3 Things to Remember when working with Seniors and Seasonal Depression

By:  Renece Holland, Arthritis & Infusion Center Practice Manager

Often, we partner with our community contacts regarding issues that affect our mutual clients. In a recent interview with Sherry Viehweger, who has been Activities Director for Community Health and Rehab for 18 years, she shared several insights about senior citizens and seasonal issues.

“Often, seniors revert back to memories of home and the holidays. They reminisce about times past, and often feel extreme loss at not being able to be a part of a family unit,” said Ms. Viehweger. “This can trigger depression for many seniors.”

Because families may be busy with their own daily lives, jobs, families, or with the holiday season’s activities, they may not be able to visit their senior family member as often as they would like. Activities play a big part in keeping seasonal depression at bay.

“At Community Health and Rehab, we may set up a store where the residents can shop for gifts at no charge. Often, we ask other residents to help wrap gifts to encourage them to get involved. In addition, we will assist the residents in mailing Christmas cards to family and friends,” said Ms. Viehweger. “The focus should be on helping seniors to be as helpful as possible in order to keep them from dwelling on the past.”

In addition, a senior may loathe the holidays because they have outlived their entire family.  The holidays may remind them of all they have lost.

Every senior, or those who care for them, should remember:  Stay busy.  Reach out to others as a volunteer rather than focusing on yourself.  Attitude plays a big part in coping with holiday struggles. Be positive and upbeat, because a good attitude is contagious!

Don’t forget that seniors love children as well as animals, so the family should not hesitate to bring these “day brighteners” along when visiting, but check with the facility regarding their individual guidelines before doing so.

Finally, it’s as simple as one, two, three – to help prevent seasonal depression in seniors, or with the chronically ill, don’t forget:

Dr. Hulon Crayton and the staff of the Arthritis & Infusion Center wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

How to Shake the Winter Blahs

About the time we have to set our clocks back, and the days begin to grow darker – quicker – many people tend to slide into a condition commonly referred to as “Seasonal Depression”.  Don’t give in to the “blues” … get up and take some very positive steps towards the sun … literally!  We are so fortunate to live in Florida where the sunny days outnumber the cloudy ones.  When things are dreary, immediately turn on the lights, go for more walks on the beach when the sun is out, or if your condition is really severe, you can invest in a Light Box, which is said to boost serotonin levels.  Regardless, get access to good light within an hour or two of waking. 

Some doctors feel a diet rich in figs (Vitamin B6), Swiss Chard (Magnesium), and dried, dark cherries (Melatonin) will also help this condition.  You might also consider having your levels of Vitamin D measured.  Setting regular times to sleep, and getting up at the same time each morning, will also help.  (If you have a hard time getting to sleep, a one (1) mg tablet of melatonin can be purchased across the counter.) 

 

It may also help to insert bright colors into your wardrobe, followed by trying to keep a “sunny” attitude!  Consider keeping a journal on the days when you feel “down”, recording your emotions within its pages.  It’s just like free therapy, because once you begin to focus on the good things in your life, you find that behind every cloud there really is a silver lining!  If you do all of the above and depression and/or anxiety persists, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your physician.  Dr. Crayton and his staff at The Arthritis and Infusion Center welcome any questions you might have about your health. We’ll address those topics in future blogs, e-newsletters, or our print edition of the practice newsletter.  Remember:  Pain is not normal.  Let us help!