As we approach the holiday season, many seniors may experience stress and anxiety related to the pressures of the holidays. From family gatherings to financial obligations, the holidays can bring up many emotions and concerns. With the pandemic, these stresses may be exacerbated, leading many seniors to feel overwhelmed, isolated, and physically sick. However, there is a solution that can help seniors better navigate their holiday stress: virtual therapy.
Understanding Holiday Stress
For many seniors, the holidays can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. The pressure to plan family gatherings, purchase gifts, and navigate crowded shopping centers can be difficult, especially for those with health issues or limited mobility. Beyond these obvious stressors, countless other stressors can pile up over the festive period. Here are a few stressors that seniors may experience during the holiday season:
Financial Stress
The holiday season is a time of year when money seems to flow more freely than usual—before, it is all over, seniors, and others alike, have spent significant amounts. The cost of gifts, travel, and entertainment adds up quickly and can be overwhelming for seniors who are living on a fixed income.
Family Stress
This season can bring families together, but the stress of entertaining guests and having family members in your home for extended periods of time can also be overwhelming. People’s different personalities, personal choices, or other life differences can add to holiday stress among seniors.
Medical Stress
Seniors who are dealing with health issues may feel added stress during the holiday season. Keeping up with regular medications, doctor’s appointments, and therapies can be challenging when you have a lot of other obligations to fulfill.
Gift-Giving Stress
Choosing the perfect gift becomes a real struggle for seniors during the holiday season. Keep in mind that the holidays aren’t about material things but about enjoying the company of your loved ones. You can opt for practical and useful gifts that your family and friends will appreciate like gifts that help them with their daily tasks. That will be a welcome change from the usual holiday stressors.
Overeating and Drinking
The holiday season is typically associated with overindulgence. Eating excessive amounts of food and drinking too much alcohol can negatively impact your health and leave you feeling worse than ever.
How to Get Started with Virtual Therapy
Virtual therapy, also known as teletherapy, is a form of mental health assistance that is provided through electronic means. The communication channels can be video, phone calls, or online chats. For seniors, who may be homebound or have mobility issues, virtual therapy is an excellent option since it removes travel expenses and other logistical barriers. The primary goal of virtual therapy is to provide counseling and mental health assistance to seniors by leveraging technology, especially since the pandemic happened.
Virtual therapy works much like in-person therapy sessions. The only difference is the mode of communication. A therapist may use video calls, phone calls, or texts to communicate with the senior. As with in-person sessions, virtual therapy sessions may be scheduled for a specific time and date, and seniors can choose the frequency of sessions based on their needs. Regardless of the mode of communication, virtual therapy offers the same level of privacy and confidentiality as in-person sessions.
Getting Started
Getting started with virtual therapy is easy. The first step is to identify a reputable virtual therapy service provider. Many online platforms offer virtual therapy services, such as Total Life. Once you’ve found a provider, you’ll need to register and create an account. During the registration process, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and your therapy requirements. This information will help the provider match you with the right therapist.
The Benefits of Connecting with a Professional Therapist in the Comfort of Your Home
Convenient Access to Professional Care
Seniors who are unable to leave their homes for therapy sessions now have the opportunity to receive needed care and support without leaving home. Virtual therapy connects seniors to a licensed mental health professional who can help them navigate their stress levels with compassion. Seniors benefit from the convenience of not having to travel to a therapy office physically, saving them time and energy.
Ideal Alternative to In-Person Sessions
The pandemic has forced everyone to find new and creative ways of doing things, including accessing medical and health services. Virtual therapy is considered a safer alternative for seniors than attending an in-person session, reducing the risk of complications from COVID-19. Seniors who prefer to avoid crowds or are immunocompromised now have the ability to receive the support they need without having to worry about the risks.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Virtual therapy utilizes the same techniques and tools as a face-to-face session, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness practices. In virtual therapy sessions, seniors work with a professional to develop personalized coping strategies that suit their needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s learning deep breathing techniques to lower stress and anxiety or developing communication skills for better family relationships, the exercises and tools are tailored specifically to each senior’s situation.
