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~ Depressed and scared, not making it financially ~
I'm 74 years old and moved 3 years ago from MD to VA. My girls had hounded me to come down for several years so I finally did it. I sold my condo (at a loss), and a job with a dentist. Well, here I am, and financially I'm just not making it. That amount I earned from the dentist covered me with just a little left over. Now, more than often, I don't have enough. I eeked out just enough for my rent this month, and now there's not even enough for a quart of milk. I get S.S. and what I get goes right out for my rent (usually there's enough), and my son sends me money each month. I'm sickened, depressed, and scared. I live in low income housing, and have a budget that practically squeaks. I'm thinking of starting to sell some of my furniture.
I so wish I'd have stayed in MD, for so many reasons, this being one of them. I have applied for oodles of jobs (they're all on line now), and legally they're not supposed to ask you how old you are (although many do), but they all ask when you graduated from either high school or college .... well, it doesn't take rocket science to figure out how old a person is. I'm so depressed about this, and .so upset that my stomach.constantly churns.
Thanks for letting me vent.
abby
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@amberpep Hi again its been a while since we talked last. I noticed your recent question and i did have something similar a while back. My wife actually suggest freezing a bottle of water like the common size we drink from about a pint and i would roll it on the ground with the bottom of my foot. It worked after a few days it was back to normal. I found this article which kinda hints at it using stretching and ice.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
I also wonder if maybe there is a community garden that may allow people to have some room to plant? I know my town does so it may be an option.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana
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4 Reactions@amberpep Living in a senior building doesn’t have to be bad. YOU could liven it up! Start a “happy hour” (minus the booze!) or an art group. My mother started a sewing group and everyone brought their mending. And, you could teach them about MayoCinicConnect! And start a current events group or help with the upcoming elections! Have you got some other ideas?
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5 Reactions@amberpep, I have recurring issues with plantar fasciitis. Things that help me:
- always wear shoes with support indoors and outdoors. My house shoes are Birkenstocks. I don't go barefoot or sockfooted.
- diligent stretching
- self massage with a frozen water bottle. I roll it back in forth under my foot for 15-20 minutes periodically throughout the day.
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1 ReactionI suggest you see podiatrist (foot doctor). I did for same reason and I had inserts made for shoes, but some shoes are better than others like Clark's or Vionic which can be found on QVC shopping network. Good luck.
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1 Reaction@amberpep I, too, don't like to be around gossips and looking for a church. Wish you luck and keep us posted on your successes.
@amberpep I live in a Senior low income building as far as gardening I do apt gardening veggies grow very well in deep pots I have sweet potatoes and beets now have flowers also .You can make your life like you want in apt.I have a couple of friends that don't gossip so you can see what you want you don't have to mingle with those who gossip
Thanks Colleen .... well, that's probably my problem .... I am always barefooted!
abby
@marjou, I bought some "off-the-shelf" inserts at a sporting goods store for my walking tennis shoes. A mistake; prescribed and specially made would have been so much better. Eventually found 2 brands of tennis shoes that worked, bottom came unglued so tossed that pr and the brand name has worn away in the current pr. Hope a shoe store can identify the brand when replacement pr is needed.
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1 Reaction@lioness, Linda, you are much more successful with your indoor gardening than I! A tiny bit green with a touch of envy if allowed??? Yes, I steer away from gossips and nay sayers, too. I've said for years that for me there are 2 broad categories of people: those that bring you down and those that make life better. Why waste time and emotional energy on those who make you feel worse???
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1 ReactionOne of the volunteer mentors, @sueinmn, made a post about how she helps herself cope with things, and shared what her daughter was also taught. While this was in the group talking about walking [and you know how it is, we often morph into different topics!], it is a good reminder of how we can change our reactions and thinking patterns.
Here is the link to that post:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lets-go-walking-join-me-for-a-virtual-walking-support-group/?pg=146#comment-421507
And here are her words:
"Here are the "5 things for 5 senses" it came down from my daughter's therapist when she was struggling. The point is to be "in the present" – what you are experiencing at the moment. Needless to say, try to concentrate on positive imagery.
What I see
What I hear
What I feel (like wind, sunlight, etc OR what I feel emotionally in this moment)
What I smell
What I taste (hardest – I often save it for mealtime)
Here is another exercise that I call "Own it and Let it Go." I use it in anxious/stressful situations.
When confronted with an unpleasant feeling, smell, sight:
I feel [angry that person is not wearing a mask in the store.] I need to remember [he may have a health condition, and that I cannot control anyone else's behavior.] I will [keep my distance, be extra polite to the staff who have to deal with him & get out of here as quickly as I can.] (Deep breath & let it go. Mentally picture your favorite thing)
I feel [anxious] waiting for my test results. I will get my answer [in two days] and then deal with it. Until then I will concentrate on [writing a memoir for my grandson.] (Deep breath…)
I feel [annoyed when I see my neighbor's messy yard.] My neighbor [either doesn't care about yards or has other issues more important to tend.] I will concentrate on [enjoying my own yard] or thinking about [how friendly she is when she sees me.]
I feel [irritated that my daughter hasn't called.] I can [call/text her to be sure she is okay] then find something productive to do. I understand [she is busy helping her sister & working.] I will concentrate on [what a terrific Auntie she is.]
You get the idea. I hope this helps too. Have a great day."
Thank you so much, Sue, for this!
Ginger
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