Long-term depression

Posted by anniep @anniep, Mar 8, 2017

New to the group; would like to ask how others find something to look forward to in life? At my age, there's nothing to hope for, except death. I am a born-again Christian, so I know there is an escape from the physical pain and limitations brought on by illness, and escape from daily depression and motivation to continue. I try to remain active and do have interests, but sometimes the depression is too much. I have also realized when others say they care, etc., there truly is no one who means what they say. It's "We care, so long as you just keep doing your job here, but don't bother me - but we love you!" I'm old enough to know this is not true, but a method to keep a warm body in a position to get a job done. One of my 92 year old neighbors happily moves along, although she tells me almost all her friends are gone, etc. I can't ask her what motivates her. How do others have hope for anything after their families are gone and there is nothing else?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

@parus I am so sorry that you were ever made to feel responsible for your father's choices, that was not at all fair nor correct. Your picture is lovely, thanks for sharing some beauty with us all!
Teresa

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@anniegk

This is my third depression in the last 19 years. This round is definitely the worst. I have been battling depression and terrible Anxiety for almost 10 months. Some one told me along the way that it gets worse the older you get. I really hope i can get through this one. At the age of 71 it is scary. Iam lucky as i have my husband, daughter, and grandaughter close to me. I feel bad because i have so much to be thankful for and this depression and anxiety just drags me down. I also have trouble tolerating some of the drugs that would really help me. One of my antidepressants i have been on for 9 years. Its not working like it should and it use to really work good. I find i also think alot about death and dying too. My best friend killed herself and i felt terrible because i couldnt stop her. I could never put my family through that but sometimes you just think about it. Than another thing i think about is what if you screwed up your attempt to take your life, and you ended up a half living person that everyone had to take care of. That scares me too. Its nice to talk to someone my age.

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I'm sorry you're going through this. I have had clinical depression and high anxiety for years and have been on medication. All antidepressants don't work or they need to be changed over time. Discuss this with your doctor. A religious person may also help with regard to your issues with suicide, but you MUST get treatment. I have felt like you last year and it went on for 8 mos. I also thought of death and dying. Unfortunately, I have other medical issues and it's hard to balance them all. Also, I'm 71 and single with no children or close by relatives. If you have a good friend who really cares it might help. Have you gone to psychotherapy? I know that can work and I plan to go back. You need to talk to someone and family sometimes aren't the best choice.

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@hopeful33250

@parus I am so sorry that you were ever made to feel responsible for your father's choices, that was not at all fair nor correct. Your picture is lovely, thanks for sharing some beauty with us all!
Teresa

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I agree with Teresa that you had to carry that burden all your life. I, too, love flowers but can't garden because of my knees so I buy myself a nice bouquet every now and then.
Jane

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@shoregal, i w just like to get a potting bench but it sounds like too much of an expense to buy on my own decision. I live with my grown kids. Im sorry to hear about everyone's depression. I too have been depressed since 2006 when my divorce went through. I didnt want it. Anyway, we just need to hang on and hope for something good. Love, Judy (Dany) hi everyone

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@hopeful33250

@parus I am so sorry that you were ever made to feel responsible for your father's choices, that was not at all fair nor correct. Your picture is lovely, thanks for sharing some beauty with us all!
Teresa

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@shoregal45 I don't do much gardening anymore, but still have some and they pretty much take care of themselves along w/ some TLC. Understand the knee thing. All we can do is keep trying when we can.

Some more happy faces from my little secret garden-a tribute to my father.

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@anniegk

This is my third depression in the last 19 years. This round is definitely the worst. I have been battling depression and terrible Anxiety for almost 10 months. Some one told me along the way that it gets worse the older you get. I really hope i can get through this one. At the age of 71 it is scary. Iam lucky as i have my husband, daughter, and grandaughter close to me. I feel bad because i have so much to be thankful for and this depression and anxiety just drags me down. I also have trouble tolerating some of the drugs that would really help me. One of my antidepressants i have been on for 9 years. Its not working like it should and it use to really work good. I find i also think alot about death and dying too. My best friend killed herself and i felt terrible because i couldnt stop her. I could never put my family through that but sometimes you just think about it. Than another thing i think about is what if you screwed up your attempt to take your life, and you ended up a half living person that everyone had to take care of. That scares me too. Its nice to talk to someone my age.

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I would not ever discuss how I truly feel with my family. They only see the sunny side of me as they nor anyone else needs to know about how I truly feel. I can present very well with "smiling depression".

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@hopeful33250

@parus I am so sorry that you were ever made to feel responsible for your father's choices, that was not at all fair nor correct. Your picture is lovely, thanks for sharing some beauty with us all!
Teresa

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Thought of this conversation when I was out walking this morning! Wild in the woods and I have no idea what it is beside pretty!

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@hopeful33250

@parus I appreciate your words but also your pictures! Where "words fail" pictures often tell a story and your photo is a lovely one. I suspect that your favorite photos or pictures are probably of nature, is that right? Teresa

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@hopeful33250 Thank you...a minor in English and not a teacher...more of a poet and artist. I am focusing on being more accepting of my own limitations and not groveling in the murky past. Indeed a challenge. As is true of others, as I read here, physical limitations can pull forcibly on self esteem and and at times (too often) I find myself in maudlin mush. Self pity gets this new member no where and as I have stated afore, depression is a liar. So easily come the words, so insurmountable the wall, doth, at times seem.

Thank you for the time and effort you put forth.

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@hopeful33250

@parus I am so sorry that you were ever made to feel responsible for your father's choices, that was not at all fair nor correct. Your picture is lovely, thanks for sharing some beauty with us all!
Teresa

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Beautiful ... I love wildflowers. Back in our house, when I was still married, I had 3 wildflower gardens. I loved them .... I had VA bluebells, trillium, wild ginger, Lenten rose and all sorts of things. It's a beautiful blue color, just like spiderwort. Thanks for sharing that .... makes me feel good.
abby

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@danybegood1

@shoregal, i w just like to get a potting bench but it sounds like too much of an expense to buy on my own decision. I live with my grown kids. Im sorry to hear about everyone's depression. I too have been depressed since 2006 when my divorce went through. I didnt want it. Anyway, we just need to hang on and hope for something good. Love, Judy (Dany) hi everyone

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Hi Dany ..... I totally understand about your lingering depression after your divorce. I was the same way for well over 10 years. I'm better now, but after 40 years you don't just walk away and poof ... it's over. I guess some people do, but not most. During that time, more than once my therapist pulled me off the ledge, if you get my drift. It's a hard thing to go through, at least for most caring people. I felt as though I'd been "thrown away." You probably get what I'm saying. But, slowly the heaviness begins to lift - very slowly - and now I'm doing pretty well. In fact, I've found "me" and not my X's clone. Take care .... you're going to make it ... trust me.
abby

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