Depression and Anxiety at an older age

Good morning @herbnj. I also welcome you and I'm glad that you found Connect. I can certainly understand your reaction to all your losses, coming one on top of the other. First I encourage you to discuss with your doctor any additional medications that you want to add or subtract from your regime. Even if you read that something can help with depression doesn't necessarily mean that it will. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-same/art-20364924).
Maybe ask one of your doctors for information on groups that address issues that you have mentioned here. What things are you interested in? Sewing, painting, poetry? I think that you would really benefit getting out of the house and being with people. You can also call your hospital for recommendations. ?Is there a physical reason that you have that limits your driving? I think that you might just be overwhelmed with worry so I suggest, if I may, make a list of your top worries.Then arrange them in order of what the most important one is, etc. Then rearrange them in order of what you can change, or have control over. Then put the worries that you have no control over somewhere is your dresser draw and leave them there until you can control them. Of course the dresser is representing a place that you don't have to think about, but you knew that I'm sure.
Have your husband drive you to the mall or museum and drop you off, have lunch or tea with a friend, etc... Are you reading any good books? Please let me know what you decide on the SAM E and what activities you enjoy. You can get control of this, I know. Depression and anxiety are old friends of mine. For many years I shrugged off suggestions of being around people and I am very sorry that I did.

@herbnj Many here know depression and anxiety well. It is a journey. As @merpreb mentioned they are as old friends. They are a constant companion and like any friend it does present challenges at times and also rewards.

@gingerw It is so much joy and happiness you can do in volunteering at what you like Now Zendangle how did your workshop go .I did an outline of my cabin so There's it's coming I also enjoyed quilting but all I did was tie the knots but It was enjoyable I was in the PT A working with kids ,taught soccer all of course in younger years but the point is to get out of yourself and do something isn't it

It’s no big deal but I don’t understand how you can categorize depression and anxiety as “old friends.” To me they are mortal enemies and as such the only reward would be there defeat.
Good or bad, right or wrong just the way I look at it.
Take care,
Jake

@jake- I guess it's just an old saying that came to mind. It isn't really a friend at all.

@lioness The workshop is mid-June.
Ginger

@gingerw Oh I thought you had been there sorry something to look forward to then

In the same way as the Simon & Garfunkel song, "Hello Darkness My Old Friend” 🙂

@kanaas- Exactly. Something you are use to, even comfortable with even if you hate it.

Been wondering how much PTSD plays into the depression/anxiety scenario. At times I do well and without an obvious reason I start to spiral down. I do wonder.