1. < Depression & Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety at an older age

Posted by pjss48 @pjss48, Sep 14, 2018

I am a 70 year old woman who has had depression and anxiety for a long time. It got worse 3 years ago when my husband lost one of his jobs. I panicked and my anxiety increased. I was afraid to do things. like driving. I have arthritis pretty bad and foot problems. I'm a Christian and my faith has helped me. My husband was a pastor and our church closed 3 months ago. We've had continual stress. Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself during the day. I've gotten help from several doctors, including a psychiatrist. I also have IBS. I am better. I'm taking trazadone duloxetine, remeron and xanax. Also on osteo biflex, probiotic , bentyl and celebrex. I want to get on Sam e but it may interact with one of my meds. Thanks for listening.

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Parus | @parus | Dec 25, 2018
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@rosegold I’m not going to add my Amen because I don’t think it’s appropriate. It’s not..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@rosegold
I’m not going to add my Amen because I don’t think it’s appropriate.
It’s not what comes to you that’s important but how you handle the situations that come to you that’s important. Grief, tragedy, agony, sorrow, sadness and unhappiness unfortunately are going to continue to be a part of our lives.
People shouldn’t be afraid of failing but looking forward to rejoicing in their achievements. Granted achievements don’t come easily but nothing worthwhile ever does.
Life is so wondrous. Get high on life not drugs. They can’t cure you, but you do have the ability of curing yourself. The most fulfilling part of my life was when I was helping others. I volunteered at various places. I ran a swimming program for 1,000 children we taught to swim at the
Y.M.C.A. Worked at hospital, Police Dept, Homeless Shelter and to my neighbors dismay brought a homeless family home that I got to know. Washed their clothes, let them take showers, fixed them a meal.
Like I always say, ‘You only get out of life what your willing to put into it.
Best wishes,
Jake

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@jakedduck1 Many have been through difficult times. It makes us what we are and oft what we choose to be. Hope you have a nice Christmas. @rosegold There are times when medication is needed. It is not a sign of weakness. I have anxiety and I do not view myself as a weak person. Merry Christmas.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 25, 2018

@parus- hear hear! Such fantastic news.
I'm sorry @jakedduck- but "cure" is not appropriate here. There are many people on this site that have illness that are chemically induced or caused and need medicine to help create a balance. Your implication that if we don't "cure" ourselves without medicines there is something wrong. It is not wrong. It's a necessity just like your need to take drugs to control your epilepsy, which is a disease. Depression, and all it's different terms is also an illness and sometimes people need medications to control it.
I am so glad that you have been able to help so many people. We all need people like you. But in your exuberance for living high on life there are some of us that just want to get by without curling up in a fetal position. If you haven't ever experienced this you are one lucky dude. But I have and it's horrible. And it's not caused by things that I did or didn't do. It's been caused by a chemical imbalance- a disease. Please don't be so harsh on us until you have stepped in our shoes.

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2 replies
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Dec 25, 2018
In reply to @merpreb "@parus- hear hear! Such fantastic news. I'm sorry @jakedduck- but "cure" is not appropriate here. There..." + (show)
@merpreb

@parus- hear hear! Such fantastic news.
I'm sorry @jakedduck- but "cure" is not appropriate here. There are many people on this site that have illness that are chemically induced or caused and need medicine to help create a balance. Your implication that if we don't "cure" ourselves without medicines there is something wrong. It is not wrong. It's a necessity just like your need to take drugs to control your epilepsy, which is a disease. Depression, and all it's different terms is also an illness and sometimes people need medications to control it.
I am so glad that you have been able to help so many people. We all need people like you. But in your exuberance for living high on life there are some of us that just want to get by without curling up in a fetal position. If you haven't ever experienced this you are one lucky dude. But I have and it's horrible. And it's not caused by things that I did or didn't do. It's been caused by a chemical imbalance- a disease. Please don't be so harsh on us until you have stepped in our shoes.

