Vitalia Senior Residences at Westlake Prepares for Possible Holiday Blues

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 not being able to be around or see family or close family members that have passed away. Signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season include difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep, feeling weak or tired, sweating, and trembling.

To help eliminate the holiday blues for our residents we can get them more involved in activities and get them out of their apartments more. We can encourage new and fulfilling traditions by providing social interaction.

Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To combat that it is important that we check on them more often.

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 Senior Residences at Westlake hope some of these ideas will be helpful as the holidays approach.