Dear Annie: The holidays are often a time of heightened emotions, anticipation, and anxiety. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of people felt increased levels of stress during this season.
Because of the shorter, darker days right now, United Disabilities Services (UDS) has found through research that older adults or people who are withdrawn may have higher rates of the winter blues. To help, UDS launched Wellness Calls to check in with them during these difficult times, especially during the holidays when no family is around, to keep recipients connected, safe and able to live independently.
UDS suggests the following during the holidays to keep other family members safe:
— Check-in calls: Make sure they are comfortable doing daily activities like taking their medication and eating right. Also assess the mood for safety in the home.
— Conversational Calls: Talk in more detail about family, hobbies, current events, and more to feel connected.
Some ways to combat this are to exercise regularly, not isolate yourself, take time for yourself, and keep your expectations realistic and achievable. — Protection of the vulnerable
Dear Protecting the Vulnerable: Thank you for this information. I hope this helps anyone who has felt lonely during the holidays and winter months.
“How can I forgive my cheating partner?” it’s out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology—featuring popular columns on marriage, infidelity, communication, and reconciliation—is available in paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
Leave a Reply