intense feelings of grief loneliness and emptiness. You may even battle guilt for enjoying moments of the holiday. Consider the following ideas:
Place the person's picture in a place of prominence at home. Light a memorial candle. Begin a new tradition Make a photo album of previous holidays together to focus on positive memories. Set aside a time so that everyone who wants to can share a memory or a funny story about the deceased. Toast to your loved one. Go to a religious service Volunteer to help those in need. Talk with someone. A counselor, or someone who can empathise and let you process without judgment.
Remember that not everyone grieves in the same way. There is no accepted norm. You may cry at the drop of a hat, while someone else is more stoic. Some people may grieve for weeks, and others mourn for years. Understand that the holidays won't be the same as they used to be, but recognize that the new normal can be fulfilling in other ways. Strategies for Avoiding Holiday Depression: There is no reason to wait until depression happens to act on it, because there are approaches that can help prevent and minimize the symptoms. Generally, what can help is not being too hard on yourself for the difficulty you may be experiencing. Try to:
Keep a regular schedule and build in breaks. Adequate rest and self care is crucial, especially during the hectic holiday season.
Schedule in times to pamper or care for yourself. Do something you love or do nothing at all but you HAVE to be purposeful about it!
Set realistic expectations of what the holidays will be like and realistic expectations for yourself regarding your participation. Avoid feeling guilty for picking and choosing which holiday gatherings you attend Make sure you get regular exercise. It's typical for people to stop doing the healthy things they usually do because of holiday activities and the inclement weather. Make exercise a top priority, even its only twenty minutes each day. Avoid overeating at every meal. Save indulging for special meals, like the big family dinner or the pot luck at work. Balancing indulgence with light, healthy meals will help you feel less lethargic and improve digestion. Be careful about the amount of alcohol you drink, alcohol is a depressant.
Depression may occur at any time of the year, but the stress and anxiety during the months of November and December may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment that leads to depression, anxiety and a decreased quality of life. If these symptoms persist after the holidays, or youve already had them and they worsen due to the holidays please see your doctor, a psychiatrist or a counselor to get some extra help. Consider medication if your doctor agrees that it is appropriate. It is not a sign of weakness and it will not FIX it but it can take the edge off, making it more manageable for you. If your feelings worsen and thoughts of suicide creep in, please visit your nearest hospital, get an evaluation at an ER or a hospital such as WellBridge in Plano or call the suicide help line at 1-800-273-HELP. Lets switch gears for a moment now and discuss Suicide and the holidays. First, let me tell you the good news Suicide rates actually drop during the holidays statistically! This is great news for society in general but means nothing to the individual who is experiencing severe depression, feelings of helplessness, loneliness and lack of hope and is considering ending their life. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for more than 48,000 deaths in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes. Internationally that rate climbs to 800K deaths and one death every 40 seconds. Statistically, 25 times more people consider suicide than actually die from it. In 2019 12 million American adults seriously contemplated suicide. 3.5 million made a plan and 1.4 million attempted to end their life. These are ONLY the reported cases. It is believed that the number of unreported cases if known would increase each of these numbers by 9x. Many accidental overdoses were intentional but not classed as such car accidents that may have been intentional or other accidents. Many people never report their suicidal thoughts or that they were making a plan or that they made an attempt because they are embarrassed and do not want to be stigmatized or cause their families heartache and worry. So instead they suffer alone, quietly. It is a mistake to think that elderly people dont consider or attempt suicide. Those over 75 years of age make up the largest group of people who complete suicide. At that age many feel there is no hope left, they are a burden and no one would miss them.
