Seasonal depression is a common mood disorder that affects many older people. Although the symptoms may be similar to other forms of depression, seasonal depression has characteristic patterns and triggers. Seasonal depression occurs during a specific time of year and resolves when spring arrives. In addition to affecting mood, this type of depression can significantly impact daily functioning (such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating) throughout the winter months.
The symptoms of seasonal depression include feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless; having trouble concentrating; losing interest in activities that you normally enjoy; overeating or not eating enough; oversleeping or insomnia; gaining weight without changing your diet; increased irritability and anxiety; social withdrawal; and more.
In this post, we’ll be going over how seasonal depression affects aging adults in a memory care home in Tampa, FL, and what you can do to help manage it. We’ll also talk about the different treatment types available so you can start your recovery journey!
Keep a Journal of Your Daily Experiences
Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to manage seasonal depression. You can write about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This will help you feel more connected with yourself and others around you.
In addition to writing down what happened during each day, it’s also crucial that you write down your goals for each day. This will help keep track of what needs to get done so that nothing slips through the cracks!
You could even create separate journals for different types of activities, such as dreams (what they were), problems (how they made me feel), and goals (what I want).
Explore the Outdoors
If you live in a place where the weather is nice, try exploring the outdoors. The fresh air and sunshine can be a great way to lift your mood and help you get out of your funk.
If you don’t like spending time outside, try doing something new instead! Try a different activity or attend an event that will give you new experiences different from what you’re used to doing every day at home (which can sometimes feel monotonous). If there’s somewhere in town that’s been on your bucket list for ages but has yet to be able to make it into reality, do it now! You never know what fun things might happen when we step out of our comfort zones!
Join a Support Group
Support groups are a great way to get support, find out what others are experiencing, and learn how to cope with the same challenges. You can search online or call your local senior center for help finding a group that fits your needs.
Some people attend support groups on their own. However, having someone who will accompany you when possible is also helpful. They can help provide emotional support and advice on how best to participate in the group’s activities.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to manage your depression. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods and avoiding sugary, processed foods will help keep your energy levels up while also helping to reduce cravings.
Conclusion
Seasonal depression is a natural condition that affects many people. If you or someone you love is suffering from this condition, knowing what steps to take to treat this condition is essential. We hope our tips have helped you better understand seasonal depression and how it affects aging adults in memory care homes.
