Depression and Anxiety at an older age

I’d like to know more about the bone density issue with lexapro since I take 20mg. I’m 71 and I want my bones to stay strong. Is there some research article I can read?

Lisa, do you get strong anxiety attacks that come and go, as I do? Or is it a constant feeling of just being on edge? I ask because I’m still sorting among the several types of anxiety disorders to decide exactly where I fit. Geeeeez!

@annedodrill44 - I have had times when my anxiety feels like my blood pressure must surely be elevated, and I've had mild chest pain (that is clearly anxiety, not actual heart, though I wondered about the effects on my heart), chest tightness, a really stiff neck and shoulders (more than just a normal "I've been sitting at my desk working for hours" type neck stiffness and ache), feel nauseous, have trouble eating and feel jittery and on edge. It feels terrible, and I imagine what it might be doing to my physical health. This comes and goes, but usually if this is happening, I'm at a fairly constant state of more edginess than normal.

My most recent episode, where I was concerned about having more traffic noise (than my previous home) at certain times of the day in our new home, went on for a couple of months, coming and going, even while on vacation out of state. Ruminating on what was bothering me just made it worse, but I had trouble coming back again and again to ruminating again. I think finally my dosage of 40 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) kicked in (I went on fluoxetine/Prozac in May, then it was upped in July), plus I started realizing how common having some noise outside one's home was at other friends' homes. I'd never even noticed it before till I started paying attention. I also thought a lot about what my mother's chaplain friend said about "radical acceptance" when one is having trouble with worry and anxiety. She also talked about saying, "Good dog," acknowledging an anxiety-provoking thought, then putting it down.

Have you noticed anything that makes your anxiety stronger or makes it decrease?

@annedodrill44 - I have had times when my anxiety feels like my blood pressure must surely be elevated, and I've had mild chest pain (that is clearly anxiety, not actual heart, though I wondered about the effects on my heart), chest tightness, a really stiff neck and shoulders (more than just a normal "I've been sitting at my desk working for hours" type neck stiffness and ache), feel nauseous, have trouble eating and feel jittery and on edge. It feels terrible, and I imagine what it might be doing to my physical health. This comes and goes, but usually if this is happening, I'm at a fairly constant state of more edginess than normal.

My most recent episode, where I was concerned about having more traffic noise (than my previous home) at certain times of the day in our new home, went on for a couple of months, coming and going, even while on vacation out of state. Ruminating on what was bothering me just made it worse, but I had trouble coming back again and again to ruminating again. I think finally my dosage of 40 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) kicked in (I went on fluoxetine/Prozac in May, then it was upped in July), plus I started realizing how common having some noise outside one's home was at other friends' homes. I'd never even noticed it before till I started paying attention. I also thought a lot about what my mother's chaplain friend said about "radical acceptance" when one is having trouble with worry and anxiety. She also talked about saying, "Good dog," acknowledging an anxiety-provoking thought, then putting it down.

Have you noticed anything that makes your anxiety stronger or makes it decrease?

Abused as a teen. A family member abandoned us 10 years ago.Lyme disease then fibro. Just found out three cardiac arteries are severly calcified. Talk about depression? Yep. If it wasn't for God and my hubby I would give up.

Every event that is in a new place with different people in it elevates my anxiety. As I’m waiting for this event unless I stay fairly busy I fall into a dark path very easily that feels very lonely.
What I can use to counter this awful feeling and irritation is other productive activities like group meetings, exercise, calling friends or family, connecting with mayoclinic,etc..

@annedodrill44 - I have had times when my anxiety feels like my blood pressure must surely be elevated, and I've had mild chest pain (that is clearly anxiety, not actual heart, though I wondered about the effects on my heart), chest tightness, a really stiff neck and shoulders (more than just a normal "I've been sitting at my desk working for hours" type neck stiffness and ache), feel nauseous, have trouble eating and feel jittery and on edge. It feels terrible, and I imagine what it might be doing to my physical health. This comes and goes, but usually if this is happening, I'm at a fairly constant state of more edginess than normal.

My most recent episode, where I was concerned about having more traffic noise (than my previous home) at certain times of the day in our new home, went on for a couple of months, coming and going, even while on vacation out of state. Ruminating on what was bothering me just made it worse, but I had trouble coming back again and again to ruminating again. I think finally my dosage of 40 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) kicked in (I went on fluoxetine/Prozac in May, then it was upped in July), plus I started realizing how common having some noise outside one's home was at other friends' homes. I'd never even noticed it before till I started paying attention. I also thought a lot about what my mother's chaplain friend said about "radical acceptance" when one is having trouble with worry and anxiety. She also talked about saying, "Good dog," acknowledging an anxiety-provoking thought, then putting it down.

Have you noticed anything that makes your anxiety stronger or makes it decrease?

Lisa, the perplexing thing for me is that I don’t need issues to trigger anxiety. It literally comes out of the blue. It’s as if I have a short circuit between my brain and gut. An electrical problem of sorts? But certainly when I have stresses, the anxiety attacks are more frequent. And my symptoms are as you described, only no chest pain.
I am now practicing TM. It is supposed to heal the damaging effects over time. We’ll see.

@stsopoci
Hi there,
It’s very admirable your not just avoiding your problem but making the effort necessary to do the things to help control your Anxiety. Anxiety is difficult and time consuming to overcome. At least your endeavoring to control your Anxiety. With your valiant efforts I have no doubt you will conquer your Anxiety. I’d recommend differentiating between rational and irrational thoughts.
Jake