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Loneliness: Why am I depressed?
Aging Well | Last Active: Feb 27, 2022 | Replies (112)Comment receiving replies
Hello Ginger:
How nice of you to respond. Yes, it does make sense about not always finding others that have similar interests. Thank you for pointing that out. I appreciate it.
Over the years, my outreach groups have varied. Since I have only been in this neighborhood for a year, I am still figuring out ways to connect. I do like my neighbors. They are very good acquaintances. Sometimes I bake and take treats over to one or two couples/families. That is really fun for me and they like it. There is an organization called SHIFT that I have connected with on and off over the past 4+ years. They meet every other week. Check out their website for more info. I am a co-leader in an organization called "Action for Happiness." It's educational and community building and was started in the UK as a response to pandemic isolation. We meet on Zoom once a month and follow an uplifting monthly schedule. I have connected with other writers via zoom through the Dakota County Library. I even took a watercolor painting class this year that I really enjoyed. I had no idea how great the libraries in our metro area are for connecting others and providing fun and educational opportunities. In the past, I have belonged to various quilter's groups. Some affiliated with churches make quilts for others. Eagan has an art center that I have yet to explore. There is a senior group in Eagan that has some very fun community activities. I've only joined them once for bingo, but I may go back this fall/winter when gardening season is over.
I am learning about managing my life as an unmarried 67 year old. It's not easy and I do have to work at being social. My oldest daughter lives with me and that is a wonderful help. Oh, one more thing- I used to belong to church in St. Paul that I really liked. I helped out with their festival and attended bible study. As I said, I have to find the opportunities that can meet my needs.
I hope this isn't too much information. But, these are things that have helped me recover from a difficult bout of depression/anxiety caused by working as a healthcare professional through a good part of the pandemic. I now work 1-2 days a week and I am very glad to be employed part time. My health- I am a pancreatic and breast cancer survivor. I have MGUS and some chronic GI issues related to the pancreatic cancer surgery. Mayo Clinic has not only saved my life, but the care givers have helped me to get the help I needed to keep going.
Thank you for reading. And thank you for providing this opportunity to share some of my struggles as well as some things that have worked for me. I do not have solutions for others, of course. But, if what I have shared helps, then that makes me happy.
Peace.
Mayr
Replies to "Hello Ginger: How nice of you to respond. Yes, it does make sense about not always..."
@artgirl2 the isolation of covid can be difficult at best. But i really like the way you’ve gotten out there. Ive been doing Meals on Wheels for years and find it especially good right now. I get a chance to talk with the elderly who are really isolated. And the other volunteers are a great bunch!
Maybe you could share some more on Mayo Connect about what you’ve done to help yourself through all the difficult times you’ve had. Your input would be great! Think you might try it?
I'm also a breast cancer survivor for the second time. First one, 27 years ago. Second time, diagnosed this past February. Stage 3, aggressive. Two chemo treatments and then had to have the mastectomy on my right breast, because I couldn't handle the treatment he gave me. Luckily, the cancer hadn't spread. He is 85-90% sure that the cancer won't come back. The first treatment gave me c-diff, or at least I'm assuming it did. I ended up with it just four days after the treatment. With the second treatment, I was getting lightheadedness and shortness of breath and started losing weight quite quickly. Also a tightness and constricted feeling at the base of my ribcage. I've been too the ER a total of 6 or 7 times because of these symptoms. Mostly because of the breathing issue. It would also be hard to take those deep breaths. I of my last trips to the ER, the attending doctor said I had neuropathy due to chemotherapy. I've been tested through a gastroenterologist and had two tests done through a thoracic surgeon. He said that he can't find anything that his field of expertise can help with. Recommended that I talk to my oncologist about my symptoms, which he already knows about. He told me that the neuropathy would go away and that was it. So at this point I'm on my own. I came across something last night through Facebook about dealing with neuropathy. Bob Diamond is the creator of The Protocol 525 for peripheral neuropathy. Basically it is supplements. And a little costly; for one month the price is $237.58 , 60 day; $449.80, and 90 day; $626.25 So I'm going to call the oncology nurse to see if I can get in to see my oncologist soon, because as it stands today, my next appointment with him is in early January. Hopefully after he sees the report from the thoracic surgeon, he'll want to see me asap. But, I'm not being too hopeful about what he can suggest or even advice. I pretty much think that the chemotherapy did this to me also. Too much has been ruled out. Thanks for listening. It helps to get it down in writing.
Provisions in Minneapolis is a great place to volunteer. Check out their website to see if it is a good fit for you and your talents.
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@artgirl2 It's not too much information. You have shown your examples of what you have done, and nothing is better than clear example. By using crafts or other interests, we can go into groups and already have something in common.
In my experience, sadly, because I have never had children, some gatherings became very strained. I had no "small talk" to do about kids or grandkids. It wasn't enough to have a common interest.
@nannette1941 What types of groups around you might interest you? Perhaps something new, something you have always wanted to try? I look forward to hearing what you decide to do!
Ginger