Being a senior during the holiday season can come with its own set of challenges, especially for those who may be struggling with emotional or mental health issues. The stress of the season can exacerbate existing conditions or develop new ones. But there is good news! With technological advancements in recent years, online therapy has become a viable option for seniors seeking support and guidance.
Understanding Emotional Resilience
Emotional resilience is coping with and adapting to negative experiences, such as loss, illness, and major life changes. It doesn’t mean suppressing difficult emotions but finding healthy ways to manage them. Resilient individuals can find meaning and growth from adversity rather than being defeated by it. They have a sense of inner strength that helps them overcome obstacles and maintain a positive outlook.
Importance of Emotional Resilience
We’re more likely to experience emotional stress and upheaval as we age. Age-related decline, including physical health, cognitive function, and social isolation, can all contribute to emotional stress. Over time, stress can affect our physical and mental health. With emotional resilience, seniors can mitigate the negative impact of stress and maintain good mental health. Resilient seniors are also more likely to seek help when needed, which leads to better outcomes.
The Challenges of the Holiday Season for Those Struggling with Mental Health
For many of us, the holiday season is a difficult time. It’s easy to get swept away as people shop, cook, and decorate. The holidays are a particularly hard time for people with mental illness. Here are some of the challenges that seniors may face during this season:
Dealing with Loneliness
One of the greatest challenges seniors face during the holidays is loneliness. The season amplifies feelings of isolation, particularly for those who have lost loved ones or cannot be with family or friends. This sense of loneliness can trigger or worsen existing mental health conditions such as depression. Therapy can provide a safe space to process emotions and work through feelings of isolation.
Financial Pressures
The holidays add additional financial pressures, such as buying gifts, hosting gatherings, traveling, and decorating. Financial stress is a common issue, contributing to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Seniors may experience this pressure more acutely, particularly those on a fixed income. It’s essential to manage expenses wisely and create a budget that aligns with priorities; this way, seniors can enjoy the holiday season without the fear of added debt burden.
Managing Family Dynamics
The holidays can also bring up family conflicts that create stress and anxiety in seniors. Many seniors navigate difficult relationships with family members or deal with the challenges of blended or broken families. We recommend being honest and setting boundaries when interacting with family members. Seek out supportive therapy or counseling to prepare for anticipated events or work through relationship challenges, and always remember to prioritize your well-being first.
Coping with Memories
For some seniors, the holiday season is a painful reminder of past traumas, losses, or difficult life events. Memories can be triggered unexpectedly, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or panic attacks. It’s important to acknowledge and process these memories, seeking professional help if needed.
How Seniors Can Build Emotional Resilience
Practice self-care: taking good care of yourself is foundational to building emotional resilience. Eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and prioritizing sleep can boost mental and physical health.
Seek support: having a network of supportive friends and family members can help to build emotional resilience. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with trusted community members and accept help.
Try new things: challenging yourself with new activities like dancing, learning a new language, or taking up a new hobby can help you build emotional resilience by strengthening your ability to handle uncertainty.
Develop a positive attitude: cultivating a positive attitude towards challenging situations can help you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t.
Consider therapy: many seniors find therapy helpful in building emotional resilience. It’s a space to discuss your struggles with an objective third party.
How Online Therapy Can Help with Emotional Resilience
Provides Anonymity
Online therapy also offers privacy and anonymity to seniors. Not all seniors may want to disclose their problems to people they know. With online therapy, you can talk to a therapist without worrying about anyone else hearing your conversations. This anonymity provides a more comfortable and safe space for seniors to express themselves freely and openly.
Increases Emotional Awareness
Online therapy can also help seniors build emotional awareness, which is recognizing, understanding, and managing their emotions effectively. Therapists can help identify emotional triggers and give seniors techniques to cope with overwhelming emotions. This awareness can enhance seniors’ emotional resilience and support them in developing skills to manage their emotions better.
Support system
Online therapy offers seniors ongoing support, which benefits individuals who may feel isolated or have few social connections. A therapist can act as a support system for seniors and help them navigate life challenges. Additionally, most online therapy services offer group sessions where seniors can connect with like-minded individuals and receive emotional support.
Builds Stronger Relationships
Online therapy helps seniors engage in their social life and build stronger relationships. A therapist helps seniors navigate their mental health issues and gives tips on socializing to reduce the feeling of isolation or exclusion from society. These interactions help seniors connect with others, stay mentally alert, and engage in their social lives.
Customization and Comfort
Online therapy allows seniors to tailor their session schedule, method of communication, and preferred therapist. The senior citizens can communicate their expectations with their therapists, and treatment plans can be reached that cater to their needs. The personalized approach brings comfort and a sense of ease, creating a conducive environment for emotional growth and resilience.
Setting Healthy Boundaries While Maintaining Connections With Loved Ones
Remembering the importance of setting healthy boundaries with our loved ones is essential. While spending time with family and friends can bring joy and comfort, it can also increase stress and emotional triggers. Follow this guide to maintain healthy boundaries while staying connected with loved ones during the holiday.
Start With Self-Care
The first and foremost thing to remember is how important self-care is, particularly as we age. When we’re entirely dedicated to others’ needs without addressing our own, we become exhausted and vulnerable to physical and mental illnesses. Ensure you have a robust self-care routine; this could be as simple as walking in nature, reading a good book, or practicing meditation. It becomes easier to set healthy boundaries once you prioritize self-care and focus on your needs.
Communicate Clearly
Boundaries are a natural part of any relationship but require clear communication to work effectively. It can be challenging to have these conversations, but honesty is always the best policy. Speak up for yourself politely and confidently when necessary. Your loved ones may not know that a particular behavior is causing you distress unless you tell them. You could say, “When you raise your voice, it makes me uncomfortable,” rather than keeping silent or withdrawing from the conversation.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”
Saying “no” comes with a feeling of guilt and discomfort, and as a result, many people avoid it altogether. However, saying “no” is a necessary part of setting boundaries. It’s a healthy way of saying that something doesn’t work for you without having to give reasons. Practice saying “no” politely but firmly when necessary while keeping in mind that being selective with what you agree to take on can help avoid overcommitting.
Set Limits and Boundaries
Setting limits and boundaries can be challenging, but putting your needs first is important. Let go of guilt and be honest about what is and isn’t okay. Examples of setting limits could be telling someone you’re only available during certain times or prefer not to discuss certain topics. Clear boundaries can protect you from feeling drained or resentful of others, leading to healthier communication and relationships.
Seek Support
Lastly, when it comes to setting boundaries, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from a professional, such as a therapist or a qualified care coordinator. Finding someone who can help you navigate difficult relationships, set clear boundaries, and make healthy choices that benefit your overall wellbeing can be invaluable. It’s okay to seek support when you need it.
How Can Total Life Help Seniors Build Emotional Resilience?
Total Life is committed to helping seniors build emotional resilience through various services and programs. The professional staff is trained in geriatric mental health and can provide counseling and therapy tailored to seniors’ needs.
It’s essential to prioritize mental health during the holiday season, and seeking support through online therapy can help build emotional resilience. Think of it as a comfy armchair where you can rest and rejuvenate before diving back into the chaos. With our experienced therapists, we provide personalized care that can assist you in navigating the ups and downs of the holiday season. Imagine getting top-notch therapy while staying in the comfort of your own home – it’s now possible with online therapy.
Visit them today at Total Life.com or call 1 800 567 5433 and let the magic of Total Life redefine your holiday season. Because your well-being deserves a spotlight.
