Natasha Rietveld Postma | Social Worker

Processing and Receiving Information With His Grace

When my youngest daughter was five, she insisted on learning how to ride her bicycle without training wheels, “by myself.” I quickly learned how important “by myself” was to my daughter. As she grew older, I learned how to give her independence while still staying close by, in case she should want me.

Just as my letting go of her bike seat while watching her wobble before becoming steady was tough, standing beside our family through the many transitions of life can be tough. Knowing when to pray quietly beside your loved one while encouraging their independent decision making, or when to gradually with God’s guidance more actively “steer” your loved one is not easy. Our prayers remain that we can help our loved ones and accept help from our loved ones with grace.

Signs of Depression During Life Transitions

Life transitions can be challenging. During these times, we may realize we are feeling overwhelmed — but there are also times when we may not realize the feeling of being “unsettled” is actually an indicator that we are feeling overwhelmed. On some occasions when we are feeling overwhelmed, it can lead to feeling depressed.

Signs of depression among our family members going through life transitions can easily go unnoticed. Some of the signs of depression may include the more obvious ones:

• Sad expression
• Negative statements
• Tearfulness

Other signs of depression may be less obvious, including:

• An increase or decrease in sleep or eating patterns
• Withdrawal from friends
• Isolation from family
• Increased confusion (which could be a temporary delirium)
• Less pleasure from hobbies or activities that used to bring them joy
• Inability to focus or think through issues
• Frustration
• Anger (which most often is fear in “disguise”)
• Self neglect

If you would appreciate the opportunity to process or would like support regarding what your family is experiencing, I am able to help talk through these transitions with your family.

During life transitions, many decisions need to be made. I can help break down the available resources to make the transition feel less cumbersome. I can share resource information and options about services in the community that may make living at home more successful. Such services include but are not limited to: Evergreen Commons Case Management or Day Program, Reliance Community Care Partners, Senior Resources, Area Agency on Aging, and Home Care Options. I can also share lists of senior communities and their various care levels. I have this information at my fingertips. It would be a privilege to serve your family.

Share this post: on Twitter on Facebook on Google+