1. < Mental Health

Constant fatigue: depression or old age? both?

Posted by liz223 @liz223, Jul 27, 2017

I'm so tired all the time. I wonder if it is depression or old age or both? I was diagnosed as Bipolar many years ago and I'm now 85. I have so many things I would like to do, but fatigue holds me back. Some days I would like to remain on the couch all day. However when I push myself to go out for lunch or grocery shopping I feel better.

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liz223 | @liz223 | Aug 1, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place..." + (show)
@liz223

I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place to share. When we get older, some of us feel that we are usually alone in discussing any problems relating to older age. I go out everyday for awhile, usually to have lunch and maybe go to the grocery store and I certainly don't want to discuss or even mention age related problems. I enjoy younger people around me ..... makes me feel younger. I like knowing I can still walk erect, carry my own groceries and smile when meeting others. Act like you're younger and feel great and you'll be surprised at how much it helps. Hope all have a great day.

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I was also caregiver for my mother for many years and actually it was tougher than growing older. Much more isolating. Bless you for taking on the job.

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soccerchick | @soccerchick | Aug 3, 2017

wow, I hope I can make 85 and bipolar. Truly amazing. You are so blessed .

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allisonsnow | @allisonsnow | Aug 4, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place..." + (show)
@liz223

I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place to share. When we get older, some of us feel that we are usually alone in discussing any problems relating to older age. I go out everyday for awhile, usually to have lunch and maybe go to the grocery store and I certainly don't want to discuss or even mention age related problems. I enjoy younger people around me ..... makes me feel younger. I like knowing I can still walk erect, carry my own groceries and smile when meeting others. Act like you're younger and feel great and you'll be surprised at how much it helps. Hope all have a great day.

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@liz223,@IndianaScott
I agree with liz most of us are not looking for pity, we need a place to vent, blow off steam and with a lot of luck someone who understands. In our search we can come across some suggestions for things we haven't tried yet in our attempt for help.
One thing I was wondering Liz was have they tested your blood ? Your fatique could have a medical cause. I am 59 and suffer from chronic fatique, they have ruled our narcalepsy(sp.?) but I can nap within half an hour of getting up. They thought sleep apnea but I slept worse (and my oxygen levels fell). on my worst days I could be talking to someone and fall asleep .But one thing they have noticed is that my CO levels are off but they are not sure why? or if that may have an effect.
Good luck !!!! It really does effect quality of life.

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ayankeeinnm | @ayankeeinnm | Aug 4, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place..." + (show)
@liz223

I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place to share. When we get older, some of us feel that we are usually alone in discussing any problems relating to older age. I go out everyday for awhile, usually to have lunch and maybe go to the grocery store and I certainly don't want to discuss or even mention age related problems. I enjoy younger people around me ..... makes me feel younger. I like knowing I can still walk erect, carry my own groceries and smile when meeting others. Act like you're younger and feel great and you'll be surprised at how much it helps. Hope all have a great day.

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Did they check your thyroid levels?  I also have fatigue and shortness of breath, both blamed on anemia.  Two friends have thyroid issues.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 4, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place..." + (show)
@liz223

I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place to share. When we get older, some of us feel that we are usually alone in discussing any problems relating to older age. I go out everyday for awhile, usually to have lunch and maybe go to the grocery store and I certainly don't want to discuss or even mention age related problems. I enjoy younger people around me ..... makes me feel younger. I like knowing I can still walk erect, carry my own groceries and smile when meeting others. Act like you're younger and feel great and you'll be surprised at how much it helps. Hope all have a great day.

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Hello Allison @allisonsnow

You provided some good suggestions regarding looking for reasons for fatigue. You mentioned your CO levels being off. Just wondering - how do they test for that? Is it done by a blood test?

Teresa

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allisonsnow | @allisonsnow | Aug 5, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place..." + (show)
@liz223

I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place to share. When we get older, some of us feel that we are usually alone in discussing any problems relating to older age. I go out everyday for awhile, usually to have lunch and maybe go to the grocery store and I certainly don't want to discuss or even mention age related problems. I enjoy younger people around me ..... makes me feel younger. I like knowing I can still walk erect, carry my own groceries and smile when meeting others. Act like you're younger and feel great and you'll be surprised at how much it helps. Hope all have a great day.

Jump to this post

I think that is info they get when doing arterial blood sample

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anniegk | @anniegk | Aug 5, 2017
In reply to @shoregal45 "I've been suffering from clinical depression for years and at times it can make you very..." + (show)
@shoregal45

I've been suffering from clinical depression for years and at times it can make you very fatigued and I'm only 71! It's true that if you get up, dressed and out you feel much better. I'm not able to do that all the time as I have other medical issues. Elderly do suffer from depression and I would suggest you see your primary care doctor who might refer you to a psychiatrist.
Jane

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I have had three major attacks of depression and anxiety so far in my lifetime. Iam 71 and i have to say this time has been the worst. The fatigue and anxiety are really bad this makes me scared and depressed. I find myself wondering if this is my new norm. I sure hope that isnt the case. I find i feel much worse in the mornings. By evening, alot of the time i feel much better. I also notice if i get out of the house i feel better.

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allisonsnow | @allisonsnow | Aug 6, 2017
In reply to @shoregal45 "I've been suffering from clinical depression for years and at times it can make you very..." + (show)
@shoregal45

I've been suffering from clinical depression for years and at times it can make you very fatigued and I'm only 71! It's true that if you get up, dressed and out you feel much better. I'm not able to do that all the time as I have other medical issues. Elderly do suffer from depression and I would suggest you see your primary care doctor who might refer you to a psychiatrist.
Jane

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Doing something...anything... makes me feel better because on top of the pain, fatigue and depression I feel guilt.
My husband has helped out so much , on top of all his own projects ( he does woodwork on the side) I feel guilty when I am just sitting there watching TV. The biggest thing I do is keeping the kitchen clean and my laundry ( I don't trust him lol )
But just like you I feel so much better if I have gotten out and about.
I take an anti-depressant and when I feel I need it an anti-anxiety RX and they have definitely helped me.
But seeing friends or doing something I enjoy (gardening etc.) helps the most
I would just say continue being as active as you can also if you take any RX see if they have a side-effect of depression or makes you drowsy.

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