When thinking of the holiday season, it’s often with thoughts of happiness and joy surrounded by a loving family and friends. Many seniors, unfortunately, do not experience this as a time of happiness. For them the holidays bring feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation.

Some factors that contribute to sadness that seniors may feel:

* Losing a spouse
* Losing close friends as they age
* Separated from family
* Suffering from ill health
* Feel guilty for feeling sad

Dr. Harry Croft, a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in San Antonio TX, also shared strategies he gives to his patients to help them cope with the holiday blues:

* Don’t isolate
* Invite close friends
* Volunteer - Helping others is a great way to forget your own troubles
* Avoid alcohol
* Watch your finances
* Set a budget for gift giving and stick to it
* Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness
* Take time to relive the fun and friendship

These same coping strategies can be useful for seniors suffering from clinical “major” depression as well.

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.