Dottie, You are doing the right thing by going to see your doctor about your depression concerns.
Hugs,
Rosemary

The ones of us that know anxiety and depression know full well that everyone experiences it. It is not "if" someone will, it is definitely when. The trick is to accept it fully. That sound counterintuitive but explore that thought. It is here to teach you what you need at this very moment. Sometimes it is patience and sometimes it is to see our own behaviors and only our own. Expectations of life and love and others behaving badly really trips us up. It can be due to the dark years when you deal suddenly with a childhood abuse or neglect. It of course can be death of a loved one or betrayal, both equally nearly impossible to handle. Many books help depending on your own experiences, but acceptance of the tough time is key. If you are thinking your house is suffering, do one simple thing like making your bed and be grateful that you accomplished just that one thing. Pretend you are okay once in awhile, and take a short walk outside. Start small and be patient with your recovery. It hurts physically and your health suffers. Reach out and help someone else, that sends great hormones and the rush you get will help you to help yourself. Meds are very important but so is getting back in the saddle. Mimic your old self throughout the day and you will feel empowered. If you always feel sad and lonely remember that saying "pain is inevitable, suffering is optional". That is a big bite of that elephant you have to devour, but just let it swim around your thoughts a bit. Wake up grateful for one simple thing. Force a smile and one happy memory. Take walks or just get your walking shoes on, sometimes just doing that lightens your suffering. You WILL feel better but it is a constant battle, make peace with the chaos. Life is messy hard and wonderful every single moment.

Thanks. You have helped me,too. My meds are finally working properly, but I, too, have not got a handle on my house. I make the bed, I get the wash done, I get the dishwasher loaded and unloaded. I cant get past that, even on a gym or exercycle day.... Once I go out, I come back and just want to crash from tiredness. I spent too much effort while I was out. I am borderline in and lut of anemia due to Ulcerative Colitis. I am just SO disappointed in my inability to do more in the house. At least, my hubby is understanding. He still works at 68- a retirement job that started part time but worked into full time.
Still, I am letting myself down- my standards, my ability to find what I.need, my lack of interest at the moment, all concern me. Is it aging or depression or my chronic medical issues?
Thank you for giving me some thing to think about. It may be time to.hire.someone to clean once a week. i am 61... We will think about that too.

You are doing amazing!!! You are way ahead of the curve!!! Whatever that means!!! Housework can be meditation or a nightmare!! I tried getting help twice but ended up with a bigger mess when they were done. I got several ibots, vacuums and dry and wet mops. I get everything done every week or every other week now but the floors are always clean which is helping so much!!! Make a plan that works for you and relax about an occasional mess or unfolded clothes or a few dirty dishes in the sink. We all get tired of routines as we age, mix it up. Get help once a month if that helps or a live in maid, we all do that differently. You are an inspiration with working out and maintaining, give yourself a big pat on the back!!!!

@missdeejon

I've been taking antidepressants for a long time, and I've learned that meds alone don't usually do the job. If it weren't for the therapists I've seen, I'm not sure I'd be alive today. Before March 1, I went for 18 months without a counselor, and I told the man I'm now seeing that he saved my life. I was really depressed, and yard work was way behind. Sound familiar?

It does get better. I know it does because I'm in a better place now than I was 10-15 years ago.

Are you seeing a counselor? They can be a big help.

You know, there are worse things than a house that isn't as clean as you'd like. Sometimes we just have to take a break and give ourselves some time to regroup.

Jim

I want to thank you for your advise, but I have medicial problems as well, my blood pressure goes up to 192/165 which is not good, and so many other things which I don't want to go into, I will try your advise and see how I feel, dottie

@misdeejon42, I want to repeat that I am happy that you are going to see your doctor. He/she will, hopefully, be able to help you to get yourself back to a comfortable 'normal'.
You are correct to be proactive in seeking medical advice. Be patient because it can sometimes take a while to get everything sorted out. You have experienced a stressful recent past; I hope that you will begin feeling better soon.
I admire your faith and trust.
Hugs and prayers,
I want to add my thanks to all who are reaching out to dottie and to each other. This is what Connect is all about! I'm smiling because of all of you:-)
Rosemary

Great advice Jim!
 

@misdeejon42

Dottie, I know too well how depression and other illnesses work together. I'm being treated for a very long list of things. Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, back pain, peptic ulcers, some kind of heart problem, double vision, esophageal dysmotility, abdominal issues are the main things. I'm going to get a spinal cord stimulator implant in June, which should relieve the burning pain in my feet. I hope.

Days with bad pain will coincide with deeper depression. At least, that's how it works with me.

Jim

Jim I know how you feel, I have other things wrong with me, but you know life goes on, we hope that someday we will wake up with no pain, and we can start our life again, their are days I wish god would take me, but he won't I still have things to do for him here on earth, so I have to go on, I got a puppy about 3 weeks ago and he has helped me through , now I have him to take care of and I stop thinking about what is wrong with me. I love him, I saw him online and new that he needed me, I have looked at dogs for months and never did anything to get them, well when I saw him I called the rescue and said I want him, mind you they close at 4pm everyday and it was 3:30 pm and you know what they waited for me, I feel in love at first sight, he has been so good, so mabe you should look into getting a pet, by the way how old are you? dottie