Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues

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.

Davis County Hospital 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.

Kayla Miller, Program Director said, “the seasonal blues can affect any of our loved ones and it is important to recognize those signs to be there to support those who need it.”

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 the Davis County Hospital Senior Life Solutions program at 641-664-3851.

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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 Solutions outpatient program and Green Oak Behavioral Health inpatient facilities, is one of the largest geriatric mental health management companies within rural hospitals across the United States.

About Davis County Hospital
Davis County Hospital is a 25-bed, critical access hospital located in Bloomfield, Iowa, committed to working together to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care with integrity and trust in Davis county. The knowledgeable DCH providers and team members, work alongside patients to help build better, healthier lives in the areas of primary and emergency care, ancillary services, acute care, as well as specialty services. DCH strives every day to be recognized for exceptional customer service, commitment to safety, and the incomparable care they give to each of their patients. For more information about Davis County Hospital, please visit www.DavisCountyHospital.org.