What is the impact? In addition to the number of people who are injured or die, suicide also affects the health of others and the community. When people die by suicide, their family and friends may experience shock, anger, guilt, and depression. The economic toll of suicide on society is immense as well. Suicides and suicide attempts cost the nation almost $70 billion per year in lifetime medical and work-loss costs alone. People who attempt suicide and survive may experience serious injuries, such as broken bones or brain injury. These injuries can have long-term effects on their health. People who survive suicide attempts may also experience depression and other mental health problems. Many other people are impacted by knowing someone who dies or by personally experiencing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, being a survivor or someone with lived experience increases ones risk for future suicide. THE TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Pay attention to your loved ones silent and sometimes not so silent signals. Warning signs of suicidal thoughts or planning can include:
Often talking or writing about death, dying or suicide Making comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthless Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life; saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out." Increased alcohol and/or drug misuse Withdrawal from friends, family and community Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking Giving away belongings Dramatic mood changes especially from depressed to happy!!! Weird huh? Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others
The number one mistake people make is they dont ask. The uncomfortability only lasts about 8 seconds, but the reward could be a lifetime. Ask, what do you mean by..? Then ask blatantly and boldly. Do not mince words. hurt yourself is not effective.It may not hurt them to end their pain and misery, it might be merciful in their minds!! You must ask, Are you considering ending your life? or Have you had thoughts of killing yourself? If the answer is yes do not leave them alone until you have delivered them to help. Possible resources for help: Locally Emergecny rooms!! 24/7 MHMRs great for uninsured IF during business hours WellBridge for 24/7 assessment Nationally: The suicide Prevention Helpline 800-273-HELP (68,680 calls first month!) If you have been affected by suicide, reach out to someone at NAMI or a counselor you deserve someone to walk by your side to help you sort it all out. View the video of the presentation.
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What Type of In-Home Caregiver Do You Need?
You
think you or your loved one might need some help around the house, but youre
not sure what. Youve done a bit of research, but the language can be confusing.
Whats the difference between home care and home health care? What services
does a companion provide? And most importantly, which services do you need? Each
type of service, from companion care to skilled nursing care, caters to
different needs and offers varying levels of support. Knowing the differences
can help you make an informed decision thats best for your family, says
Siarra Thorning of Right at Home Grand Junction. Heres a breakdown of the
primary in-home caregiver services available. Companion
Care (or Sitter Services) Companion
care, sometimes known as sitter services, mainly provides companionship for
seniors or individuals who do not require intensive medical care but may need
supervision and light assistance. This service is ideal for those who wish to
remain in their home and maintain a level of independence. Companion care helps
ensure the individual is safe in their home and gets regular social
interaction. Caregivers
in this role engage in activities such as:
Conversation and companionship, including
hobbies, games, and walks
Meal preparation and dining company
Light housekeeping
Errand services, such as grocery shopping
Transportation to appointments or social events
Medication reminders Companion
care is suitable for individuals who are mostly independent but may be at risk
if left alone for long periods, such as those with early-stage dementia or
limited mobility, says Thorning. Personal
Care (or Home Care) Personal
care professionals provide a more hands-on level of support, helping with the
personal care of an individual. This service is often more generally called
home care, explains Thorning. These
caregivers have more training than companion caregivers and can assist with the
physical aspects of daily living. Their tasks typically include:
Bathing and personal hygiene
Dressing assistance
Mobility assistance
Incontinence care
More detailed medication management
Monitoring of vital signs under some
circumstances Personal
care is ideal for individuals who need regular assistance with personal care
tasks but do not require medical intervention. Its a good fit for those with
moderate disabilities or more advanced stages of age-related conditions. Home
care visits are typically a minimum three-hour shift as often as needed up to
24/7 care and can continue as often as visits are needed. Nursing
Care (Home Health Nurses) Nursing
care at home is provided by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical
nurses (LPNs). This type of care is necessary when an individual needs medical
care at home, whether theyre recovering after a hospital stay or need help
managing a chronic condition such as chronic lung or kidney disease. Home
health nurses perform a range of medical tasks, including:
Wound care
Administering medications, including injections
Pain management
Medical equipment operation
Monitoring health status and adjusting care
plans accordingly Nursing
care is suited for individuals with significant medical needs that require
professional health monitoring. Its commonly used for recovering from surgery,
managing serious illnesses, or managing complex health conditions requiring
regular medical attention. Home health visits are often intermittent and
limited. As Thorning notes, They last until recovery goals are met or the
health care provider certifies the visits can continue. How
To Decide What Type of In-Home Care Is BestThorning
says its common for care needs to cross over these categories. For example,
someone who needs a nurses help managing their lung disease at home may also
need the housework-type help provided by a home care aide. Here are some
additional thoughts to help with the decision:
Evaluate the individuals level of independence
and medical needs. A person with lung disease may not need help around the
house.
