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Managing Lifelong Mental Health as a Senior
I have just started using this site so this is my first message.
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I have just started using this site so this is my first message.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.
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Johnjames, thank you so much for sharing your story and feelings. And thank you for your service in the military. For me, when someone is real, and shares the secrets of their heart, the things that hurt and the horrific images that haunt us, it makes me, at least, feel like I am not alone. I like what you said about finding a real and non-judgemental friend. I am thinking you have experienced what I have. Some, no, many, of my friends and family are not comfortable being around me or even calling me. This was highlighted when my son hanged himself. I did not know his apartment had not been cleaned when I walked into it. I did not know that I was walking on his blood. And I did not know that this horrific event would turn people away from me because they did not know what to say. So, i am still looking for that real friend, who is not judgemental, and is always there, with prayer and kindness. Blessings.
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4 Reactions@colleenyoung- I think we would have to take into consideration how long we have been depressed and was their a diagnosis . For example, ( first-let me say there are many examples and cases, mine is only one of hundreds ) I was diagnosed over 11 years ago- because of PTSD and all the wars and death I and my buddy went through over a period of 35 years, So - my depression is getting worse I know, and it could very well be because of getting older, of Parkinson's itself, Serious illnesses within the family and much more. ANd -as you said, not being able to do the things we used youi- is really a hard one. Thanks for sharing JJAMES
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4 ReactionsJJames - my heartfelt thanks for sharing.
@jimhd How did the appointment with your pain specialist go?
I'd like to hear more about your service dog and what s/he means to you and what service s/he brings to your health and healing. Can you tell us more?
Thank you, I appreciate the chat room more than I can say- it is a real Blessing and God sent. JJAMS
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2 ReactionsI very much like the pain specialist. He's worked hard to find a way to get relief for me. My service dog is still in training. I had to find a new one after my previous dog died suddenly and unexpectedly in February of last year. He had been my partner his last 5 years. A mental health worker recommended a service dog, and I trained the dog I rescued as a puppy. I found resources online to learn what services he could provide to be a legitimate service dog. He helped me through panic attacks and with depression, and PTSD. Sadie, my two year old McNabb, is taking his place and is learning to know me, to know when I need her. She's a psychiatric service dog. We're very much attached. I felt the connection when I first knelt and held her at the shelter. It was a time when I needed her, just 3 weeks after Barnabas died. Barnabas had a stroke or some other brain event, and I had to put him down. I mourned for a long time, and still feel the loss a year later. If anyone wants to know more about service dogs, it just takes a Google search. No certification is required, though there are lots of people online offering certificates. It's a scam. And too many people believe that they can call their pet a service dog, but it's only a companion dog. The animal has to be trained to provide a recognized service, and a list of possible services can be found at http://www.servicedog.com. There are several requirements as to behavior, basic commands and dog etiquette. Whenever I go to a restaurant or doctor's office, I hear from people who work there that they can tell when it's a true service dog. I've heard horror stories.
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4 ReactionsThanks, @johnjames I agree! I find it very helpful to be able to put my thoughts, feelings and fears into written form. It is very cathartic, isn't it? Teresa
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1 Reaction@jimhd That is wonderful that you have found both companionship and assistance! Thanks for sharing the service dog webiste. I have heard from others that it is a great help for those who have PTSD. Best wishes for the new year! Teresa
Thank you for telling us more about Sadie and Barnabas. You may enjoy reading about Craig (@v1crew) and Saoirse, who are in training with one another since late last year. http://mayocl.in/2jNt67n
Johnjames, thanks so much for telling us about the pain specialist . i am praying that you will have more and more strength each day. I did not know that there are service dogs specifically for psych issues. I am going to look that up. My english bulldog serves the purpose for now. I lost my bassette hound last year at the age of 14. Long life for a bassette. My chow mix had also passed 6 months earlier. I got my puppy before gracie died because i knew i wouldn't do well when she passed. I stayed with my chow, louie, and of course with gracie as i had to make the decision to let each of them go. I still can't look at their pictures because it is still too traumatic. But louie did live 11 years which is long for his breed.
Oh...i used to work in rehab/hospice/alzeiheimers (wrong spelling there) facilities and we brought in petting zoos for our patients. We actually brought into the building and even up the elevator a llama, goat, pigs and rabbits and all sorts of unusual animals. They sat on the beds (well, not the llama and goat)! And everyone came out of their yukky mental and physical stuff they were dealing with. Even me! I carried a baby pig around all day but, unfortunately, the zoo wouldn't let me take him home. They found me hiding in a closet with him but they heard his squeeks through the door and found us.
It sounds like you have a loving wife and your comment about not wanting to leave her alone to suffer if you were "not here" is extremely compassionate and sensitive. Those who take their own lives have no idea of the life-long trauma they leave for their loved ones. It sounds like, even though you live with such mental and physical pain, you put your family first, and friends. Please keep us informed as to what is happening with you. You are definitely a role model and i feel encouraged when you share. Blessings.
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