Depression Awareness Month 

As the COVID-19 situation stretches into its seventh month with direct impacts in Orange County, we have all likely experienced emotional ups and downs.  So many of these emotions are warranted; we are living in unprecedented times.  But in these times, we’re also at risk for more serious emotional complications – especially as caregivers.
 
October is National Depression Awareness Month.  It can sometimes be hard to see depression in ourselves, and caregivers often put the needs of others ahead of their own.  The Anxiety and Depression Association of America lists a few signs and symptoms of depression in caregivers:

• Avoiding pleasurable or meaningful activities because you feel guilty about taking time off from caretaking
• Repetitive nightmares or intrusive thoughts about the patient/loved one, including the diagnosis, treatments, or future prognosis
• Inability to sleep
• Feelings of exhaustion, severe tiredness
• Feelings of tension
• Inability to concentrate or remember details
• Anxiety attacks about not properly following the medical regimen
• Inability to talk to others about your experience as a caretaker
• Anticipatory anxiety about future treatments for the patient/loved one
• Inability to enjoy activities you once found pleasurable
• Thoughts of suicide because you feel so overwhelmed, worthless, or inadequate
• Chronic irritability

1. Care for yourself so you can care for others – pay attention to your own eating, sleeping, and exercises habits.  Seek out professional mental health support as needed.
2. Focus what you can control – including  your environment and how you are protecting  yourself and others.
3. Stay emotionally connected – call friends/family, write notes, or join virtual groups.  Sign up for the Endless Possibilities newsletter for bi-weekly program updates from the Department on Aging or call the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) if you need additional resources.

Activity Engagement Coaching

As we all continue to spend a lot of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day.

For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations (via phone or GoToMeeting) where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are:

• person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, preferences

• meaningful
• appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress

If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional or Marie Dagger, OTR/L (919-245-4279).