Supporting Mental Health in Seniors After Christmas and New Years
Why Are Mental Health Issues Common During The Holidays
The build-up to Christmas is so intense that it’s understandable why people can feel deflated after the festivities are over. If these feelings aren’t addressed, then it can build and end up causing depression and the potential for other mental health difficulties. The Mental Health Foundation agrees. “The festive season can be a time of joy and spending time with loved ones but it can also be a stressful and lonely period. During this time it is important to try to remember to look after your mental health and wellbeing.” Sometimes, the Christmas get-togethers themselves can cause difficulties, as families getting together can be inflammatory if old issues and irritations arise. This can be difficult for an older person hosting as they may feel caught between two factions of their own family, such as siblings who don’t get along. Because Christmas is promoted as the season of reunions, it can also exacerbate the loneliness for someone who doesn’t have family or friends nearby. Many different circumstances can leave us vulnerable to mental health difficulties and depression around holidays.
How To Help Someone Suffering With Mental Health Issues
If someone you know is struggling with their mental health, then it can sometimes help just to let them know you’re there for them if they want to talk. Or if they’d rather speak to someone they don’t know, you can signpost them to their GP and offer to accompany them to the appointment. “Caring for others is an important part of keeping up relationships with people close to you. It can even bring you closer together and make you feel good!” says the Mental Health Foundation. If the situation is severe and the person is threatening to harm themselves, then you should call 999 or take them to their local A&E department. There are plenty of organisations who are ready to listen if someone just needs to talk too, such as the Samaritans, who can be called free on 116 123, or Shout, who can be contacted by texting SHOUT to 85258.
Keep Up Communication After The Holidays
Mental health after Christmas is just as important as at any other time of the year, but it’s understandable that after the overload of our senses in December, many people struggle to cope as January arrives. However, focusing on something positive as we approach mid-winter can often help.
Visiting And Spending Time Together
Reach out to friends and family and arrange to see them regularly if possible, or if not, look for local groups and clubs that may help you to socialise. The Campaign to End Loneliness agrees. “Have a look in your local newspaper, notice boards or online for a variety of clubs you could join to spend time with like-minded individuals.”
Doing something you love
Distraction can be a great technique for all of us when we are trying to improve our mental health during stressful times. It will help us to reduce our focus on the situation and help to release ‘happy’ endorphins into our brain. Do some exercise, listen to a favourite piece of music or get baking. Whatever it takes to help you feel better.
Asking for help
“It’s hard to admit that at such an exciting time of year you don’t actually feel that great,” says the Mental Health Foundation, “but talking about your feelings can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with the tough times.” Speaking to loved ones or, if you prefer, arranging counselling via your GP may just help you to manage.
Moderating drinking
It can be tempting to have several drinks as it can sometimes blur the feelings of loneliness or stress, but in the long run it can make the situation worse. The Mental Health Foundation advises us to ‘know our limits’ and ask for help if necessary. “Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only ever temporary.”
Helping Seniors Connect
If you or someone else is feeling lonely or isolated, there are many organisations that specialise in helping older people to make social connections. Befriending services, such as those offered by Age UK, can send someone to see you at home or help you to attend local activities. If you or someone you know would like to combat your own loneliness by helping others, you could volunteer to be a befriender. As the NHS says, “Your contribution could be as simple as a weekly telephone call to an isolated older person, or extend to regular home visits for a chat and to help with shopping and so on.” Sometimes, by volunteering or joining a local scheme, you don’t just alleviate your own risk of isolation, you also help others to avoid loneliness, all of which will benefit participants’ mental and physical health.
How Helping Hands Support People With Companionship Care
Helping Hands has supported people in their homes since we were established in 1989 so that they can live as independently as possible. We offer both visiting and live-in care, tailored to each person’s needs, focussing on person-centred support at all times. Because we’ve been doing what we do for so long, we’re one of the UK’s most trusted home care providers, with an enviable record for helping people to live well. One of the ways we support our customers is by providing companionship care, supporting their mental health through talking over a cup of tea, helping you to access your local community and keep in touch with family and friends. As well as all the practical support we can offer you at home, companionship care means you will be emotionally supported too. If you’d like someone to accompany you to important appointments, help you to access activities near your home or just sit and chat over a coffee and piece of cake, companionship care will ensure all your needs are met.
