Depression and Anxiety at an older age

I can’t answer your question but I to am older, at 76 and have a lifetime of depression and anxiety. I’ve tried many drugs but what finally broke the code for me was 4 mg of klonopin and a tremendous therapist. The klonopin got my anxiety down to where I could work with my therapist and get to the root cause of the problem. I was able to get off the klonopin very easily using a step down approach with my psychiatrist. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing that good report, @llnd2sey. I'm glad to hear that you are doing better!

I'm so glad that you posted your concerns on Mayo Clinic Connect, @pjss48 and I'm glad that you have joined our online patient support community.

It does sound like you and your husband have had a lot of challenges that certainly make stress and physical ailments much worse.

You say that you don't know what to do with yourself during the day, do you mean you have a hard time handling your anxiety during the day?

Do you have a strong support system in place so that you can call or visit with others when you are feeling anxious? Please feel free to post here on Connect when you need to. It sounds like you have medical support in place and that is a good thing.

Please continue to share, I look forward to getting to know you better and once again, welcome to Connect!

Interesting I am 76 and finally found a dr and am on 50 mg Zoloft and take 1 or 2 Klonopin as needed . Anxiety still there but better than before. Guess it will be there until I die.

I'm glad to hear that you have found meds that work for you, @mattie.

Thanks for your replies. I meant I didn't know what to do physically during the day, which causes more depression. I don't have a lot of support. None of my siblings live near. I have a couple friends but I don't want to bother them too much.

@pjss48 Ok, now I understand your question a bit better. Do you have any hobbies or activities that you really enjoy? Needlework, reading, music, walking etc.? These are all activities that do not require a lot of money.

Also, is there a charitable organization you can work with? There is something very satisfying about reaching out to others and helping them. These are just some thoughts, but you might have others as well.

Hi @pjss48. I’m Karen and you can talk to me. I, too, have a hard time during the day, What I do is read Connect. Then I realize I’m not alone. I’m 61 and have dealt with depression and anxiety for a very long time. I had a breakdown 6 months ago. I live with my brother who supports me and he lost his job. We had to move. Anxiety is still there, but bettered handled. I am back with my old psychiatrist. I feel bad for you. Please write and know YOU ARE NOT ALONE !

Karen thanks for your interest in my post. You have a lot to deal with. I hope knowing we have similar challenges and can talk to each other helps. Have a good night. God bless. Peggy

Seems anxiety and depression have become more of a challenge in these sage years. I try not to flog myself for who I am. It is these qualities that form the person I am and for me there are no "magic medications" to treat my illnesses. I am my strongest advocate. Trying with the skills I have to live out the rest of my life accepting the person I am and this person is still struggling and it is okay enough.