Happy Holidays

Published: December 18, 2023

Warmest wishes for a Happy Holiday Season from all of us at
Tri-City Psychology Services

As the year comes to a close, Dr. James and I want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to our clients, for your trust in our psychology practice. Your commitment to your mental health journey is both inspiring and commendable.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your personal growth and wellness. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you and support you on your path to well-being.

As the holiday season approaches, we extend warm wishes to you and your loved ones. May this season be filled with joy, peace, and moments of reflection and connection.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a New Year filled with positivity and continued progress.

The holiday season can pose particular challenges for some older adults.

Published: December 6, 2023

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The Holiday Season Can Increase Isolation and Feelings of Loneliness for Many Aging Adults; Cedars-Sinai Geriatricians Share Five Ways to Bring Them More Cheer This Time of Year

The holiday season encapsulates both the pinnacle of joyous moments and the depths of isolation. While the festivities, cheerful connections, and family reunions bring comfort and happiness, they can also magnify feelings of seclusion and solitude, especially among older adults.

Age-related challenges like hearing loss, cognitive decline, diminished driving abilities, and other functional changes often deter older adults from participating in holiday gatherings, amplifying feelings of loneliness and distress.

Dr. Mays, an assistant professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, explained, “Many patients refrain from social outings due to communication difficulties. They find large gatherings or dining out stressful when struggling to hear or follow conversations, preferring isolation to avoid feeling uncomfortable or anxious.”

Furthermore, experiences of grief and loss significantly contribute to social isolation among the elderly during this time.

Dr. Mays emphasized, “For those who have encountered loss or lack the desired community, this season can be exceptionally tough. Loneliness stems from lacking desired social connections.”

Cedars-Sinai geriatricians routinely address grief and loss during patient visits, offering referrals to social workers or grief support groups.

Ways to Support Older People During the Holiday Season

Initiate: Check in more often with older family members and friends and gently ask how they are doing and offer support. A phone call can go a long way in
nurturing connectedness.
Invite: Consider inviting them to smaller, more intimate gatherings if functional limitations are an issue. Welcome them without pressuring them to fit into your plans.
Listen: Actively listen when they want to talk, even if it is a difficult conversation.
Accommodate: Discuss an activity or simple pleasure they would enjoy rather than insisting they participate in planned events.
Grieve: Loss is felt deeply during the holidays. Pay attention and let them know you are there to listen. Meet them where they are and do not force activities they may be anxious about.

Source: Cedars Sinai

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline

Published: November 30, 2023

Canada’s taking a big step! On November 30, 2023, the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline will go live.

For support right now, call Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566) or 1 866 APPELLE (1-866-277-3553) in Quebec.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/kOyL50QbyG1

Navigating Post-Pandemic Stress and Trauma

Published: November 8, 2023

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The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts worldwide, racial discrimination, rising prices, and disasters linked to the climate are all burdening the thoughts of North Americans together.

Although the official national health emergency due to COVID-19 ended on May 11, 2023, many people are still not feeling completely back to normal. According to a recent survey called Stress in America™ 2023, a nationwide survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of APA among more than 3,000 U.S. adults age 18+.

After looking at this year’s survey results, psychologists from the APA generally agree that there’s growing proof that our society is dealing with the mental effects of a shared traumatic experience.

“Stress affects all systems of the body, so it is crucial that Americans know the serious impacts of stress and what they can do to reduce the effect of stressors in their life, as well as receive help from their health care providers, workplace and support systems to prevent further health crises,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA’s chief executive officer.

More information on the survey findings and how to handle stress is available on the Stress in America webpage.

If you, or someone you know is struggling with their mental health get in touch we are here to help.

Tri-City Psychology Services