Winter can be a fun time with the holidays and spending time with family members and friends. However, unfortunately, many people are prone to the winter blues. This is especially true for the elderly. They often experience waves of sadness and this could even lead to them feeling depressed. It is essential to watch out for their emotional state during the winter, as they may not even recognize what they are experiencing. The ways you can help are by recognizing what can lead to their sadness, symptoms of the winter blues, and how you can assist them.
Factors Associated with the Winter Blues
There are many things that might contribute to the winter blues. These things include the following:
Symptoms Associate with the Winter Blues
It is also important to recognize the symptoms of the winter blues in your elderly loved one, as well. Some of the symptoms you should be looking out for include the following:
Ways You Can Help with the Winter Blues
If your elderly loved one does have the winter blues, there are many ways you can help them to cope. Some of the ways you can do this include the following:
The winter blues are quite common. If your elderly loved one has the winter blues, you can help them in many ways. If you recognize the signs of this condition and you think your loved one might be depressed, have them see their doctor right away.
Source
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues
Factors Associated with the Winter Blues
There are many things that might contribute to the winter blues. These things include the following:
- Feeling tired out from the holidays
- Feeling lonely after the holidays
- Stress from financial overspending
- Consequences from eating unhealthy
- Too much time thinking about loved ones who are no longer there
- Long cold and dark days
- Less time out of the house due to bad weather
Symptoms Associate with the Winter Blues
It is also important to recognize the symptoms of the winter blues in your elderly loved one, as well. Some of the symptoms you should be looking out for include the following:
- Increased anxiety and irritability
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Less interest in taking care of themselves or their home
- Not as involved in activities they once enjoyed
- Not as much of an appetite
- Insomnia
- Less energy than usual
- Sleeping or staying in bed more than usual
Ways You Can Help with the Winter Blues
If your elderly loved one does have the winter blues, there are many ways you can help them to cope. Some of the ways you can do this include the following:
- Getting out family pictures
- Getting medical help to treat depression (if it’s present)
- Getting your elderly loved one out of their house for a bit
- Having a get-together after the holidays to combat loneliness
- Bringing more light into their home
- Getting them up and exercising
- Send them cards or flowers to let them know you are thinking of them
- Encourage them to play cards, sudoku, read, or engage in another enjoyable activity
- Encourage them to eat healthier
- FaceTime with them, so they know you are thinking of them and so they don’t get lonely
- Get them to try something new
The winter blues are quite common. If your elderly loved one has the winter blues, you can help them in many ways. If you recognize the signs of this condition and you think your loved one might be depressed, have them see their doctor right away.
Source
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN LINCOLN PARK, IL FOR AN AGING LOVED ONE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.