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Depression and Anxiety at an older age

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: May 26 11:44am | Replies (625)
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@phebeebe

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.

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Replies to "Hi. I am brand new here, just signed up. I'll be 77 next month. I have..."
Scott R L | @scottrl | Feb 24 10:21pm

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?v=qeCDWyIqAyU&pp=ygUQZWZ0IHRhcHBpbmcgcHRzZA%3D%3D

Again, welcome and good luck!

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edsutton | @edsutton | Feb 25 8:44am

Hi Phebeebe!
You’ve got a good smile, and you’re not alone in the things you’ve expressed.
I’ve always been the odd one out, and my attempts to “fix” it have generally lead to heartbreaking ends, so I’ve decided to just be who I am and not feel “wrong.”
When I look at others with compassion, I wind up feeling grateful for my situation.
Admitting that it ain’t easy makes it less painful.
Meanwhile, there are gardenias and daffodils outside my window!
Here’s something that made a big difference in my life. I hope you like it: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zl9puhwiyw&gt;

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