Long-term depression

@seeker70 I can relate. How are you doing? I am 77 & have also dealt with anxiety/panic attacks with depression all of my adult life. Through recent therapy I discovered that I have experienced this unknowing since around age 10..12.

I am 72. I have had periods of anxiety and depression my whole adult life. Right now I am going through a horrible time with mainly Anxiety/panic causing depression.. I am scared that I am going to have this Anxiety/panic for the rest of my life. Iam on medication for a irregular heartbeat (propranolol, seroquel, mirtazapine, buspar and Ativan when needed I feel so drugged up. I am so afraid of serotonin syndrome because of the Mirtazapine and Buspar taken together. I am afraid my doctor is going to add another drug and that it will cause a bad reaction. This time around with the Anxiety/panic, I have been dealing with this for almost 2 years. I am exhausted and scared.

Dearest Annie, I am so sorry you spend your time in fear. Please make sure you share all of those feelings with your doctor, and make a point of asking him about the meds and their consequences. If you can, you may wish to talk with a psychological counselor other than your physician, in order to get a different perspective and some helpful tips. This is another reason depression is so difficult when it strikes us as Seniors -- it is easy for us to believe there will be no end. But do not accept that! If you attend church, spend some time with your pastor and let him help you gain some positive thoughts. If you do not attend church, get a friend or relative to introduce you to a good pastor they know. Find a hobby where you are making or designing something. One thing this will do is perk you up when you have done a good job and you are proud of the outcome. It also keeps your mind occupied and productive. I hope there is someone close to you who can listen to your circumstances and provide support. If not, look for someone -- befriend a neighbor, find a group to join, do some pleasing volunteer work if you are able. You need a distraction, so that you will not dwell on your fears. You have taken a good step by writing your thoughts here, and I hope you will continue. Please know that, although we are not acquainted, I care about you. I want you to be content for the rest of your life! God bless you always.

You are not alone seeker. I am going through the same feelings you are plus Amxiety/Panic. I am also a senior that just wants to live peacefully and enjoy my husband, daughter and grandaughter before it's too late. Are you on medication?

I have it on my phone. Distressing to build what is left of you life to living something you aren’t happy with. Play the cards dealt...

I went to my GP today as I had a feeling something else might be brewing as well. Sure enough I also have an ear infection and upper respiratory infection going on. I have also developed some strange sensations in my arms this afternoon. They almost feel numb in a weird way, goes away and comes back. Mostly left arm. Is this from Lexapro withdrawal?

Hello @kdo0827

I am so glad that you saw your doctor and uncovered some of these infections. As these are treated, perhaps you will feel better. Regarding the numbness, you should check with the doctor who prescribed the Lexapro and see what she/he has to say about that.

I hope you recover soon from your infections. Keep me posted!

Teresa

Have you tied CBD oil?

Good words for Annie. My husb has PPA Alzheimer's. My anxiety etc is because I can't come to terms with the situation. I am attending talk therapy and take drugs daily and bed time. I've done therapy several times during my adult life. I'm hoping I get the results I need this time too. Praying for Annie.

A major episode seems to suck the life out of me. Winston Churchill referred to his depression as his ‘black dog’. Coincidentally, I lost a 13year old black dog unexpectedly on July 4, which doubtless triggered part of this issue. I tell my wife that it feels like I have had a blanket put over my head. No light, no escape, little will to live, but not enough courage to terminate my being. Being cowardly is a plus and a minus, but in 3-5 days it usually resolves. It has been a month this time, and it has been almost like a relapse, but I am working through what I can. I’m retired, bored, but do some volunteer work in my church and denomination. Perhaps God will intervene, but those interventions come slowly for me. God seems to have a lack of punctuality...and I am weary of living like this, but my options are limited for now.