Many people enjoy winter, with its family gatherings, holidays and festive decorations. Others, however, find it difficult to maintain good spirits this time of year. Daylight and circadian rhythm shifts may cause seasonal affective disorder. All the get-togethers and rituals can deepen grief for those who have lost loved ones. It’s common this time of year to feel isolated, lonely, anxious or down, especially for those already dealing with depression.
Make this season a bit easier for those who may find it a burden. Here are some ways you can help those around you feel better:
Reach out to friends and loved ones. Arrange a lunch. Make a call. Send a card. If you’re already having a gathering, invite the friend who is feeling down to come. Everyone is busy, but an hour or two of connecting with friends and loved ones is well worth your time — and good for your health as well as theirs.
Find occasions for celebration. If the holidays have not been good to your friends or family members this year, create a tradition or two of your own, perhaps a January barbeque cookoff or monthly friend dinner. If you are stuck on ideas, notice that this month includes days celebrating chocolate cake, popcorn and croissants. Get your creative ideas flowing.
Encourage those who are feeling down to join you in community service if they’re receptive to it. According to the Mayo Clinic, both depression and anxiety, particularly for those 65 years old and older, can be lessened through volunteer work. You could make an occasion of it on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, now a Congress-designated national day of service
Consider how you talk about mental health. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that more than 50% of those with mental health disorders do not seek care. Receiving that care can improve stress levels, physical wellbeing and relationships. It can even prevent chronic illnesses from developing. Just talking about mental health without stigmatizing it can help a loved one do what’s needed to live a fuller, happier, healthier life.
Share resources with those who are seeking them, such as the following:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (namiindiana.org): Support groups and other resources.
The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org): Support and mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/index.asp): Mental health resources for veterans.
To begin mental health care, contact your primary care doctor for advice or call the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center access line (317-880-8491) to make an appointment. If you or a loved one needs urgent help for mental health, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (just dial those three digits) or the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center crisis line at 317-880-8485 for assistance.
Broderick Rhyant, M.D., chief physician executive with Eskenazi Health Center Grande
