Depression & Meeting Others Your Own Age

Question: The holidays have left me in a bit of depression. It is not a good way to start the year. What are some things I can do to get past this feeling?

The holidays often leave us feeling either overwhelmed or underwhelmed. Focus on a plan to engage in activities like an old hobby, reconnecting with friends and family, or an exercise program. Getting the structure back into your life routine might help you to shift your focus and get excited for the new year. Set realistic goals for yourself and acknowledge any grief that you have. Try to shift your negative focus and mindset.

Consider scheduling things to look forward to, like weekend trips, lunch with friends or volunteering in your community. Giving time to others creates positive endorphins which are critical to maintaining good mental health. Volunteering or helping those less fortunate is a wonderful way to feel a greater sense of purpose. Depression often starts when we isolate ourselves.

Begin a tradition with people in your neighborhood or community who might be in a similar position. Start a singles group that meets monthly and create fun activities that you can do together. This will build a network of people who will expand your social circle and become your new friends. You will all be able to share your thoughts and feelings with each other and this will help everyone to manage their stress and sadness.

Try to maintain your routine. Stick to regular meals, exercise and sleep schedules to provide a sense of normalcy. After the holidays, it is very important to re-establish a regular sleep schedule and get back to your regular mealtimes. Lack of sleep can worsen irritability and your ability to cope with stress.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption that causes depression and focus on filling your diet with healthy foods that energize your mind and body. We only have one body, so taking care of it is critically important so as not to end up battling a disease later in life. A diet that is high in sugar and carbohydrates can negatively impact mood, so focus on a balanced meal to make you feel better.

Engage in activities that relax and energize you, such as listening to music, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness. Set goals you can achieve and avoid building up unrealistic expectations for a perfect new year. Make sure to prioritize your daylight time. Spending time outdoors during the day, especially during winter months, will help to improve your mood in a positive way. Spend time in nature or work in your garden.

Acknowledge your feelings. It’s normal to feel sadness or grief, especially if you have experienced loss. Allow yourself to feel these emotions. It is alright to not feel happy, and you are not alone in this way. Don’t suppress your emotions with medication or alcohol as this can worsen your anxiety and depression.

Seeking professional help by talking to someone is also helpful. If you are struggling, reach out to a mental health professional for support. Many individuals feel drained and empty after the holidays, and it is important to share those feelings so you can be validated.

The holiday seasons of the past are not necessarily the holiday seasons we have now. Families grow up/move away and loved ones pass on. By practicing self-care and getting back to the balance of your routine, hopefully you will be able to kick-start your drive to start enjoying life again. Try to stay positive and thankful for what you have and don’t focus on what you have lost. Reaching out for social connection and support will help build new friendships and allow for you to share your feelings.

Many people are feeling the same way you are. You are not alone. Enhance your new year with a new circle of friends, new adventures and a wonderful new start. Seeking professional help will aid in validating your feelings and let you move on so that you can enjoy the new year.

Question: I am a senior and I moved to Visalia recently to be closer to my children. I am a very sociable person and love to participate in fun activities. Where can I go in Visalia to meet people my own age?

Welcome to Visalia. We have a very friendly, vibrant senior community here. I know how difficult it can be to get adjusted to new places and meet new people. I would recommend that you first meet your neighbors and get acquainted with your new neighborhood.

Next, I would suggest checking out the Visalia Senior Center, located at 310 N. Locust St. in Visalia. It has a lot of activities that I think you will enjoy.

According to their website they offer pinochle, table tennis, cycling, chair volleyball, contract bridge, bingo, crochet, knitting, needlepoint, bunco, garden club and board games. There are so many activities to interest you and even more importantly, you will meet new friends. They also serve lunches there that you need to order ahead of time.

The Visalia Senior Center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can contact them at (559) 713-4381.

Being social is the most important thing you can do for your health and wellbeing. It gives you a sense of purpose, enables you to share your thoughts and feelings, and helps you to learn more about yourself and others. I congratulate you on your willingness to reach out and embrace your new community and enjoy life to its fullest.

Kimberly Jensen has been working with Quail Park as a Senior Resource Advocate for over ten years and has helped hundreds of families find solutions to their senior problems. If you have a question, you can send it to her at KimberlyJ@QPCypress.com or call (559) 737-7443.