Depression and Anxiety at an older age

I just happened to run across this post about using light therapy… There is a lot of information about it if you will Google it… But a few things I would like to say because I do use the light therapy as well. Do not look at the light as it might injure your eyes. Put it off to the side a little bit. Instructions will come with the light. This light causes a chemical change in your brain that lifts your mood. The room doesn’t have to be dark and it doesn’t feel like I’m out in the sun, no. I am usually reading while I have it on or watching TV. I do think it helps me a lot… Good luck

Thank you Very informative. I'm excited to see how it works on me.

Red light therapy is a related topic that seems to have helped not only my depression but overall wellness. I've been using it for over three years now and like the result.

There's a great book on the subject available on Amazon, "The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy" by Ari Whitten. It covers the topic A to Z.

Hope it helps someone!

Could you describe in a little more detail. I’ve heard of blue light therapy but not Red light therapy.

Red light therapy involves light at wavelengths mostly from red to below the visible spectrum. The light is very similar to the old "heat lights" that you may be familiar with. I could spend the next hour writing, but you can get a much better intro to Red Light Therapy online - just go to Amazon.com and search for the book "The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy" by Ari Whitten. Then click on the "Read Sample" tab right below the image of the book and read the introductory part of the book - which will give you a huge amount of info about red light therapy.

I know this is an old comment but can you please tell me what a Chiropractor can do for BMS? I’m currently suffering from that and Gerd and nothing is helping. Thank you!

Me to and nothing help

Waiting for blood test results now

Hi. I am brand new here, just signed up. I'll be 77 next month. I have had depression for most of my life. Suicide attempt at the age of 16. Anxiety & PTSD. I have had years of CBT, to little avail. On all kinds of meds, which are somewhat effective, but I don't like dealing with the side effects & have strong feelings that they just aren't good for me. I'm an old Hippy & prefer alternative treatment. Unfortunately, my medical insurance. doesn't provide for Natural Healing modalities & I am on a very limited income. So, limited as to options. I meditate, eat healthfully, do breath work, Vagus Nerve exercises & a little Yoga. I am completely isolated & have been for most of my life. I am relatively new to my current living situation, new town. I'm an old Hippy living in a small redneck town, with virtually no resources for older folks. No family, no friends. Too much to explain about what brought me to this point in life. Suffice it to say that a traumatic childhood misdirected me & I've spent most if my life caught in a web of suffering or looking for healing, balance & peace of mind. I have come a very long way, but I still have a great deal to learn & find for myself.

Hi and welcome. A lot of folks here can relate to your situation.

I know what you mean about looking for balance and peace. As someone said, "If you're not looking for peace, it's probably the wrong thing." (That's from a movie called "Zachariah", with Country Joe and the Fish, something that may resonate with your old hippie self.)

I'm wondering -- do you participate in other online communities?

Also, do you have a membership to SilverSneakers through a Medicare Advantage plan or some such? They offer a lot of online classes in fitness, lifestyle, and general wellness. I participate a lot. It gives me a sense of "having someplace to go", without leaving the house.

Finally, are you familiar with Emotional freedom Technique, which uses tapping on acupressure points to address various issues. Lots and lots of free videos on YouTube. Easy to learn and practice. It doesn't work for everybody, but it may be worth a try.
Here's a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch

Again, welcome and good luck!