The American Psychological Association defines Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a type of depression that only lasts for a season. Seasonal Depression is common during winter; afterward, it goes away for the rest of the year.
Common symptoms of SAD among the senior loved ones in Santa Monica vary in severity and tend to interfere with interpersonal relationships between the seniors and their adult children, who act as their caregivers. Common symptoms of SAD are fatigue, sad mood, cravings for more starch and sugars, and sleeplessness.
Below are six steps that caregivers in Los Angeles can take to manage seasonal depression in their elderly parents:
1. Light Therapy.
Caregivers in Pacific Palisades should get a light therapy box for their elderly parents. A light therapy box mimics outdoor light by producing a bright light (10,000 lux). A lightbox is 20 times brighter than an indoor light. Seniors who have a history of Seasonal Depression in the Pacific Palisades should be exposed to this light for about 30 minutes to 45 minutes every day, first thing in the morning. This therapy causes a chemical change in the brain, which uplifts the mood of the senior loved ones and eases other symptoms of SAD.
2. Regular Exercise.
Seniors with SAD in Marina del Rey should be guided by their adult children, who act as their caregivers, in simple exercises. Physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, which increases sleep quality and duration and generally reduces other SAD symptoms.
3. Healthy Diet.
A healthy diet is recommended for loved ones with a history of SAD in Santa Monica. Some healthy options that caregivers can give their elderly parents with a history of SAD are fatty fish and dark green leafy vegetables. Examples of appropriate vegetables for seniors with a history of SAD are turnip greens, spinach, mustard greens, and collard greens. These vegetables decrease the symptoms of SAD among loved ones.
4. Maintaining a Sleep Schedule.
Senior citizens in Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades need a constant sleep routine with the help of their adult children, who play the role of caregivers. A consistent sleep schedule reduces the risk of sleeplessness among loved ones with a history of SAD.
5. Talk Therapy.
Caregivers in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey should engage their elder parents with a history of SAD in talks from time to time. Talk therapies help in the reduction of the feeling of isolation among seniors. The loved ones are able to express their emotions and their difficulties.
6. Fun Hobbies.
Caregivers should engage their loved ones in hobbies and indoor activities that would make them active. Examples of activities that seniors can engage in are knitting and reading books.
In Need of a Senior Helper?
Caregivers living in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, and Marina del Rey need a senior helper to help their elderly parents who have a history of Seasonal Affective Disorder. The Senior Helpers of Santa Monica offer a comprehensive suite of programs and services tailored to match your loved one's needs. Contact us today for more information.