You are not alone ❤️

@climbingmountains81 thank you so much for taking the time, means the world!
I will look at both.

@charliegirl thank you so much for the advice and hug!

@cstone of course! I’ll let you know if I come across any more! And you could do a search for “mental health support groups near me” or just “support groups near me” or “walking groups near me” and probably find some additional options ❤️ Sometimes Meetup has some group options as well! Best of luck and keep us posted on what you find!

@cstone Hello...in Chicago, the DFSS Senior Services provides information and referrals for assistance under the umbrella of "Aging at Home", specifically in-home support. The City of Chicago website invites email inquiries at: aging@cityofchicago.org or by telephone during the day at (312)744-4016. You did mention your therapist, as in physical therapist? Could that person offer any suggestions for assistance, as an element of your ongoing therapy?
I apologize if this is a redundant suggestion, something you have already explored.

been battling bi-polar depression wow finally listened to doc and started new med there is really no support for mental health here in Queensland Australia , unless they can lock u up. I have been in lock down at the local hospital several times under suicide watch , kept there for a few hours then let go back into it all again.

@cstone
Check with your local Senior center to see if they have resource info

@depressedbutnotdead thank you so much for sharing your experience so openly. I’m speaking to someone more soon about this possibility. I too had a “switch” back when I first started medication from anxiety to severe depressive symptoms and always thought it was strange but didn’t know it could be a bipolar thing, though it was maybe just negative side effects. They switched me from Celexa to Lexapro after that as I was well managed for like 18 years. Hoping this helps answer some of the questions about what’s going on. The dr. I just spoke to mentioned the sensitivity I’m experiencing is also commonly found in patients with bipolar in their system. Hoping I find some answers! Thanks so much for your message of hope and success. ❤️

When I am depressed I cannot be around anyone. If I go out in the community it will just cause me to lash out at people. I have dealt with major depression my whole life and now, at 67, I have become bitter and resentful. It makes me feel even worse to see how others are happy and well and I am still stuck in the mud. And then, I hate myself even more for feeling so horribly towards others. It is a vicious cycle. I have found no relief from doctors or therapists. I cannot tolerate SSRI medications because they mess up my digestive system. I have never even talked to a mental health professional who bothered to explain to me how they could help me. I do not know why I continually reach out for help when I know damn well there is none.

Talking. I'm blessed with a remarkable circle of friends that I've known for decades. And even more remarkable as we age, we're all still here. Outside of my immediate family, it's the thing I'm most thankful for. I've been across the board open with them about what I've been through. Every time I talk about it, I get support, and I feel relief.

Just yesterday I received an email from one of them. "We're glad you're still here." Even though my psychiatrist put me on a medication that has effectively ended lifelong depression, it's still good to hear those words. It's still good to know that I didn't hide it. That I didn't carry it alone. That was a good decision.

The depression has lifted, but the anxiety comes in fits because of how close I came to ending my life. That moment is a terrifying memory. I put a gun to my head. It's hard to live with. Last year I got hit with the anxiety that memory can provoke while my wife was out of town. So I texted one of our close friends. "Can we go for a walk? I need to unwind here." We got out on a nice trail, I recounted the day things almost came to a self-inflicted end and how some days that memory still clobbers me. I was listened to, I received new insight on it, was reminded of why I value my friends so much, got a big hug, and went home decompressed and able to get back to daily life.

Don't keep it corked in yourself.

I'm new to this site and have just recently started exploring its content. I came across your (ClimbingMountains81) post " You are not alone" and it very much resonated with me. I'm in the process of increasing my meds now and am having a difficult time with it.
I was wondering how you (and others) are doing now?
It's nice to know I'm not alone, when I feel so utterly all alone, Thanks.