How Family Caregivers Can Beat the Holiday Blues
by Tabitha Grace Smith
For many the holidays are the most magical time of the year, for others they only bring the blues. “Stress and sadness often walk hand in hand, especially during the winter holidays,” said Carol Edelstein, vice president for Program Development at Sunrise. “Family caregivers already ‘doing it all’ want to do more during the holidays. Seniors who are starting to rely more on their adult children often do not want to become burdens. This is a recipe for stress, which to make matters worse, people suppress and refuse to discuss.”
So how can family caregivers beat those holiday blues? Here are some suggestions to help you keep your emotions up even when the temperature goes down.
Keep active. Colder weather keeps people less active, which can lead to depression. Bundle up and go for a short walk, or keep busy indoors with a craft or project. You can also play brain games such as crossword puzzles and Suduko.
Eat for Energy. Watch out for those heavy or carb-loaded foods that make you tired. Also, alcohol is a depressant and should be drunk with moderation or not at all. Speak with your doctor about medications that might cause anxiety and ask for solutions. Keep high-energy snacks like nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Turn on Some Lights. Seasonal affective disorder is a major (serious) form of depression that occurs at the same time each year. Surveys estimate that 4 to 6 percent of the general population experience SAD. Research now shows that light therapy, or exposure to light, is an effective treatment for winter depression. Turn on lights when dusk approaches, or put new lights in a darker room.
Talk with Friends & Family. If you’re feeling down, find someone to talk to and don’t view depression as taboo subject. Many people experience it at some point and often talking about it with others can help. Someone specially trained to help those with depression can also be an asset.
More Resources
Eating for Energy: How to Manage Your Mood with Food
Resources from AGIS.com
Depression: Don’t Let the Blues Hang Around
Filed under: Caregiving, Health & Safety, Holidays
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