Sunday, December 25, 2016

Aging Parents. Holiday Depression. When Chanukah and Christmas Share the Same Day


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At a joyous time for so many who are young(er) and an emotional time for so many who are old(er) and have suffered loss, one wonders whether having the first day of Chanukah begin on the exact same day as Christmas compounds the number of lonely, sad, depressed people in the world. 

Countless articles and studies about holidays bringing on depression are available. Advice for sufferers and information about available support exist in abundance. Googling "holiday depression" produces 1,220,000 results. Even here, on this blog since its inception, holiday ideas for helping elders feel supported, cared about and loved exist. 

What do we know and what can we do to reduce holiday loneliness in those we care about? Speaking personally--which I try to avoid--is my onIy option. I know from my counseling training that I can't be objective when my husband died just over 6 months ago. That's the reason for the larger gap of time between my last post and this. I simply couldn't figure out how to write on the subject again. With a different perspective I've reread my prior posts and can comment. (Click links below and check out ideas.) 

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