Depression and Anxiety at an older age

@parus,
"To live out the rest of my life accepting the person I am and this person is still struggling and it is okay enough."
Great comment, I wish I could double-like it!

Thanks

I’m new here and I am 58 and being treated for severe anxiety and depression. I’m so scared to take my Clonozapam but I will take very little. I am a Christian and know that God is right here beside us. But knowing there are people my age going through this makes me feel less alone. I take Lexapro in the a.m. and Remeron at night. Clonozapam as needed.

Hi Mimi
I have taken Clonazepam for a long time- a small amount nightly. I have had zero side effects and usually get a good night's sleep. It has also
apparently been helpful in bringing panic attacks to an end. Based on my experience I would not be afraid of Clonazepam at all. Severe anxiety and
depression is not fun and needs to be brought under control asap. Good luck and perhaps you might read through all the suggestions
in the Panic Attacks and Depression discussions. Lot of people have good ideas.
Best wishes
Ainsleigh

I'm new too. I have depression and anxiety problems, as wrl as serious arthritis in my knees back and bone spur in my shoulder. It's frustrating to know what medicine is the best. Today I'm feeling like I don't have much reason for living, not knowing what to do. I haven't done much. I'm trying to work up to taking a shower.

THERE IS A SUGGESTION IN THE 12 STEP PROGRAM I ATTEND. { JUST TRY TO DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING } SOMETIMES THAT WILL HELP YOU FEEL JUST A LITTLE BETTER. KEEP THAT UP EVEN IF YOU MAY NOT WANT TO. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND KEEP IN MIND THAT GOD IS WITH YOU WHETHER YOU THINK HE IS OR NOT.

Hi, @pjss48 - I'm really glad you've become a part of Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to hear you are having depression and anxiety problems and that you've felt this week like you don't have much reason for living. That is very hard. I think you will find members very supportive here.

I'm hoping @ainsleigh @mimi3blessings @parus @hopeful33250 @llnd2sey @mattie and others may have some thoughts for you about potential medicines and how they may have managed days when they felt like you mentioned, just trying to work up to taking a shower.

How are you feeling today, @pjss48?

@pjss48 and everyone,

I suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks for most of my life. I used to take Lorazepam to control my anxiety and panic attacks only when they were particularly bad. About 6 years ago, I started taking Citalopram antidepressant. It took me a few months to realize that I was no longer having panic attacks or anxiety! I couldn't even take airplanes before due to my panic but now I really enjoy flying. Perhaps you can get DNA testing to determine if you are taking the antidepressant that will work best for you. I think I accidentally started on the best one for me.

Another thing that I recently started doing again is Yoga. I do a class that is specifically designed for seniors (I'm nearly 70). My very first session I felt so much better! I'm continuing to do weekly yoga and feel so much more energy when I'm done. I took yoga for about 10 years previously, but since I retired and moved 3 years ago, I haven't done it. I'm so happy I restarted it. The thing is, you can go at your own speed with Restorative Yoga or Hatha Yoga, as it's not a competition. Instead, it's a way to clear your mind and focus on the poses, your muscles, your breathing, and how to relax into the more difficult stretches and poses. I am much more active now that I've restarted.

I was feeling very lonely after my move to Southern California. My husband’s family is here and they're wonderful, but they all live far from us. I've also found that I can't talk about certain things that break the unwritten "code of silence." I am immediately "put down" by the matriarch when I do. So, I decided to check out the local Senior Center, which is where I found the yoga class. I've also been very active in support of my candidates of choice for the November election which has led to my meeting other people my age. As a result of both these new activities, I am making new friends. Two women from the yoga class have talked me into going to the watercolor class and the oil painting class. These have no costs associated (except for buying the supplies on my own), and sound good. There is also a chorus that meets and I'm thinking of joining it as well. A few months ago I wanted to do these things, but I was nervous about being judged for not being great at any of them. Since I started yoga, I'm no longer nervous about participating. I even had a very good lunch there last week for only $3.00. They serve seniors every weekday, which saves lots of $$, especially in California. I met more nice people there who told me how I can get "no cost" yoga through Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage because they allow you to go to LA Fitness classes everyday of the week! I'm changing my Medicare program in October to Kaiser. I also learned that some of the community colleges around my city allow seniors to attend some classes for free!

What I'm trying to say is that by venturing out of my house and working on political campaigns and taking one yoga class, a whole world of activity choices and new potential friends opened for me. I am an extrovert, so sitting at home just saps me of life energy; I get depressed and start dying on the vine. I like and need to be around others with whom I can talk and interact. Perhaps if you have a community center close they may have programs that are attractive to you and will encourage you to find ways to get out. My downs always go away when I'm interacting with others--and taking my antidepressant.

@parus

I was so happy to read your recent post about accepting yourself just as you are, and as you are not. That is the definition of love you know. I was wondering if you have ever thought of volunteering to be an "emeritus" art instructor at a senior center? I don't know if your pain levels will allow you to do that, or if you would even enjoy it. I know you have said you're an intrvert, so it might not be for you. I would love to have you as an instructor as you are such a talented artist. Anyway, a thought I wanted to share with you.

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement.