GOTHENBURG HEALTH’S Senior Life Solutions Program Provides Tips to Beat the Winter Blues  

GOTHENBURG, NEBRASKA – The winter season is upon us, which for many means holiday celebrations filled with family and friends.  This builds anticipation for those good times; however, for others this time of year can be a reminder of lost loved ones, lack of access to family traditions, or other changes that may bring about stress and anxiety.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, many people can experience feelings of anxiety or depression during the holiday season, and people who already live with a mental health condition should take extra care to tend to their overall health and wellness. A recent survey showed that 64% of people with a diagnosed mental illness report that the holidays make their symptoms worse. 

Gothenburg Health’s Senior Life Solutions program is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults typically ages 65 and older struggling with depression and anxiety often related to aging.  They focus on helping seniors in the community navigate difficult life transitions and regain their quality of life not just during the holiday season, but year-round. 

Cassie Hilbers, Gothenburg Health’s SLS Program Director, commented, “Our SLS team is here to make everyone more aware of the importance of recognizing holiday blues. While the primary focus of SLS is the senior population, we strive to raise awareness of mental health for all age populations. Our goal is to engage and educate our community on the importance of emotional well-being each and every day—at any age.”

Tragically, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US, accounting for almost 45,000 deaths each year. While SLS is geared primarily to the senior population, we work to raise awareness of mental health for all age populations.  Our goal is to engage and educate our community on the importance of emotional well-being each and every day—at any age.”

Hilbers commented, “While this is often viewed as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, it’s so important to recognize loved ones that are struggling and support them during this particularly challenging season.”

For some, the holidays can bring on temporary depression, and for others it may be chronic. If you, or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of the winter blues or a difficult life transition, contact the Gothenburg Health Senior Life Solutions program at (308) 537-1030.

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ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) operates inpatient and outpatient programs located in rural communities across the country.  Founder and Chief Medical Officer, James A. Greene, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, was born and raised in a rural community, which today hosts a rural hospital.  He developed PMC with the sole mission to improve the quality of life of older adults living in rural communities.  PMC, which operates the Senior Life Solutions outpatient program and Green Oak Behavioral Health inpatient facilities, is one of the largest geriatric mental health management companies within rural hospitals across the United States. 

ABOUT GOTHENBURG HEALTH

Gothenburg Health is a premier healthcare facility serving the community of Gothenburg and surrounding areas with state of the art facilities and highly skilled employees. We are a place of help and healing, and a place of education, prevention, and wellness. Since 1969, our passion for caring has come with a dedication to growing and investing in services and capabilities for your best care. We strive to be your continued Partners in healthier living. Gothenburg Health – Well Ahead.