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Caring Spirit
Winter 2002
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NEWS for Friends of the Lutheran Home Care Agency
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The holiday season for most of us is a time of happiness, joy, fellowship, and optimistic hopes for the coming new year. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. For some, especially seniors, this time of year can generate many feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation.
There are many factors that contribute to these feelings of sadness that seniors encounter. During the holiday season, we are bombarded and inundated with reminders of the holidays. The multitude of reminders can be a trigger for several unresolved issues such as:
Past losses.
Unresolved grief.
Anticipating a significant loss.
Contrast between then and now.
Disappointment about present situation.
Contrast between image of holiday joy and reality of one's life.
Sense of increased isolation and loneliness.
The holiday season is a busier and more stressful time of year. We generally have more things to contend with, which create extra demands on our time, attention, energy and finances. This in turn can be very stressful and for some create the "holiday blues".
Here are a few recommendations that may help oneself overcome the stress and sadness associated with the "holiday blues":
Do not isolate yourself. If you cannot be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays.
Volunteer your time. Many churches or civic groups would be glad for your help. Helping others is a great way to forget your own troubles.
Try to avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and will intensify those feelings of sadness.
Watch your finances. Most seniors are on a fixed income. Set a budget for gift giving and stick to it. Overspending can cause worry over bills after the holidays are over.
Don't deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness. Very often just being able to share your feelings with someone can help one cope with post holiday letdown. Take time to relive the fun of friendship.
All of us may experience occasional feelings of sadness or "the blues". These emotions are a normal part of life, as is the grief we feel after the loss of a loved one. However, when unhappy feelings become overwhelming and begin to interfere with one's ability to function, this is an indicator of depression. If you suspect that you or a member of your family may be suffering from depression, please seek the assistance of a medical professional such as your family physician.
For more information on depression:
Depression/Awareness, Recognition and Treatment (D/ART)
National Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
800-421-4211
Sources:
Senior Health Newsletter
Dean Foundation for Health, Research and Education
"I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning." Psalm 38:6
Lutheran HOME CARE Agency offers volunteer and employment opportunities for those who desire to be "Christian Caregivers." If you would like more information, please give us a call at 989-652-4663 or e-mail homecare@lhminc.org.
Lutheran HOME
CARE
Agency Christian care for loved ones
SUBSIDIARY 0F LUTHERAN HOMES 0F MICHIGAN, INC.
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