1. < Depression & Anxiety

Isolation and depression: Scared of the coming winter

Posted by jamsie @jamsie, Aug 22, 2020

I am in my 60's and have suffered with depression and anxiety for many years. I find myself unable to cope with the loneliness that has come with COVID. Although married, it is one of convenience, and there is no help from my husband in that regard, or for that matter, in most everything. I have also gained about 25 pounds during this time and my self esteem is at a low. I eat and eat and am never full. I quilt and hand sew for hobbies, but have now lost the interaction of those friends due to COVID. I am scared to death of what a Minnesota winter will bring. I need someone to talk to.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Sep 13, 2020

@jamsie i understand your challenge so well. One good thing about Covid is now I can have video therapy sessions. Please reach out whenever you want. @gingerw

REPLY
1 reply
Dr GOPAL JEE BHATT | @brijeshmishra | Sep 13, 2020
In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "@jamsie i understand your challenge so well. One good thing about Covid is now I can..." + (show)
@bustrbrwn22

@jamsie i understand your challenge so well. One good thing about Covid is now I can have video therapy sessions. Please reach out whenever you want. @gingerw

Jump to this post

Ok

REPLY
2 replies
marjou | @marjou | Sep 13, 2020
In reply to @jamsie "It has been awhile since I posted anything, partly because I wasn't sure how to follow..." + (show)
@jamsie

It has been awhile since I posted anything, partly because I wasn't sure how to follow friends or Mentors communicating with me. I get many, many emails and I am confused if any are directed to me. Also finding friends who have responded directly to my posts. I have a hard time understanding this forum I guess.
I am taking this opportunity and hoping all who have been so kind with their words of encouragement and advice see this. On Friday I heard from my clinic and they will be contacting me this coming week to set up video counseling. I am soooo very excited about this. The need to talk to someone gets greater every day, as well as the loneliness. I do walk for about an hour most days, and I am glad it is still nice enough to do that, but then I end up taking a long nap afterwards as I am out of shape and overweight. Eating is still my guilty pleasure. Shame follows. I am still journaling, and trying to focus more on gratitude (believe it or not). As with any journaling, reading them another day is helpful to me.

Jump to this post

@jamsie Good to hear from you and that you're doing better and have upcoming appointment. Does the journaling seem to help? I made a first attempt at art journaling which was a challenge for I'm having issues with one eye and have eye appointment tomorrow. Yes I agree with you about talking and you us here to chat.

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 13, 2020
In reply to @jamsie "It has been awhile since I posted anything, partly because I wasn't sure how to follow..." + (show)
@jamsie

It has been awhile since I posted anything, partly because I wasn't sure how to follow friends or Mentors communicating with me. I get many, many emails and I am confused if any are directed to me. Also finding friends who have responded directly to my posts. I have a hard time understanding this forum I guess.
I am taking this opportunity and hoping all who have been so kind with their words of encouragement and advice see this. On Friday I heard from my clinic and they will be contacting me this coming week to set up video counseling. I am soooo very excited about this. The need to talk to someone gets greater every day, as well as the loneliness. I do walk for about an hour most days, and I am glad it is still nice enough to do that, but then I end up taking a long nap afterwards as I am out of shape and overweight. Eating is still my guilty pleasure. Shame follows. I am still journaling, and trying to focus more on gratitude (believe it or not). As with any journaling, reading them another day is helpful to me.

Jump to this post

@jamsie, here are a couple of places that may help explain how to use Mayo Clinic Connect:
- Get Started https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/
– Replies and @mentions: How do I know who is replying to whom? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/replies-and-mentions-how-do-i-know-who-is-replying-to-whom/

REPLY
1 reply
jamsie | @jamsie | Sep 13, 2020
In reply to @colleenyoung "@jamsie, here are a couple of places that may help explain how to use Mayo Clinic..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@jamsie, here are a couple of places that may help explain how to use Mayo Clinic Connect:
- Get Started https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/
– Replies and @mentions: How do I know who is replying to whom? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/replies-and-mentions-how-do-i-know-who-is-replying-to-whom/

Jump to this post

Thank you Colleen, I will study them!

REPLY
jamsie | @jamsie | Sep 13, 2020
In reply to @marjou "@jamsie Good to hear from you and that you're doing better and have upcoming appointment. Does..." + (show)
@marjou

@jamsie Good to hear from you and that you're doing better and have upcoming appointment. Does the journaling seem to help? I made a first attempt at art journaling which was a challenge for I'm having issues with one eye and have eye appointment tomorrow. Yes I agree with you about talking and you us here to chat.

Jump to this post

So good to hear from you marjou! I have attempted before, but I don't know if I posted it in the correct place. I hope you are well. Journaling does seem to help me. I write my thoughts and feelings down, especially when I have a bad day. It is safer than saying things I will regret! I have now tried being a bit more positive and have also started a gratitude journal. The key for me is to read them a few days later. It is surprising how my feelings have either changed or I have calmed down and feel glad that I journaled and not spoken the words. I don't think art journaling would be my thing. I am hoping to start video counseling as soon as they go through my insurance coverage. I probably need a change in my meds too. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

REPLY
1 reply
jamsie | @jamsie | Sep 13, 2020
In reply to @brijeshmishra "Ok" + (show)
@brijeshmishra

Ok

Jump to this post

I am waiting to hear whether my insurance will cover video counseling (pretty sure I will just have a co-pay), and then I will be able to start. I am looking forward to it very much. Thank you!

REPLY
jamsie | @jamsie | Sep 13, 2020
In reply to @brijeshmishra "Ok" + (show)
@brijeshmishra

Ok

Jump to this post

Looking forward to starting that myself! THank you so much.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 14, 2020
In reply to @jamsie "So good to hear from you marjou! I have attempted before, but I don't know if..." + (show)
@jamsie

So good to hear from you marjou! I have attempted before, but I don't know if I posted it in the correct place. I hope you are well. Journaling does seem to help me. I write my thoughts and feelings down, especially when I have a bad day. It is safer than saying things I will regret! I have now tried being a bit more positive and have also started a gratitude journal. The key for me is to read them a few days later. It is surprising how my feelings have either changed or I have calmed down and feel glad that I journaled and not spoken the words. I don't think art journaling would be my thing. I am hoping to start video counseling as soon as they go through my insurance coverage. I probably need a change in my meds too. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Jump to this post

@jamsie, you may wish to join this group sharing about journaling.
- Journaling - The Write Stuff For You? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/

REPLY
Hank | @jesfactsmon | Dec 13, 2020
In reply to @daphne47 "Need Connection and Support. I'm going through some health issues and I'm pretty isolated. Even before..." + (show)
@daphne47

Need Connection and Support.

I'm going through some health issues and I'm pretty isolated. Even before covid. I do counseling, but have no resources where I live and have been trying to connect with others online. The loneliness is getting to me, I just don't want to spiral.

Jump to this post

@daphne47
Hi, I am sorry for what you are going through. It is especially heartbreaking to hear about someone who is only in their thirties and dealing with so much that is health related. As you know, Connect is the place to talk about all such things. I have read some of your posts and you seem to have some renal issues, some muscle tightness issues and some psychological issues pertaining to isolation and loneliness. Best, Hank

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.