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@merpreb , thank you! Certainly explains how many of us feel. Down times, days, weeks, etc., are no fun

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Parus | @parus | Dec 25, 2018

@merpreb If I said something upsetting I am very sorry. Did not mean to do so. Medications are NOT a sign of weakness. I have been in that dark place you speak of and would never want to be critical of those that have been there. I struggle daily with depression and anxiety and can empathize with others. We are here to be supportive and not critical. It is not a matter of pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps for everyone. Those who can do so cannot help not understanding a chemical imbalance. I did not make myself very clear and I am terribly sorry if I came across as judgmental. 😞

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 25, 2018

Parus- I forgot to put @ before Jake's name as it was directed at him. I've fixed it
There is nothing that you could say that would be considered wrong. And I certainly hope that you have felt welcomed and supported. You have not been judgemental.
I hope that the rest of today is lovely for you.
Smile, you are loved

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1 reply
Parus | @parus | Dec 25, 2018
In reply to @merpreb "Parus- I forgot to put @ before Jake's name as it was directed at him. I've..." + (show)
@merpreb

Parus- I forgot to put @ before Jake's name as it was directed at him. I've fixed it
There is nothing that you could say that would be considered wrong. And I certainly hope that you have felt welcomed and supported. You have not been judgemental.
I hope that the rest of today is lovely for you.
Smile, you are loved

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@merpreb Thank you for clarifying as up until I read those words I had felt safe here. Maybe the New Year will be better.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 25, 2018

Aww parus it must be the day. I'm so sorry.

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lioness | @lioness | Dec 25, 2018
In reply to @parus "@merpreb If I said something upsetting I am very sorry. Did not mean to do so...." + (show)
@parus

@merpreb If I said something upsetting I am very sorry. Did not mean to do so. Medications are NOT a sign of weakness. I have been in that dark place you speak of and would never want to be critical of those that have been there. I struggle daily with depression and anxiety and can empathize with others. We are here to be supportive and not critical. It is not a matter of pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps for everyone. Those who can do so cannot help not understanding a chemical imbalance. I did not make myself very clear and I am terribly sorry if I came across as judgmental. 😞

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@Parus You have nothing to apologize for Some people who have these diseases cant help themselves without medication For 35 years working in the hospital
nursing homes Ive seen it People come in with whatever problem and they need help from meds to get well .Dont beat yourself up from something that is true.As the saying goes truth will set you free and it does!

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Dec 25, 2018

I’ve heard from so many of you today and all is positive! I hope everyone feels better, or at least, les depressed. Depression is such a difficult state to find yourself in and few people understand . I’m glad this group is here to help!

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Dec 25, 2018
In reply to @merpreb "@parus- hear hear! Such fantastic news. I'm sorry @jakedduck- but "cure" is not appropriate here. There..." + (show)
@merpreb

@parus- hear hear! Such fantastic news.
I'm sorry @jakedduck- but "cure" is not appropriate here. There are many people on this site that have illness that are chemically induced or caused and need medicine to help create a balance. Your implication that if we don't "cure" ourselves without medicines there is something wrong. It is not wrong. It's a necessity just like your need to take drugs to control your epilepsy, which is a disease. Depression, and all it's different terms is also an illness and sometimes people need medications to control it.
I am so glad that you have been able to help so many people. We all need people like you. But in your exuberance for living high on life there are some of us that just want to get by without curling up in a fetal position. If you haven't ever experienced this you are one lucky dude. But I have and it's horrible. And it's not caused by things that I did or didn't do. It's been caused by a chemical imbalance- a disease. Please don't be so harsh on us until you have stepped in our shoes.

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@merpreb
Merry Christmas Merry,
I’d appreciate a little clarification about a couple things. Obviously I’m conveying my thoughts in a way I believe are being misinterpreted.
Someone stated I said or implied “
if we don't "cure" ourselves without medicines there is something wrong.
I hope I never said that. My intention was that there are alternative treatments available that can cure. Someone mentioned chemical brain imbalance. The latest news I’m aware of there’s no way of testing brain chemicals. As far as Serotonin is concerned it is at least when I checked the research only a theory that it causes depression.
I have had 2 panic attacks. One at a lake the other in my recliner. I knew I was suffocating which was an irrational thought. I could walk, talk, eat and do whatever but I took my blood pressure, pulse and my oxygen saturation was amazing (99%) so the rational part of my brain took control and got rid of the irrational thoughts and fears. Which is the basis of Anxiety as I understand it.
Research has proven long term outcomes are much better and relapses fewer for people who stopped taking Antidepressants.
And yes I do take Anticonvulsants but not very willingly. I hate them, but my alternatives are coma, seizures, Status Epilepticus, long post-ictal episodes and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.) I also have some alternatives which I follow, no alcohol, drugs, caffeine, flashing lights, smoking which I wouldn’t do regardless, eat right, try and get adequate sleep, avoid stress, take B Complex.
I love and care about every members welfare here and if anyone interprets what I say as critical please message me. It will never be meant that way.
Have a wonderful day everyone,
Jake

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