Convenience
The benefits of virtual therapy for seniors are manifold. Firstly, virtual therapy provides seniors with the convenience of being able to participate in therapy sessions from the comfort of their own home. This takes away the stress of transportation, parking, and mobility concerns, and allows seniors to access mental health support without leaving their safe environment.
Safety
Moreover, virtual therapy removes the need for seniors to risk their health by visiting a therapist’s office. This is particularly important during the pandemic when seniors are at a higher risk of developing serious complications if they contract the virus. Virtual therapy sessions also ensure that seniors can continue to access mental healthcare even during periods of lockdown or quarantine.
Reduced Stigma
Virtual therapy can also represent a significant reduction in stigma for seniors who would prefer to receive therapy sessions in private. Many seniors may feel uncomfortable meeting a therapist in person and may worry about what other people might think. Virtual therapy helps to remove this stigma and provides an added level of privacy for seniors who prefer it.
Coping Strategies for Holiday Stress
It’s normal to experience some level of stress during the holidays, but the key is to be proactive and develop effective coping strategies.
Plan Ahead
Seniors can avoid holiday stress by making plans ahead of time. There are several benefits to preparing for the holidays early; it helps reduce the last-minute shopping rush, avoid crowds, and ensure everything is completed on time. The early preparations should involve setting a budget, selecting the best gifts, and making a list of necessary items to purchase. Additionally, seniors can utilize online shopping platforms to reduce the amount of time spent in crowded shopping centers. Planning is an effective way to reduce anxiety and enjoy the holiday season.
Rewire Your Thoughts
Many seniors become anxious or stressed during the holiday season due to questions about family politics, lost loved ones or changes in family dynamics. These thoughts could be detrimental if left unchecked. To cope with negative thoughts, seniors could try a technique called cognitive restructuring. This form of practice involves shifting focus from negative thoughts to positive thoughts. Seniors could choose to engage in meditation, mindfulness, or other relaxing activities that promote calmness and happiness. It would help seniors maintain positive expectations for the holiday season rather than worrying about the unknown.
Participate in Activities you Enjoy
The holidays are an ideal time to participate in hobbies and activities that bring enjoyment. Seniors should consider taking part in events, games, and festive activities that promote social interactions and exercise. Participating in activities that increase physical activity could lead to increased levels of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. Activities that could be beneficial include baking, singing carols, dancing, or attending holiday events.
Stay Connected
Seniors should try to stay connected with friends and loved ones. During the holidays, reaching out to friends, emailing or texting could make all the difference. Seniors who live away from family and loved ones could embrace technology to stay in touch with loved ones. For example, seniors can use video calls to communicate with loved ones or to see grandchildren open gifts. Staying connected helps reduce feelings of loneliness, which could exacerbate the effects of stress and anxiety.
Practice Self-Care
Finally, self-care is vital for seniors during the holidays. It’s essential to ensure they have strategies that help manage stress and promote happiness. Seniors could try techniques, such as deep breathing, stretching, and getting sufficient rest. If they need support, seniors could work with their healthcare providers or other care teams to develop a comprehensive self-care plan.
Conclusion
The holiday season can be a difficult time for seniors, especially with the added stress of the pandemic. However, it’s essential to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed. Virtual therapy provides a convenient and accessible option for seniors to receive professional help in managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Total Life can provide a safe and secure platform for seniors to connect with licensed therapists who specialize in working with older adults. By following the tips mentioned above and taking advantage of virtual therapy with Total Life, seniors can navigate the holiday season with a sense of peace and resilience.
So, don’t hesitate to reach out and take care of your well-being this holiday season. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Total Life and its team of compassionate therapists are here to support and guide you every step of the way. Take that first step towards a happier and healthier holiday season by exploring virtual therapy options with Total Life today!
