Depression and Anxiety at an older age

@sisyphus Wow, you’re doing great! My mother lived to be 99 and didn’t stop quilting until she was 96! I like the suggestions you’ve been given here, especially those by @audriana. You can also check for senior centers in your area. There are always activities going on.
Will you ask your son if he can help you do some exploring? Then, tell me what you find out!

I am so so sorry you are having these issues. Most do not understand the pain and anxiety we are face with. My mind was unable to shut down thoughts ran thru my mind rapidly never at peace. I went off antidepression pi;=ll and have been on large dose of Buspar for anxiety plus xanax after 3 weeks I ave seen a results...not there yet but one day at a time my friend.

It's hard to look ahead. Try to help someone else 🙂

Start with one problem?

I agree about trying to help someone else. I volunteer at a food basket once a week for a few hours. Seeing some of those clients gives me good perspective on the blessings in my own life.

So hard at an older age to keep a positive attitude but it can be done. And I totally agree - it is hard to focus on your own feelings/problems when you are focusing on others. Good for you! Volunteering for others is the right path!

I am sorry you are suffering. I do understand long term depression. It sounds like your doctor has you on a good plan with your meds. I would stick to this for a couple months to see if it will truly help. No medicine can help us without a good trial. I have head of Sam E but it does interact with my duloxetine so I do not take it. I use a Happy Light everyday while I eat breakfast or lunch. You can google that. It is an intense light that is nothing like the light bulbs used around the house. Google Bright Light Therapy. I spent $45.00 on one, and it has been the best investment in my health. Public Libraries also have ones you can check out, to give it a try.

I plan to get a Happy Light from Amazon next week. Do you just put it in front of your and just stare at it? Does it hurt your eyes? Does the room have to be dark or does it work in a normal daylight? How does it make you feel better? How does it work to do that? Does it really feel like you have your face looking up at the sun?

That is too many questions for me to answer, LOL. Just Google 'bright Light Therapy' or 'how does a bright light therapy help me' You do not look directly at the light. Mine is the size of a computer tablet. I put it on a table facing my face, about 18 inches away, while I eat a meal. You should start just 5 minutes a day. It does not have any heat, to feel like the sun. If your eyes burn, something is wrong and you should put it further away from you while you use it. It is not a lamp and you should always turn it off, after your timed amount. I have used mine every day for about 3 years. Be sure you are ordering from a reputable site, like Verilux. Amazon has MANY sellers on their website, some are not reputable.

Hi I would like to join your conversations with this group. So much to learn from comments like yours and others in the same situation. Different Dr, PCP, been prescribed all kinds of different kinds of Meds and I am now experiencing some sides effects from them and others meds that I am on. Not getting any younger but I am not Dead yet. Still going to keep my head Up. Thxs for listening.