{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F3ec5c086-537d-4f14-8f3d-2ec58f8a4997","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"028. The impact of COVID-19 on Seniors' Mental Health","description":"Mental health is just as important as physical health (if not more)! Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health, particularly in the senior community. Add the \u201cwinter blues\u201d and it becomes more necessary than ever for seniors to prioritize their mental well-being. That\u2019s why senior services expert Lori Williams has invited Heidi McBain, a marriage and family therapist, to share her top tips for alleviating anxiety and depression during this tough time.Takeaways from this episode:- We\u2019ve all lost a lot during COVID-19, from family time and recreation to the lives of loved ones. It\u2019s important to recognize this as grief and realize we\u2019re all experiencing this together.- Start with the basics: Check that you\u2019re tending to your diet, hydration, physical activity, and other basic needs \u2013 and be sure to get fresh air when you can.- Journaling is a helpful practice for processing grief. It can be easier to make mental connections when you put pen to paper.- Try meditating! There are many apps that can help you focus on breathing and living in the moment instead of letting your mind wander to frantic or dark places.- Connect with people virtually or pick up the phone, and be sure to honestly share how you\u2019re doing nowadays. Many people can relate with how you\u2019re feeling.Topics from this episode:\u00b7\u00a0Depression / anxiety in seniors\u00b7\u00a0COVID-19 and mental health\u00b7\u00a0Mental and emotional wellbeing\u00b7\u00a0Connecting virtually with family\u00b7\u00a0Journaling practice\u00b7\u00a0Anxiety tips for seniors\u00b7 The benefits of meditation\u00b7\u00a0Processing COVID-19 griefTo learn more about Heidi McBain please visit:https://heidimcbain.com/To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/1bfacc2a-972c-48e6-8bca-6af5306c63dc/23108943afb058f2fcf9e7824ffc27b8-square-big.jpg"}