Consider the care recipients preferences and
financial situation. Insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) typically does not
pay for in-home care or may pay only under limited circumstances.
Consult with healthcare professionals for
tailored advice and guidance. What kind of care does the primary care physician
recommend? Patients who are being discharged from a hospital or nursing home
may also receive recommendations from the discharge staff. Remember,
advises Thorning the goal for receiving care or assistance at home is to
maintain the highest quality of life possible. If you are helping a loved one
or friend decide on care, respect their wishes and needs as they age or recover
in the comfort of their own home. Questions
To Ask When Considering In-Home Care Providers As
you research in-home care options, ask each provider these questions to ensure
the company is reputable and will provide exceptional, quality care:
Are Social Security, federal and state taxes,
and unemployment insurance paid? Are the caregivers bonded/insured? Are
workers compensation and professional liability insurance paid? A trustworthy
company will pay the taxes and insurance for its caregivers, so you are
protected from legal and financial responsibility.
Is the required state licensing up to date? Have
all caregivers undergone background checks, including references and criminal
records?
Are supervisory home visits conducted to verify that
quality care is being provided?
Asking
these questions will help sort out which providers have a good reputation and
are highly regarded in the community and which do not have these qualities. Above
all else, ensure that dependable, quality care will be provided by people you
can trust.About
Right at Home of Grand Junction 2777
Crossroads Blvd Ste 3 Grand Junction, CO 81506 Our office of Right at Home is a locally owned
and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of
Mesa, Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties. For more information, contact Right
at Home by Calling 970-697-1331 | Email: Care@gjhomecare.com | Web
Address: www.gjhomecare.com
Holiday Check-In: Ensuring Your Loved Ones Well-Being This Season
Check In on Your Loved One During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, traditions, and
reconnecting with loved ones. Its a wonderful opportunity to catch up and
celebrate, but its also the perfect chance to check in on elderly parents or
relatives to ensure theyre doing well. Sometimes, these visits can provide
insight into their health, well-being, and overall quality of life that you
might not see from a distance.Here are some signs to look for during your visit: Changes in personal hygiene: Noticeable neglect of
bathing, grooming, wearing clean clothes, or maintaining trimmed nails. Pay
attention to mobility issues, recent falls, or unexplained bruising.
Medication management: Look for missed doses, expired
prescriptions, or general confusion about their medication routine. These are
all signs they might need help managing their health.
Living space upkeep: Take note of unkempt homes with piled
laundry, misplaced items, spoiled food, or clutter that could pose a fall risk,
like throw rugs or poorly placed cords.
Emotional or cognitive changes: Watch for signs of depression,
forgetfulness, confusion, loneliness, or isolation. These shifts can indicate
underlying health issues.
Financial management struggles: Keep an eye out for stacks of
unopened mail, unpaid bills, or disorganized storage of important documents.
Difficulty handling finances is a common red flag.
Driving concerns: If theyre still driving, check their car for
signs of accidents, such as scrapes or dents.What to Do if You Notice Changes
If you spot signs of decline, here are steps you can take to address your
concerns:1. Take notes: Write down your observations.
Keeping a detailed list of your concerns will help when speaking with your
loved one or their healthcare provider.
2. Start the conversation: Share your observations in a
compassionate and nonjudgmental way. Use this as an opportunity to discuss
their needs and explore support options, such as assistance with daily
activities, companionship, or meal services.
3. Consult their doctor: Reach out to their primary care provider
to share your concerns and learn about any recommendations. The doctor may
already have insights into their health or suggest scheduling a physical or
needs assessment.
4. Explore senior living options: If additional support seems
necessary, consider visiting senior living communities to understand the
available levels of care, such as independent living, assisted living, or
memory care. Touring a community can help determine if its the right fit for
your loved one.Tips for Having the Conversation
Discussing a loved ones needs can be delicate. Here are some tips to make the
conversation more effective and compassionate:
Pick the right time: Choose a quiet, private moment to bring up
your concerns. Avoid discussing sensitive topics during large family gatherings
or high-stress situations.
