The Alzheimer's Foundation of America recommends several tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for individuals with dementia. According to Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, Director of Educational and Social Services at the AFA, people with dementia can still participate in holiday activities if encouraged to do so. To achieve this, caregivers are advised to keep things simple by toning down their holiday display and decorating over a series of days to avoid sudden changes to their environment. They should also adapt traditional favorites such as music or movies, and engage in activities like sending cards or baking together. New traditions can be created, such as including the individual with dementia in gift wrapping or going on a Christmas lights outing. A safe and calm space should be designated for them during holiday gatherings, and caregivers should maintain a normal routine when scheduling events. Additionally, safety precautions should be taken to prevent tripping hazards, which are common due to changes in vision or depth perception associated with dementia.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/news/how-to-enjoy-a-dementia-friendly-holiday-season/article_c3111806-0c36-545d-8f55-5f786ab06690.htmlAccording to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety resulted in 18.5 million lost days of work in 2022 across all sectors in the UK. This is a significant concern highlighted by Helen Whately, shadow work and pensions secretary, who urged the government to take action on the growing issue. The data also shows that mental health conditions surpassed minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, flu, sickness, nausea, and diarrhoea, which accounted for 44.3 million lost days of work in 2022.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14238797/Public-sector-workers-likely-mental-health-sick-days-private-sector-employees-ministers-urged-grip.htmlPeter, a person who has been open about his mental health struggles, has been experiencing anxiety due to the stress of caring for his mother, Thea, who suffers from both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. He has found it difficult to cope with her condition, despite having had some positive moments this year.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1266978-peter-andre-opens-up-about-his-mental-health-struggles-after-tough-yearTalkiatry, a leading telepsychiatry provider, has been named as one of the most promising private digital health companies by CB Insights in its 2024 Digital Health 50 list. The company connects patients with high-quality care that is covered by insurance and has surpassed 1.5 million patient visits, expanded to 44 states, and built new partnerships with insurers. Talkiatry's scalable value-based care model tackles pressing challenges by improving outcomes and reducing the total cost of care through technology and strategic collaborations. The company has launched innovative partnerships and services that reach underserved populations, including mothers experiencing postpartum depression and seniors with mental health challenges.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talkiatry-named-6-on-2024-cb-insights-50-most-innovative-digital-health-startups-302340348.htmlDr. Godshall advises individuals managing loss, anxiety, and stress during the holidays to practice self-care by being kind to themselves, seeking help when needed, and finding comfort. She offers practical tips to alleviate the holiday blues, including providing guidance on how to support loved ones who may be struggling.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/how-to-manage-the-blues-this-holiday-season/article_d89a7b23-476d-5019-b57a-5f3609764de2.htmlCompanies such as XYZ Corporation may benefit from conducting regular meetings with employees to remind them about available programs, including wellness benefits, mental health support and financial advice. By doing so, they can increase employee awareness and utilization of these resources, ultimately leading to improved outcomes.
https://nerdbot.com/2024/12/30/how-to-create-a-seamless-employee-benefits-experience/A recent study suggests that New Year's Day and Mondays may see an increase in suicides due to a phenomenon known as the "broken-promise effect theory", where individuals who postpone suicide attempts during the holidays are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts when they return to their normal routine. However, experts have raised concerns about the limitations of the research, citing disparities in data quality across different countries and the discontinuation of detailed mortality records by the US National Centre for Health Statistics since 2010.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/if-you-re-mentally-struggling-during-the-holidays-here-s-how-to-cope-1.7159368According to research by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Americans are increasingly prioritizing their mental health as they head into 2025. The APA's medical director, Dr. Marketa Wills, notes that while staying informed is important, excessive news consumption can negatively impact mental health. In fact, a survey found that over one-third of Americans plan to make mental health-related New Year's resolutions in 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year. Many respondents also reported plans to engage in activities such as spending time in nature, practicing meditation, and taking breaks from social media to prioritize their mental well-being.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/money-gun-violence-hate-crimes-poll-reveals-top-worries-at-the-end-of-2024/article_87b9caf0-dbd7-56aa-a79c-fd0f4dd56f7f.htmlA recent discussion session at an adult camp facilitated by a therapist provided a safe space for the individual to express their emotions about their mother's death and its impact on managing diabetes, a condition they had previously discussed with her extensively. The session allowed them to process their grief among others who understood both navigating a serious medical condition and coping with the loss of a parent, ultimately providing a sense of relief and understanding.
https://www.insider.com/adult-diabetes-camp-helped-process-grief-losing-parent-2024-12