Depression and Anxiety at an older age

Being unable to get the PCP to listen has me so down and discouraged. The doctors have no choice is how I see it. Herding everyone around like cattle. slave to their laptops. Must be some kind of plot to rid society of useless people. Succumb to old age and at least maintain some semblance of dignity. Yes, depression is back in full force.

Hi Parus: You and I probably the only TWO who think this way!!! Every time I mentioned that life after 75 is going down hill. I'm 80 now, I don't know what parts of my body will give me problems the next minutes! I'm anxious and depress about my failing health due to old age! Can't talk to any one about the subject of ending your life painlessly before the real pain arrives. They all say you are depressed, you have so much to live for, take depression drugs, see a psychiatrist, think about your kids, everyone is in the same boat, do volunteer works, etc... What's so wrong if you have enough of this LIFE vacation and want to go HOME!
Hope I don't make you more depress. I was just glad that I know you think the same way!

@parus Have you approached your dr and tell him/her that you don't feel you're being listened to? I know you had mentioned that the nurses during your treatments have been great. What is their opinion how to handle not being listened to? Perhaps they could give you some insight? I have had times like that, too, and spoke frankly to the dr about it. They [yep, done it more than once!] were not happy to have me bring it up, and a few of them I had to change because they didn't want to change. Right now, because I moved, I have a brand new team. My primary is actually a Family Nurse Practitioner, and both times in her office she has been very accommodating, and listening to my concerns/issues. It is interesting that in this area, they have an assistant who does laptop entries while dr is paying attention to me, then there is a final check of the computer by dr before appt is finished. Never had that before, and it lets dr focus on my case. I hope you can get some direction, soon.
Ginger

@gingerw The PCP does not even give me a chance to speak. Where I am now the is an 1 LPN and the rest are CMA's who know just enough to say things that do more harm. I prefer a NP. The current PCP has one. I asked to see her and was denied. Seems I am back to being a ping pong ball in the medical field. PCP's are hard to come by so I know I cannot be pushy with the one I now have as she will just fire me. Always at the mercy of the doctors. I was hopeful at first because she is internal medicine. Seems all I do is gripe about doctors. My pain specialist is kind and willing to listen and the RN with urology was helpful. A PA gives me the results of lab work. No compassion. Just the cold, hard facts. I evidently expect too much.

@parus . Don't judge all nurses by the attitude of one or two that really don't know anything they are just there for the paycheck . There are a lot of great and caring compassionate nurses ,all degrees,. Be your own advocate don't let the Dr,s just put you off. Stand your ground with them . You know your own body better then anyone else they wont fire you but YOU can fire them

@lioness, I really like your answer! All the things you said are so encouraging that we should be our own advocate! Thanks!

My experience is that you absolutely must be your own advocate. When I go to the doctor I have a list of my questions already prepared and go down my list. I do a lot of research prior to my appointment through the Mayo Clinic, Web MD and other very reliable sources. I have also found that integrative doctors are also very good as they combine natural with pharmaceuticals. My integrative doctor has played a big role in my anxiety and depression care and thus allowing me to keep pharmaceuticals to a minimal. She added a vitamin called serosyn that is loaded with vitamin B's and other natural calming ingredients and also Sam e. In addition she straightened out my gut with diet and supplements which has a lot to do with depression and anxiety. She also had me do a sleep study and found out I indeed have sleep apnea which was adding to the depression and anxiety and that has been corrected also.

My sodium level is low, blurry vision. Advise to take pedialyte. Trintellix can cause this in the elderly. Will have more to follow after checking with doc.

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I SO understand the aging thing right now. At 69, I feel like my purpose in life is garnering a paycheck. Was getting really depressed and then started volunteering at our little local food bank. BEST thing I have done is quite some time. Despite the fact that my work schedule right now does not allow me to be consistent, doing for others, ESPECIALLY during this pandemic has helped ME far more than helping those in need. I got switched to graveyard at work so not able to participate right now, but know it is a temporary situation and check in with those that are on those front lines, so still feel "attached" to it and know it will not be too long (God willing) before my schedule changes back) and I can get back to it. I did not expect it to affect me as much as it did. Don't know if you can find a volunteer position to try , but it really helped me. good luck and I so get how this aging thing can screw with our heads and hearts.