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Are any other seniors experiencing a need to cry more often?
Aging Well | Last Active: Aug 12 3:06pm | Replies (85)Comment receiving replies
I never used to cry much, especially during childhood and young womanhood, despite major clinical depression/anxiety, except when my mother died then a daughter and then my husband and then a grandson and a son plus beloved dogs. Few tears otherwise until now at 77 with several chronic life-threatening diagnoses and failing to meet the challenges of routine housework and meal preparation. I'm so overwhelmed with real problems and realistic concerns that I feel like crying every day, several times a day, even though I seldom shed actual tears. My medical team, including PCP, nephrologist, psychiatrist and therapist all tell me that my sadness is normal for someone in my situation. But that doesn't make me feel less like crying. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer, just needed to share.
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Hi, your mind can only handle so many worries and thoughts. Once I attended a class and the first thing the instructor had us do was take five minutes for a "brain dump," writing down everything on our minds. I still do brain dump lists today and they really help me.
There’s a book written by Bonnie Ware called, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying - A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing” that’s probably available in your local library. The five regrets are:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish I had let myself be happier.
Lastly, I’ve posted this elsewhere but I enjoy walking my dog twice a day in the neighborhood. It’s a great excuse to exercise and see other dog walkers, children, contractors, people in their yards and the goings on in the community. If you don’t want a pet in your home, I’ve also read that people can volunteer at a pet rescue facility where animals need love, attention and training.
If pets aren’t your cup of tea, forest bathing might be a thought. The purpose is twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to screen burnout and inspire people to reconnect with and protect the forests. Forest bathing is not just for the wilderness-lover; the practice can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what’s around you.
I hope something here is helpful. Take good care.