Depression and Anxiety at an older age

didgi1
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?

Get 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

Wanted 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.

I'm glad to be of some help, you can start practicing mindfulness very simply by focusing on breathing practices for a few short minutes, gradually increasing time. I mentioned the free app Insight Timer; it actually has beginners meditations available. I'm doing pretty good, some days are more challenging than others - to be expected. Sleep is troublesome for me, when I'm able to get proper sleep I generally feel better. This seems more difficult the older I become. Best of luck and I hope you're able to begin some meditation practice. BTW I've added simple yoga, Tai chi and Q-gong as part of my tool chest and find them to be helpful additions

Thanks. Do you do the yoga and other practices at home or go to a gym or someplace? I have checked into Insight Timer. It looks great. Looks like there’s a free version and one you pay for. Thanks for sharing the information. I appreciate it.

You’re welcome, I use the app for some of the Q gong and a lot of yoga I prefer is simple stretches. I’ve two replacements (ankle & hip) that limit some mobility. Insight Timer is very user friendly and a terrific community of people/teachers; I used free version for three years and opted for paid one last year because it offers numerous short courses I liked. Best of luck moving forward!

I am 87 years old and have been treated for it with different meds for 45 years now. Lately I am really very depressed although on both Duloxitine and Buproprian. Because of my age and health, I recently moved 90 miles from my home to live with my son and daughter-in-law which means I no longer see any of the few friends I still have. I’ve also given up driving because I have a poor sense of direction and I’m no longer in a familiar area. I now live in a rural area meaning doctors are quite distant. I see 4 doctors, each every 3 months. I have to rely on my son to take me to my appointments. He never complains, but he has things to do and his own responsibilities. Therefore, I don’t want to impose on him anymore than I already am. I think I need to see a psychiatrist because my meds may need to be changed and I could also use some talk therapy. As one of my doctors can only be seen via a tv visit as there isn’t any one of that specialty in this area, I’m afraid it will be the same.
Because of my numerous health problems, my previous primary doctor knew of my depression. But I’m afraid my new primary will think I’m just imaginating another ailment although he does have my records of the last 15 years. I’m at a loss of what to do.

Good evening @courtneys45, I just came across your post about Busprione. Interesting. I have been diagnosed with high anxiety and was using Duloxetine. About a month ago, I was struggling with more anxiety and my PCP recommended Buspirone. It works well for me and I have been able to calm down more easily. That makes it easier to live day by day.

I also found out that my granddaughter takes Buspirone for the invasive thoughts she has as a result of OCD. I hope you will be very kind to yourself and let the medication do what it is supposed to do. I remind myself frequently to just let go. Distractions also help.

Are you also taking prednisone now? Does that present a conflict?

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

As a man who is in 80th year (Note that I didn't say I'm 79 -- like the school kid who completed her 6th grade would say: I'm in 7th grade, I am quite happy to up the number my age, with no negative associations At ALL) I rarely see doctor, take no meds or have tests done, But I am able to climb 14 floors in my apartment stairwell, walk each day at least half hour and do strength flexibility and balance exercises every day. I eat close to no meat, mostly plant based balanced food, all for a cost of within 10$ a day. (I bought 15 lbs potatoes for 4$ for my carbs, always buy on-sale) I get up each day to First find out How to find friends. The current Surgeon General says healthy social connections are essential for health both physical and mental. I know I still have no social contacts, but it only spurs me to dedicate more effort...IF not now, when? I sleep well knowing I spent my day on what's most important for me. I'd a bad one day anxiety attack, but no depression ever. There are many who are worse of...think of rhose in Sudan, Syria, South America, and Asia. So I'm grateful and allow some PLAY, physical and mental, each day in my life. Lifestyle helps most to stave off most diseases and disabilities. I hope you find it encouraging. Good luck!

Wow, very inspirational. You are a great example of "we are what we eat" and seeking / maintaining friends. What many people don't realize is that if they eliminated all the awful foods they eat, they would probably be able to eliminate many if not most of their prescription meds and they would feel much better too!