Be empathetic: Acknowledge their feelings and emphasize that you
want to support them in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
Involve them in decisions: Wherever possible, let them take an
active role in deciding how to address their needs. This helps them feel
respected and in control.
Focus on solutions: Frame your concerns around finding practical
ways to help, rather than simply pointing out problems.Why the Holidays Are a Perfect Time to Check In
The holidays offer a rare opportunity to see your loved ones in person and
observe any changes in their behavior, health, or environment. With everyone
gathered together, its also easier to have collaborative conversations with
other family members about how best to support them.By being proactive during your holiday visit, you can help
ensure your loved one gets the care and support they need to stay happy and
healthy. Whether that means arranging for extra assistance at home or exploring
senior living options, taking action now can make a meaningful difference in
their quality of life.
Home for the Holidays: Making Senior Spaces Merry and Bright
As the holiday season approaches, many of us begin to embrace the spirit of joy and togetherness. For seniors, this time of year can evoke a special blend of nostalgia and excitement, providing an opportunity to create new memories with loved ones. However, the stress of clutter can overshadow the joy of the holidays. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that a serene environment not only enhances well-being but also fosters connection with family and friends. In this blog, well explore effective ways to declutter senior spaces, ensuring that their homes radiate warmth and love during this festive season.Decluttering: A Gift of JoyDecluttering can often seem like a daunting task, especially for seniors who may have accumulated items over the years that carry sentimental value. Yet, creating an organized space doesnt have to be overwhelming. Instead, think of it as a gift that promotes a joyful atmosphere. Tip 1: Start Small and Focus on SentimentalityBegin the decluttering process by encouraging seniors to focus on one area at a time. It could be a specific room, a closet, or even a single drawer. The key is to keep the experience manageable and non-stressful. A good practice is to ask them to sort items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.When it comes to sentimental items, its important to approach them with care. Suggest they take photographs of items that hold memories instead of keeping every single piece. This way, they can cherish the memories without physical clutter. Setting aside a memories box for truly cherished items can also provide a sense of connection to the past while keeping their environment open and welcoming.Tip 2: Enlist HelpDont hesitate to involve family members in this process. The holidays are all about togetherness, and tackling this task as a family can create new memories while lightening the load. Each family member can take responsibility for specific areas, making the decluttering process enjoyable. Don't forget treats and encouragement to maintain a festive mood!Creating a Welcoming AtmosphereOnce the decluttering is underway, its time to enhance the space for the holiday season. A peaceful and organized environment can significantly improve the seniors mood and overall well-being. Tip 3: Seasonal Decor with HeartIncorporate decorations that evoke joy and warmth. Encourage seniors to choose decorations that hold special meaning for them. This can include handmade ornaments or family heirlooms. A simple touch like a festive tablecloth or hanging twinkling lights can instantly convert a room into a cheerful gathering space without overwhelming them with excess decorations.Additionally, consider the sensory elements of the home. Scents can profoundly influence emotions, so adding a holiday-themed scented candle or simmering potpourri can ignite nostalgic feelings while creating a sense of warmth. Tip 4: Create a Cozy Gathering SpaceThe heart of the home truly shines during the holidays, so lets make sure theres a cozy, inviting space for family and friends to gather. This could be a living room, dining area, or even a cozy corner with comfy chairs and warm blankets. Arrange seating to encourage conversation and connection. A well-organized space will help reduce anxiety and allow everyone to relax and enjoy each others company. If possible, gently advocate for the rearranging of furniture to create an open layout that accommodates guests and fosters a spirit of togetherness.Embracing the Holiday SpiritThe holiday season is a time for love and connection, and nothing creates a more welcoming atmosphere than an organized, clutter-free space. By embracing decluttering as a joyful gift and creating a warm ambiance, we empower seniors to celebrate the holidays in a way that fills their hearts with peace and joy.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand that the joy of the season can be overshadowed by the anxieties of clutter. With thoughtful guidance and strategies, we can help support seniors in their journey toward a merry and bright holiday experience. Lets work together to make this holiday season one to remember for seniors and their families, creating an environment where precious memories can flourish.Remember, the essence of the holidays lies not in perfection but in love, connection, and shared moments. Here's to making every home a special place during this season of joy!