Depression and Anxiety at an older age

I can relate. It seems things are 'going off the rails'. But, then, I pause.....
When I was much younger, there were 'other' things happening in the world. It was the Space Race; The Cold War; Krutszchek(sp?) at the UN; Bay of Pigs; the Vietnam War; grocery store comparisons of the cost of a basket of goods to educate consumers etc, etc.
I still remember b&w tv; watching the televised first step on the moon; cheap gas; the new trend of pre-prepared meals 'Hungry Man' to heat up in the oven; when I was first able to use a computer at work (one for the entire department, all pre-internet).
Now the world is much smaller.

Anymore, I tend to favor a view that things were off the rails then, just in different ways. Communication was closer to home, we weren't privy of wacked out people commiting hideous crimes and behavior like we see these days.
I'm so glad I traveled overseas during college - so much is changed.
I wouldn't backpacked to Europe for 2 months by myself with a plan to meet a college friend on the famous bridge in Venice on a certain day/time & visited places that are less politically stable or outright hostile toward Americans.
Anymore, I find myself having a greater awareness of just about everything.
Some things I've become hypervigilant about. Health, wishing I'd listened to my mother's words of caution/guidance. I nearly lost 4 fingers to a snow blower - now I have a much better understanding of how a lot of "things' work. Not just mechanical things, but relationships, finance, doing my own home improvements, etc., etc.
I'm here writing this to you b/c I 'need' to be around good people who sees things as they are but can socialize, be polite, pleasant and so much more.

I wish all the best for you and those you love. Enjoy the little things of life, love, smile (more easily) - you are not alone.
Look up the prayer of St.
Francis of Assi, Dream BIG, pay it forward -- best wishes

To bustrbrwn22: I agree with you. I was taking 2 mg of lorazepam (Ativan) for years, along with an antidepressant. I had no adverse side effects and was coasting along happily until my physician retired. Then my new physician directed me to taper of lorazepam and changed my prescription. He triggered a negative reaction that brought back my anxiety. I told him that lorazepam had never caused me any harm. I'm over 80 and, physically, I'm in good condition. He replied that benzodiazepines like lorazepam can increase the risk of falls and accident. That's true. I was aware of that and have always been very careful. But I'm willing to risk a fall in exchange for peace of mind.

If you are 80 and doing that well, I hear you!! When I am anxious and depressed nothing seems important enough to get out of bed for! Hence no fall …
Think that’s what he meant?!

I agree 100 % with you. The alternatives don’t justify a possible suicide. Find someone who will allow you to enjoy what you have left in your life.

I agree that reading is good as it takes you to many places & eras, but volunteering is the
best!
You are contributing to society & learning about others & their problems= should
take you out of yourself for awhile. Days can be VERY long with not enough to do.
Kay

I am 73, going through a bad bout of depression. I also have a hard time finding things to do during the day. My hobby is knitting, but I don't always feel well enough to knit. My brother and his wife live nearby, but I don't want to bring them down with my crying. I am trying to find suitable support groups to attend. No local NAMI groups. Where I used to live, they were weekly and a great help. I have pain due to arthritis, which also limits me. My 24 year old grandson died suddenly five months ago so a lot of this could be grief. I began seeing a therapist last week. She told me to be kind to myself. I needed that advice. I think a lot of us with mental struggles tend to be hard on ourselves and it just makes things worse. I am trying different meds and will not give up! I have been here (severely depressed) before and got better and will again. "Patience, grasshopper."

I've been agoraphobic for over 40 yrs. 2 yrs of counseling with a psychologist, low dose .25 Xanax (taken as needed), support from my husband and son have been my saving grace. Initially I was to the point I could only go to work and come home, otherwise I would not leave the house without an escort. My therapist suggested going out and taking my son. He was 14 and not able to drive, so I had to drive (which was a HUGE issue for me). I do fairly well. Actually the last couple of months have been the best I've ever been. I contribute that to zero alcohol. I quit 7 months ago. I have a 25 mile radius that I'm comfortable driving around. Otherwise, my husband drives or has to take me if it is further than that. I've not driven on major highway in over 30 yrs. Visualizing getting on a ramp to the highway terrifies me. I don't like bridges, escalators, the list goes on and on. I feel I've missed out on a lot because of my fears. Learning to accept the disorder, not fight it & keep working on it helps. Good luck, it is a horrible disorder to live with. . .

Thank you for sharing. With all you've been through, how have you found new ways to find purpose and fill your days?

This may be a long story, but it fits with the ones above and I need to sort it out with today's story. I have battled depression since I was about ten. I've gone through various treatments and medicine, therapist, groups, and doctors. I am 73 and my wonderful husband are trying to help her through dementia and broken legs (2 times right another left) mention this because she talks about her childhood traumas. I don't share mine, but later I think about my traumas that were kept in a box (sort of.)

I was recently was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Believe it or not, it wasn't;t frightening, but provided me with a focus for my life. So, I'm taking things to the thrift store or are given to someone who can really use them. Plus, now I gave speech therapy, physical therapy, plus medicine that controls the falling. I'm working on my new book and art work.

I'm still alone a bit because I don't drive anymore which started before the diagnosis on my decision because of too many fender benders. I'm working on it.

It sounds like many of you are working on having a plan to feel better. It's possible to get better and have a good life. The other person was around the Cold War, Kruschezf, Vietnam and more which I experienced. (I saw the first Moon landing, and I was interviewed by Wally Shirra ( a later astronaut.)

Keep working on the happiness and the courage.

typo: I get speech therapy and my wonderful husband and I are trying to help my sister....