December 9, 2022
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 are the loss of a loved one and financial stress. Signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season include disengagement, crying, sleeping a lot, increased anxiety, impulsive behaviors, and acting out.
We can help eliminate the holiday blues for our residents. I think cooking and baking, talking, and engaging, music, and crafts in groups are the highlights for most families during the holidays. These make for long lasting memories.
Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in the elderly during the holiday season. Having a sense of gratitude, being creative, and creating new traditions with them is important. You can get ideas from family about what they liked to do during the holidays.
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 Vitalia Active Adult Community – Montrose hope some of these ideas will be helpful as the holidays approach.
VITALIA® Montrose in Copley, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cleveland Clinic with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Mud Run Golf Course and Driving Range, Summit Mall, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit County Metro Park, Stan Hywet, and Hale Farm.
VITALIA® Montrose serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
