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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Profile picture for ameliamarie @ameliamarie

Does anyone suffer like I do with trying to live a normal life while trying to get use to the new meds. With feeling so ill in the mornings mostly. It sure is a lonely illness. And I so need female friends who go theough the same as I do. I Don't have any friends and it is so hard. I have family but I tend to hide all my feelings because I want to save them from all the pain.

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@ameliamarie As one who has tried numerous medications as well as its numerous side effects, if you find that combination to help you get your life back then go for it. Wishing you the best.

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Profile picture for ameliamarie @ameliamarie

hi, just wanted you to know that I suffer also with Depression and Anxiety and have been for my whole life. I am 63 almost and the loneliness of this illness is so hard. I am now taking Cymbalta and Remeron. I am sorry for your loss. life is not so easy is it. Hugs to you..Blessings also

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Hi AmeliaMarie. You are correct, the loneliness of this illness is so hard. Life is not so easy. Blessings and Hugs to you.
Doris

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Profile picture for lindasmith1222 @lindasmith1222

You are not alone. Everything you said is how I am feeling and how my life is. I am just a piggy bank for my adult children. I am so depressed that I don't know what to do. I see a social worker to talk on Monday. I am 70. My family is gone. I just have a few friends, but I could easily not talk to anyone or go out for 7 days and no one would notice or care.

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Hi Linda,
May I be your friend? When you are feeling 'so depressed that I don't what to do'. Talk to me. I feel the same way. If all we do is say hello, that is a start.

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Profile picture for luv2read @luv2read

Hi Linda,
May I be your friend? When you are feeling 'so depressed that I don't what to do'. Talk to me. I feel the same way. If all we do is say hello, that is a start.

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Hi Linda,
Sorry I have not answered, I prefer this, Mayo Clinic Connect, I had an episode.

Hello Linda

Doris

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Profile picture for luv2read @luv2read

Hi Linda,
Sorry I have not answered, I prefer this, Mayo Clinic Connect, I had an episode.

Hello Linda

Doris

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Yesterday I finally went to the doctor, my PCP. She is going to set me up with a new therapist. She is so good I should have gone to her before yesterday. My appt with the therapist is this Friday. I feel a little better just knowing this. I will let everyone know.

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In reply to @rosalind308 "God Bless" + (show)
Profile picture for rosalind308 @rosalind308

thank you

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My heart goes out to all of you. I also have had depression since I was a teen. I am now 76, and thank God, still active. But definitely need to exercise more. I am up and down and I take Effexor which has helped.
A lot of my stress related to my son who is an alcoholic. My husband is wonderful and always there for me. But this connection with others is so important !! For a lot of people.

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Profile picture for mattie @mattie

Interesting I am 76 and finally found a dr and am on 50 mg Zoloft and take 1 or 2 Klonopin as needed . Anxiety still there but better than before. Guess it will be there until I die.

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Has your Dr. let you try more klonopin? It took 4 .5 mg to stop the anxiety but now I just take one.

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Hi There
I am wondering if anyone has stopped medication Lexapro cold turkey? I am just getting over Covid and Have taken paxlovid for 5 days! My doctor told me to stop the Lexapro 10mg and also my Crestor due to taking the paxlovid. I am feeling better still have lingering cough , I always end up with Bronchitis if I get a cold. I am having a tough time stopping the Lexapro have been on it for 4years or so. I am lightheaded, tired, itchy, do not feel connected and just awful. It has been 6 days since I stopped the Lexapro. Should I call my primary doctor and ask her what to do?? Perhaps she can tell me how to wean off the Lexapro and feel better!! This is insane!! Oh by the way Covid sucks!!!!

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