Coping Mechanisms for Depression in Seniors: Finding Balance and Support
According to the WHO, as many as 14% of seniors suffer from mental health issues, and the number one culprit is depression and anxiety.
Despite having lived a long and satisfying life, even those in their twilight years might find themselves down in the dumps for longer than normal. Declining health and frequent loss of friends remind one of their mortality constantly, making it a challenging time, to say the least. How does one pull oneself out of a rut and live the happiest life possible?
Depression in older adults can be mitigated with coping mechanisms for depression. Today, we take a look at a few things seniors can try to maintain a healthy balance with their senior mental health in Morgan Hill, CA -- and find support should they need it.
Coping Mechanisms for Seniors
As mentioned, the key is to find a healthy balance. Seniors must take a proactive approach to restructure their lives for mental wellness with coping mechanisms for depression. Let's take a look at some healthy routines for seniors that could help promote that balance.
Social Activities
Now more than ever, there is an epidemic of elderly loneliness that plagues most people who've hit retirement age. Fortunately, loneliness has a pretty straightforward cure: spending time with people. Social activities of just about any kind go a long way to make one feel a sense of belonging and community.
Indeed, even the CDC recommends socializing for mental health. Having conversations with friends, playing games, and spending time among people promotes emotional wellness in aging, too.
This is the benefit of senior living in Morgan Hill, CA. There's a packed activity calendar that includes everything from live music to bingo night. Seniors can find emotional support there, in addition to friendship and excitement.
Mindfulness Activities
New Age techniques like mindfulness and meditation have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. People attest that daily meditation sessions and a mindfulness mindset have changed their lives for the better. Evidence is behind that assertion, with studies showing that meditation and mindfulness practices improve both physical and mental health.
How a senior goes about this depends on which practices they find most effective. For example, some may discover that a simple daily walk in nature does the trick. With a beautiful courtyard and raised gardens of Senior Living in Morgan Hill, CA, it's easy to get out into nature and breathe clean air.
Others will naturally benefit from that daily 10-minute meditation practice. Find a quiet area where you can sit, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Clear your mind, observe your senses, and see if you don't notice a difference.
Focusing on the Positive Things
Perhaps the biggest difficulty with depression is how one naturally gravitates towards the negative aspects of life. We find ourselves doom-scrolling through social media or watching the news too often. Of course, this exacerbates mental health, and reversing that trend can make a huge difference.
Seniors can make a big change by cutting negative influences out of their lives, be that social media, news channels, or Negative Nancys. They can also curate the media they consume. Try to listen to happy music, read books with happy endings, and look at the bright side of things.
Achieving this generalized focus on the positive can take the form of little habits here or there. For example, many people notice a big change in their lives when they try to be more grateful. Each night, write down three things that you're grateful for and see if that doesn't change your general outlook on life.
Seek Help if Necessary
At the end of the day, there are some things you can't do alone. Another huge issue with depression is that people unintentionally start to think it's best if they don't share their problems with others. Venting out to others helps you carry the burden and may even strengthen your relationships with those you care for.
Be Open with Friends
It's a common assumption by those with depression to think of themselves as a burden whenever they share their true feelings. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our friends and family often want to know what we're dealing with, especially when they can see the external signs of it.
So, adopting a more open approach in conversations with those you are close to can go a long way. It doesn't mean you have to divulge everything, just interject a bit of honesty here or there. It feels good to talk about your problems, and your friends may also have solutions and support to offer.
This doesn't mean you have to tell them everything. Share what you're most comfortable with. If someone is a good listener, then they may be willing to dig deeper into an issue with you.
Speak to a Professional
Seniors come from a generation that heavily stigmatized mental health issues. As a result, they may cling heavily to the idea that seeing a "shrink" is humiliating. It's not, and recognizing that is the first step toward real change.
Professional psychology is a robust field based on decades of evidence. Psychologists know how to unpack a person's challenges and prescribe real solutions. Even just a handful of talk therapy sessions can change someone's world for the better.
Then, of course, there's the topic of medication like antidepressants. It takes a lot of courage and humility to accept that one may need help of the medicinal variety. Overcoming that reticence to medication, however, may be what really makes the difference for some seniors.
Finding a Friendly Community at Morgan Hill
Coping mechanisms for depression include socializing, getting outside, and trying new mindfulness techniques. Regardless of what a senior tries, they should be willing to open up about their problems to trusted confidants. And if push comes to shove, there's no shame in talking to a professional.
Loma Clara in Morgan Hill, CA, has everything a senior needs to tackle emotional challenges. Our beautiful outdoor amenities make for a great area to walk, and our senior activity calendar gives one no time to mull over thoughts. See what others are saying about us, and then contact us to schedule a tour.