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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wandasophia | @wandasophia | Apr 24, 2020

I am 78 and have had depression for way too long. I went off Effexor and am not taking
anthing but Xanax hardly ever. I am alone with my cat and dog. The dog peed bloody urine yesterday anf I was hysterical. Took her to vet she has a UTI. I am exhausted most of the time. Had been therapy but stopped going . Didn'help any, seemed like a waste of money.

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2 replies
wandasophia | @wandasophia | Apr 25, 2020
In reply to @santolina "I SO understand the aging thing right now. At 69, I feel like my purpose in..." + (show)
@santolina

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.

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I do volunteer at a food pantry and foster kittens for our local humane society. That has all stopped for now. I am feeling so hopeless.

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suz55 | @suz55 | Apr 25, 2020

Please hang in there. You are needed at the food pantry and to help with fostering the kittens. Hopefully, it won’t be long before you can get back to those activities. They will be so glad to have you back. Take care.

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zep | @zep | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @wandasophia "I am 78 and have had depression for way too long. I went off Effexor and..." + (show)
@wandasophia

I am 78 and have had depression for way too long. I went off Effexor and am not taking
anthing but Xanax hardly ever. I am alone with my cat and dog. The dog peed bloody urine yesterday anf I was hysterical. Took her to vet she has a UTI. I am exhausted most of the time. Had been therapy but stopped going . Didn'help any, seemed like a waste of money.

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wandasophia - I feel for you. I too am old and depressed, with five pets. It's a strain keeping up with pet care at a time like this, but you took your dog to the vet anyway, good for you. I hope you and your dog will be better soon.

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sapphira | @sapphira | Jul 1, 2020
In reply to @ainsleigh "Hi Mimi I have taken Clonazepam for a long time- a small amount nightly. I have..." + (show)
@ainsleigh

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

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ainsleigh: I too take Clonazepam for many years now - just o.5mg's , and only one at night before bed. If I'm feeling stress I might take two, but that is a very small dosage. I've never had any ill effects from it and my prescription allows me 3 a day. I dislike taking medication but I am 88 yrs, so stuff happens and I try to follow orders and take a small array of them right now. I always check with my doctor however to review what I'm taking at least once a year.

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Ellen | @helenfrances | Jul 1, 2020
In reply to @santolina "I SO understand the aging thing right now. At 69, I feel like my purpose in..." + (show)
@santolina

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.

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Thank you for sharing your story... it encourages all of us!

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sarasally2 | @sarasally2 | Jul 1, 2020
In reply to @wandasophia "I am 78 and have had depression for way too long. I went off Effexor and..." + (show)
@wandasophia

I am 78 and have had depression for way too long. I went off Effexor and am not taking
anthing but Xanax hardly ever. I am alone with my cat and dog. The dog peed bloody urine yesterday anf I was hysterical. Took her to vet she has a UTI. I am exhausted most of the time. Had been therapy but stopped going . Didn'help any, seemed like a waste of money.

Jump to this post

I take a half Xanax at lunch time because it helps with dizziness then one at bedtime and some melatonin, I used to feel guilty because I took it and was afraid of what docs thought when they saw it on my records but not anymore, whatever helps do it. I really only get anxiety when I have to go to the doctors but the Xanax helps with other things you may have, only problem is it is short acting

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Ellen | @helenfrances | Jul 1, 2020

Took Clonazapam 4 tablets per day for years!! Prescribed for a head tremor...
Never informed that:
Clonazapam affects your MEMORY.
I saw a neurologist... too late. I have mild cognitive impairment which can lead to Alzheimer’s.

Read the multi page info with each pharmaceutical.

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1 reply
Ellen | @helenfrances | Jul 1, 2020
In reply to @helenfrances "Took Clonazapam 4 tablets per day for years!! Prescribed for a head tremor... Never informed that:..." + (show)
@helenfrances

Took Clonazapam 4 tablets per day for years!! Prescribed for a head tremor...
Never informed that:
Clonazapam affects your MEMORY.
I saw a neurologist... too late. I have mild cognitive impairment which can lead to Alzheimer’s.

Read the multi page info with each pharmaceutical.

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Ab pain: decreasing Clonazapam

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1 reply
Ellen | @helenfrances | Jul 2, 2020
In reply to @helenfrances "Ab pain: decreasing Clonazapam" + (show)
@helenfrances

Ab pain: decreasing Clonazapam

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This is what happens when you take Clonazapam for years: see above
You repeat the same post: 2 posts, same information!

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