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I’m turning 72 next month and quite often I experience anxiety upon awakening in the morning. I had therapy for my anxiety but it never has really helped much. Most therapies today are BMT or CBT. And of course every therapist I’ve had is quite a bit younger than I am. One of the questions they ask is “have you had any thoughts about suicide?” Well no, because I’m afraid of dying and I want my life to go on as long as possible.
Ever since I turned 65 I’ve had random thoughts about the fact that I could die anytime. My health is ok; I’m on BP medication and see my MD regularly.
When I’m busy doing something I don’t think about aging and mortality, but often when I wake up in the morning I find myself feeling that anxiety again and again. And I have faced my anxiety head on and I know it’s based on the fact that my life is in the last chapters. So I wonder how do others deal with this time in their lives.
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Hello Maggie, I'm your age, and maybe it is my expectation that I will live as long as my Mom, aunts and other family members, but I don't think of my mortality much. I watched my Mom approach her last chapters, not with anxiety or fear, but with a determination not to "rust out" - I know she missed my Dad fiercely for 13 years, but she continued with faith, family and friends right to the end.
My favorite peers are those whose curiosity and drive keep them learning and exploring every day. That's not to say we don't have health issues or aches and pains - it means we choose to let other aspects of our lives take front and center.
When I was dealing with anxiety and depression due to my chronic pain, I found guided meditation brought me to a better place. Perhaps you can ask your therapist about this approach?