October 15, 2018

Memorial Health System Senior Life Solutions Program Provides Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues

Abilene, Kansas – The winter season is upon us, which for many means holiday celebrations filled with family, friends.  This builds anticipation for those good times; however, for others this time of year can be a reminder of lost loved ones, lack of access to family traditions, or other changes that may bring about stress and anxiety.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, many people can experience feelings of anxiety or depression during the holiday season, and people who already live with a mental health condition should take extra care to tend to their overall health and wellness. A recent survey showed that 64% of people with a diagnosed mental illness report that the holidays make their symptoms worse.

Memorial Health System Senior Life Solutions program is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults over the age of 65 struggling with depression and anxiety often related to aging.  They focus on helping seniors in the community navigate difficult life transitions and regain their quality of life not just during the holiday season, but year-round.

Jandi Wells, Program Director said, “As the temperatures change so can our moods. It’s important we educate our patients and our loved ones on what we can do to counteract those symptoms. Having depression or anxiety can lead to other health related issues. We should be as proactive as possible and there are simple things we can all do to ward off the winter blues.

Below is a list of suggestions that may help counteract the holiday blues:

  • Get enough sleep or rest
  • Spend time with supportive people
  • Don’t drink alcohol if you are feeling down
  • Take walks
  • Don’t isolate yourself
  • Forget perfection
  • It’s okay to say no
  • Stay within budget
  • Set reasonable expectations
  • Do something you enjoy
  • Enjoy all the wonderful food, but don’t binge
  • Invite someone who lives alone to dinner
  • Volunteer
  • Celebrate a loved one’s life by sharing positive memories
  • Forgive yourself, we all make mistakes

For some, the holidays can bring on temporary depression, and for others it may be chronic. If you, or someone you know is struggling with depression or a difficult life transition, contact our Hospital Senior Life Solutions program at (785)263-6805.

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ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) operates inpatient and outpatient programs located in rural communities across the country.  Founder and Chief Medical Officer, James A. Greene, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, was born and raised in a rural community, which today hosts a rural hospital.  He developed PMC with the sole mission to improve the quality of life of older adults living in rural communities.  PMC, which operates the Senior Life

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