Recurrent Major Depression While Elderly and Living Alone

Welcome @carlos1951, Being elderly myself I can understand a little of what you are feeling but I know it would be much worse if I was all alone. There are several support groups you might find helpful. If you click on the links below you will see a list of the discussions in the groups and you can scan through them to see if there are some that you might like to read and share your experiences.

-- Mental Health Support Group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mental-health/
-- Depression & Anxiety Support Group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/depression-anxiety/
-- Just Want to Talk Support Group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/other/

Do you have any activities or hobbies that you enjoy doing?

Hello @carlos1951 - I moved your discussion to the Depression and Anxiety Support Group and updated your titled to "Recurrent Major Depression While Elderly and Living Alone" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/support-group-2/.

You may also be interested in checking out a lengthy, but valuable, discussion titled "Depression and Anxiety at an older age" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/depression-and-anxiety-at-an-older-age. @gjbrennan, @mjc907, @baa and @kayraymat are but a few members in that discussion talking about aging and depression and how they are coping.

Very grateful for your attention to my case. Your help is greatly appreciated and again many, many thanks.

This is me to a T. Omg. Now if I can continue to find the group each day.
I am in a state of major recurrent depression too. I was widowed 2 years ago after 54 years. I now have finally accepted that he is not coming back!
I can and do have things to do to entertain myself and keep busy. But. There is now NO purpose in my life. My PCP has been very caring about this issue and has suggested therapy with a psychiatrist and a psychologist
I tried both. Was put on a totally different antidepressant by psychiatrist, helped for a bit. Upped the dosage and just played around with that. Obviously hasn’t worked. And talking about it didn’t help for any length of time. I no longer go to these therapists.
I just need to learn to try to live in my new life.
It’s hills and valleys with me! Right now I am in a deep valley.
I won’t burden my children about this and also my friends. All the people that I would have been able to talk to are dead now.
Taking a trip somewhere would help me get out of this house and I 7have done that in the last 2 years. But I am now 80 years old and I’m starting to be afraid to go alone. But now that I say that…why should I be afraid? So what! At least I will be on my feet and amongst human beings!
AND NOW THAT I HAVE SAID THAT!! I am going to do just that and pack and get into an Uber to the airport and just take off. I feel lighter right now just insaying that. There is no judgement here. Thank you!

Go for it! Enjoy the many wonders, of exploring a different scene, from your home environment! Who knows, you may feel that you have a new lease on life! When I went on an Alaskan cruise, with a side trip to Victoria, British Columbia, to see the amazing flower gardens, stay in a famous hotel, and visit Parliament, it completely took my mind off my depression and mourning, and anxiety, and loneliness! I so enjoyed that vacation, and felt a sense of renewal, when I returned home! Wishing you the best! Enjoy!

Kathy just, chemicals just dull my feelings. I don’t like them for depression if it is only situational. You have had a lot happen and pills might not be the best answer. I have found that having no purpose in life is the fastest road to depression. Taking a trip might help but when you come home find someplace to go where youcan serve others I.e., shelter that feeds homeless, church group that serves less fortunate, so many. Find purpose. In serving others, you can change your life!💖 I believe you can and will!🌹

Thank you for your kind words.
I love to travel alone. Much easier. But seems sorta sad that there is no one I want to travel with.
But trying to set up today.