Managing Lifelong Mental Health as a Senior

Posted by georgette12 @georgette12, Jan 13, 2017

I have just started using this site so this is my first message.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

Hi there and I add my "welcome" to all the others. This is a wonderfully safe place to come during those down times and in the up times. I, too, am a senior woman - 72 - and I just moved about 1-1/2 years ago from MD to VA to be closer to my 2 girls. I've been very unhappy here and wish I'd have stayed in MD, but what's done is done, and now it's for me to adjust. My kids don't want to hear anything about how I'm feeling .... I think they're afraid they'll "catch" it. Well, it can be genetic ..... my mother was bi-polar and medicated herself with alcohol. She died at age 60 of liver failure. Watching all that, and growing up as an abused (in every form) only child, I have never touched a drop of alcohol. Being depressed at our ages isn't easy but it isn't for anyone. I guess I just thought that at 72, my life would be all peaches and roses (WHAT was I thinking???), and, surprise, it's not. But, on we trudge my friend ..... just know you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here, older folks dealing with depression. You've got plenty of company, my friend. Stick with us ..... you'll find these people safe and wise.
abby

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@amberpep

Hi there and I add my "welcome" to all the others. This is a wonderfully safe place to come during those down times and in the up times. I, too, am a senior woman - 72 - and I just moved about 1-1/2 years ago from MD to VA to be closer to my 2 girls. I've been very unhappy here and wish I'd have stayed in MD, but what's done is done, and now it's for me to adjust. My kids don't want to hear anything about how I'm feeling .... I think they're afraid they'll "catch" it. Well, it can be genetic ..... my mother was bi-polar and medicated herself with alcohol. She died at age 60 of liver failure. Watching all that, and growing up as an abused (in every form) only child, I have never touched a drop of alcohol. Being depressed at our ages isn't easy but it isn't for anyone. I guess I just thought that at 72, my life would be all peaches and roses (WHAT was I thinking???), and, surprise, it's not. But, on we trudge my friend ..... just know you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here, older folks dealing with depression. You've got plenty of company, my friend. Stick with us ..... you'll find these people safe and wise.
abby

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Thanks for pep talk. Didn't sleep at all last night.

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@amberpep

Hi there and I add my "welcome" to all the others. This is a wonderfully safe place to come during those down times and in the up times. I, too, am a senior woman - 72 - and I just moved about 1-1/2 years ago from MD to VA to be closer to my 2 girls. I've been very unhappy here and wish I'd have stayed in MD, but what's done is done, and now it's for me to adjust. My kids don't want to hear anything about how I'm feeling .... I think they're afraid they'll "catch" it. Well, it can be genetic ..... my mother was bi-polar and medicated herself with alcohol. She died at age 60 of liver failure. Watching all that, and growing up as an abused (in every form) only child, I have never touched a drop of alcohol. Being depressed at our ages isn't easy but it isn't for anyone. I guess I just thought that at 72, my life would be all peaches and roses (WHAT was I thinking???), and, surprise, it's not. But, on we trudge my friend ..... just know you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here, older folks dealing with depression. You've got plenty of company, my friend. Stick with us ..... you'll find these people safe and wise.
abby

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So sorry about that sleep problem. It's awful when that happens.

REPLY
@amberpep

Hi there and I add my "welcome" to all the others. This is a wonderfully safe place to come during those down times and in the up times. I, too, am a senior woman - 72 - and I just moved about 1-1/2 years ago from MD to VA to be closer to my 2 girls. I've been very unhappy here and wish I'd have stayed in MD, but what's done is done, and now it's for me to adjust. My kids don't want to hear anything about how I'm feeling .... I think they're afraid they'll "catch" it. Well, it can be genetic ..... my mother was bi-polar and medicated herself with alcohol. She died at age 60 of liver failure. Watching all that, and growing up as an abused (in every form) only child, I have never touched a drop of alcohol. Being depressed at our ages isn't easy but it isn't for anyone. I guess I just thought that at 72, my life would be all peaches and roses (WHAT was I thinking???), and, surprise, it's not. But, on we trudge my friend ..... just know you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here, older folks dealing with depression. You've got plenty of company, my friend. Stick with us ..... you'll find these people safe and wise.
abby

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Dr. Had put me on prednisone so I just left it off and slept well last night. I just can't take it.

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When you go through mental illness it is a life changing experience. I know it has been for me. All we can do is be strong and talk to our Lord and ask for his strength and ask for him to hold you in his arms. I get great comfort from that.
Your in my prayers
Patti

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@brit

When you go through mental illness it is a life changing experience. I know it has been for me. All we can do is be strong and talk to our Lord and ask for his strength and ask for him to hold you in his arms. I get great comfort from that.
Your in my prayers
Patti

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Patti, you are so right about trusting in the Good Lord. He loves all of us and wants us to be well and happy. I know he does give me strength!
Rick

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Rick so happy that you read my mail. It isn't always easy to put your entire "self" into one great Man but sometimes its what it takes. Please talk to him every day and thank him for getting you through these difficult time.......promise he will come through for you.
Patti

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@hopeful33250

Hello @georgette12 and welcome to Mayo Connect. You have joined a wonderful online community of folks who are interested in health topics and sharing information about what has helped and encouraged them. Please feel free to share with us as to what brought you to Mayo Connect. Is there a specific health issue you or a family member/freind is dealing with? All of us came to Mayo Connect as a result of some health-related issue and we have found support and help along the journey. We look forward to getting to know you! Best wishes. Teresa

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You will find caring loving people here. So glad to have you and hear what you have been going through. I am also person that suffers mental illness. My Mother and Sister have had it for years. But you know something............sometimes when you share your thoughts and feelings it lifts a big burden from your body. You will hear from a lot of very special people and they are eager to help.
God Bless you and keep you strong.
Patti

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Hi, I only just joined and have not a clue why other than I am old and have treatment resistant depression and PTSD. Other things too. Also feeling foolish coming here.

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@parus

Hi, I only just joined and have not a clue why other than I am old and have treatment resistant depression and PTSD. Other things too. Also feeling foolish coming here.

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@parus Welcome and please never feel foolish for coming to a discussion group. We are pleased to have you! It sounds like you belong here given your history of "treatment resistant depression and PTSD." If you are comfortable sharing more about yourself, we would love to get to know you. Feel free to share what kinds of treatments you have had for your depression and/or how PTSD affects you. Teresa

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