Depression and Anxiety at an older age

@pjss48 and everyone,

I suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks for most of my life. I used to take Lorazepam to control my anxiety and panic attacks only when they were particularly bad. About 6 years ago, I started taking Citalopram antidepressant. It took me a few months to realize that I was no longer having panic attacks or anxiety! I couldn't even take airplanes before due to my panic but now I really enjoy flying. Perhaps you can get DNA testing to determine if you are taking the antidepressant that will work best for you. I think I accidentally started on the best one for me.

Another thing that I recently started doing again is Yoga. I do a class that is specifically designed for seniors (I'm nearly 70). My very first session I felt so much better! I'm continuing to do weekly yoga and feel so much more energy when I'm done. I took yoga for about 10 years previously, but since I retired and moved 3 years ago, I haven't done it. I'm so happy I restarted it. The thing is, you can go at your own speed with Restorative Yoga or Hatha Yoga, as it's not a competition. Instead, it's a way to clear your mind and focus on the poses, your muscles, your breathing, and how to relax into the more difficult stretches and poses. I am much more active now that I've restarted.

I was feeling very lonely after my move to Southern California. My husband’s family is here and they're wonderful, but they all live far from us. I've also found that I can't talk about certain things that break the unwritten "code of silence." I am immediately "put down" by the matriarch when I do. So, I decided to check out the local Senior Center, which is where I found the yoga class. I've also been very active in support of my candidates of choice for the November election which has led to my meeting other people my age. As a result of both these new activities, I am making new friends. Two women from the yoga class have talked me into going to the watercolor class and the oil painting class. These have no costs associated (except for buying the supplies on my own), and sound good. There is also a chorus that meets and I'm thinking of joining it as well. A few months ago I wanted to do these things, but I was nervous about being judged for not being great at any of them. Since I started yoga, I'm no longer nervous about participating. I even had a very good lunch there last week for only $3.00. They serve seniors every weekday, which saves lots of $$, especially in California. I met more nice people there who told me how I can get "no cost" yoga through Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage because they allow you to go to LA Fitness classes everyday of the week! I'm changing my Medicare program in October to Kaiser. I also learned that some of the community colleges around my city allow seniors to attend some classes for free!

What I'm trying to say is that by venturing out of my house and working on political campaigns and taking one yoga class, a whole world of activity choices and new potential friends opened for me. I am an extrovert, so sitting at home just saps me of life energy; I get depressed and start dying on the vine. I like and need to be around others with whom I can talk and interact. Perhaps if you have a community center close they may have programs that are attractive to you and will encourage you to find ways to get out. My downs always go away when I'm interacting with others--and taking my antidepressant.

Lexapro can be associated with bone density issues but not all have this issue, according to MAYO studies and others. If you exercise, eat right and have good health there seems to be no issue.

I already have osteoporosis and cannot afford to risk getting back on Lexapro. Is there a way to find out whether I am one of the people who loses bone density from Lexapro?

@marieajean03 Welcome toconnect I had a bunion removal The surgery went well and I was home the same day . It was a simple procedure at a outpatient clinic l Dr did a great job and the follow up care was also good . Make sure someone is with you to drive going and back

I already have osteoporosis and cannot afford to risk getting back on Lexapro. Is there a way to find out whether I am one of the people who loses bone density from Lexapro?

@mimi3blessings - I have had that feeling like swimming through molasses, not wanting to get up in the morning and not knowing what to do because I have too much to do. Cleaning up all the junk I have collected is overwhelming. One thing that has helped is me is to make a list, including things that I like to do. For me, I make time for art and writing, and a bike ride when it's not too hot. Taking the first step in the morning is the hardest, but if I force myself to take that first step, I can keep going. The shutdown of most things lately because of COVID) makes it especially hard. At the end of the day, I make a list of the things I have done, even if it is just washing the dishes. It's like making my own reason for living. One of the hard things about all the stuff I'm cleaning up is that a lot of it is composed of projects I always wanted to do, but didn't have time to do. I'm 68 and finally have the time to choose what I want to do and follow through. don't have to do any of it if I don't want to. Plus I I also have some activities, such as a weight loss meeting or volunteer activity that gives me a definite time to be somewhere and do something.

I also have dealt with depression, anxiety, and not feeling worthwhile all my life. I know how hard it is to deal with chronic pain. You can get through it. I had one friend who was 87 or so. She was born in 1900 and died when she was 90. One of the things that gave her purpose was to write notes to people at church (Happy Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, etc.) She had a table set up with all her supplies so she was ready to do it every day.

I'm getting long winded, so I will close by sending you encouragement, prayers, and virtual hugs. I hope I haven;t been overwhelming.

@mimi3blessings - I have had that feeling like swimming through molasses, not wanting to get up in the morning and not knowing what to do because I have too much to do. Cleaning up all the junk I have collected is overwhelming. One thing that has helped is me is to make a list, including things that I like to do. For me, I make time for art and writing, and a bike ride when it's not too hot. Taking the first step in the morning is the hardest, but if I force myself to take that first step, I can keep going. The shutdown of most things lately because of COVID) makes it especially hard. At the end of the day, I make a list of the things I have done, even if it is just washing the dishes. It's like making my own reason for living. One of the hard things about all the stuff I'm cleaning up is that a lot of it is composed of projects I always wanted to do, but didn't have time to do. I'm 68 and finally have the time to choose what I want to do and follow through. don't have to do any of it if I don't want to. Plus I I also have some activities, such as a weight loss meeting or volunteer activity that gives me a definite time to be somewhere and do something.

I also have dealt with depression, anxiety, and not feeling worthwhile all my life. I know how hard it is to deal with chronic pain. You can get through it. I had one friend who was 87 or so. She was born in 1900 and died when she was 90. One of the things that gave her purpose was to write notes to people at church (Happy Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, etc.) She had a table set up with all her supplies so she was ready to do it every day.

I'm getting long winded, so I will close by sending you encouragement, prayers, and virtual hugs. I hope I haven;t been overwhelming.

I feel the same way everyday. I’m 65 but can hardly walk or stand anymore because of terrible pain in my feet and back. I’ve accumulated so much stuff and it is hard to get rid of things but I keep trying. I make lists too and ck off what I do get done each day even if it’s a small thing. It helps to read what others are going through so I don’t feel alone, but sad so many people have these problems. I cope by being thankful for the life I have had and for my daughter and grandchildren even though I don’t get to see them as much as I’d like because I can’t do the things they can do. I rent a mobility scooter if we do go to the zoo or places that have them. Wish I did have more close friends and family in my life. I’m alone most days and do get very lonely. Yet I appreciate what and who I do have in my life.