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Depression and Anxiety at an older age
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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Welcome @karzie1, There is another discussion that might be helpful for stopping Lexapro.
-- Tapering off Lexapro or Cipralex (Escitalopram):
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-off-lexapro-or-cipralex-escitalopram/
Did your doctor suggest a tapering schedule to gradually reduce the dosage to make it easier?
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2 ReactionsHello all, I'm a 70 yr old man that unbeknownst to me lived most of my life with dysthymia. Throughout most of that time I self medicated with alcohol and cannibas but I lived most of my life always believing the grass was greener on the other side - it was a side effect of the mild depression combined with alcohol misuse. In 2007 it was discovered (again unbeknownst to me) that my now ex wife had embezzled money for over 14 yrs. to the amount of over 7 figures. This trauma catapulted me into major depression and I was at the lowest point in my life. My pcp started me on my first antidepressant to no avail. My spiral continued downward until I was hospitalized, all the time self medicating still with alcohol & cannibas. The birth of my 2 granddaughters gave me some new hope and purpose in life but my depression/anxiety were still present and all the different antidepressants prescribed provided no relief. I was fortunate to be able to take a mindfulness based stress reduction course and learn the benefits of practicing mindfulness. This alone has allowed me to better manage my depression and anxiety and I strongly encourage all to investigate and learn what you can about the benefits of practicing mindfulness. Insight Timer is a free app and a great place to start.
I'm doing better and I'm accepting the fact that my depression/anxiety are a part of who I am and most likely will be forever. I truly hope this helps someone, it's always going to be a challenge and we all need a big toolbox to help us meet those challenges. Thanks for reading, much love and warm wishes ❤️
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7 ReactionsThank you. Are you still on this chat?
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2 ReactionsYes, I check it from time to time
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1 ReactionSo nice to belong to this group. It is so omforting to know I am not alone in this weird new world that introduced itself to me. I understand everything you are saying. I feel I have no purpose. I am 83 and lost my husband almost 20 years ago and chose to remain single. I am sorry for your what you are going thru it is very hard. y GP Dr. took me off depressions meds and I am on Busprione? which is suppose to help with high anxiety. It has only been 2 weeks,, I thought it was starting to work but had been onmeds forbad sinus infection. UGH!!~ it made matters worse but of the predisone now. I pray so many times a day and feel the good lord says "Oh it is her again" More of us need to pray and let him know we love and appreciate him and feel badly for the world we now live in of rie and hate. Thanks for sharing!
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4 ReactionsMy dr. weened me off of Lexipro, It too a month todo this but she added another med that I am now on for 2 weeks. Tie will tell. It is not an easy road we are on...Prayers n meds will do it hopefully!
Sorry to read yur difficult days. Yes I do believe we are born with this horrible situation. Hereditary, my Mom had shock treatments hospitalized and many more mental issues her sister committed suicide, my sister also had issues like me and family.. Yes to me, we are born with this and as we get older it seems to go into full bloom. 🙁
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5 Reactionsdidgi1
I am new and am dealing with depression, anxieties and other health issues. Feeling like I should not be here. I am on antidepressants but still am really down and dealing with anxieties. Effexor is one of my medications, but I think I am having health issues with it. How do I really know?
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1 ReactionGet to a good doctor you can trust. Either a PCP or psychiatrist. Nurse Practioners in the psychiatric field are great too.
Don't be ashamed to share what is going on with you. If not in the field, discuss your concerns with a close friend. A lot of people on these boards are great listeners. Ask questions and educate yourself!
Don't feel bad if you have to go on some medications for your situation.
Hope this helps! Pat
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1 ReactionWanted to let you know some things you said were helpful to me. I would like to start mindfulness. Do you have any suggestions about a practice? I also think I need to accept that depression is a part of me as I’m 64 and it doesn’t seem to be going away. I hope you’re doing well.