Since Congress designated it in 1990, the first week of October has been associated with Mental Health Awareness Week. For seniors and the elderly, October 2-8 means it’s time to consider your mental health and learn about handling depression while enjoying good mental health.
This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “What I Wish I Had Known.” The goal of the theme and week is to focus on the power of lived experience.
During the workdays of the week, take some time to think about or talk about things that could have helped you sooner if you struggle with mental health.
The list of days and topics includes:
—Monday, October 3, is “Stigma”
—Tuesday, October 4, is “Medication” (National Day of Prayer for mental illness recovery and understanding
—Wednesday, October 5, is “Therapy”
—Thursday, October 6, is “Disclosing” (National Depression Screening Day)
—Friday, October 7, is “Caregiving”
How to Cope With Stress in a Healthy Way
Coping with stress can be a healthy experience for you and doesn’t have to lead to mental health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes coping with stress as starting with taking care of your body.
Engaging in consistent physical activity and getting good sleep and eating well are how the CDC outlines taking care of your body. Here are the CDC’s tips:
—Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
—Eat healthy meals. This includes an emphasis on eating foods high in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on your intake of sodium, processed foods, and sugary food and drinks.
—Be physically active. Studies have shown a link between physical activity and reduced anxiety, as well as improved sleep and better brain function. Long-term physical activity also shows improvements in lowering anxiety, better sleep, and better brain functions.
—Get plenty of sleep. To sleep better, go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time in the morning. Have a quiet, dark, relaxing room at a comfortable temperature to sleep in. Don’t have electronic devices in your room. Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed. Exercise during the day.
—Avoid alcohol, or at a minimum drink in moderation. This means two drinks or less per day for men and one drink or less per day for women.
—Avoid misusing prescription opioids and mixing them with other drugs or opioids.
—Don’t use tobacco products.
The CDC’s Other Tips
In addition to getting exercise, good sleep and eating healthy foods, the CDC says for good mental health you should:
—Make time to unwind. This involves doing activities you enjoy.
—Connect with others. Make time to talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you’re feeling.
—Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
—Turn off and tune out the news. Don’t watch the news if it stresses you out or makes you angry! As an alternative, spend time with friends or loved ones, play games, or exercise.
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Auburn Hill Senior Living are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Auburn Hill Senior Living, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a tour or download a brochure today!