Managing Lifelong Mental Health as a Senior

Hi there and I add my "welcome" to all the others. This is a wonderfully safe place to come during those down times and in the up times. I, too, am a senior woman - 72 - and I just moved about 1-1/2 years ago from MD to VA to be closer to my 2 girls. I've been very unhappy here and wish I'd have stayed in MD, but what's done is done, and now it's for me to adjust. My kids don't want to hear anything about how I'm feeling .... I think they're afraid they'll "catch" it. Well, it can be genetic ..... my mother was bi-polar and medicated herself with alcohol. She died at age 60 of liver failure. Watching all that, and growing up as an abused (in every form) only child, I have never touched a drop of alcohol. Being depressed at our ages isn't easy but it isn't for anyone. I guess I just thought that at 72, my life would be all peaches and roses (WHAT was I thinking???), and, surprise, it's not. But, on we trudge my friend ..... just know you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here, older folks dealing with depression. You've got plenty of company, my friend. Stick with us ..... you'll find these people safe and wise.
abby

Hi there and I add my "welcome" to all the others. This is a wonderfully safe place to come during those down times and in the up times. I, too, am a senior woman - 72 - and I just moved about 1-1/2 years ago from MD to VA to be closer to my 2 girls. I've been very unhappy here and wish I'd have stayed in MD, but what's done is done, and now it's for me to adjust. My kids don't want to hear anything about how I'm feeling .... I think they're afraid they'll "catch" it. Well, it can be genetic ..... my mother was bi-polar and medicated herself with alcohol. She died at age 60 of liver failure. Watching all that, and growing up as an abused (in every form) only child, I have never touched a drop of alcohol. Being depressed at our ages isn't easy but it isn't for anyone. I guess I just thought that at 72, my life would be all peaches and roses (WHAT was I thinking???), and, surprise, it's not. But, on we trudge my friend ..... just know you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here, older folks dealing with depression. You've got plenty of company, my friend. Stick with us ..... you'll find these people safe and wise.
abby

Hi there and I add my "welcome" to all the others. This is a wonderfully safe place to come during those down times and in the up times. I, too, am a senior woman - 72 - and I just moved about 1-1/2 years ago from MD to VA to be closer to my 2 girls. I've been very unhappy here and wish I'd have stayed in MD, but what's done is done, and now it's for me to adjust. My kids don't want to hear anything about how I'm feeling .... I think they're afraid they'll "catch" it. Well, it can be genetic ..... my mother was bi-polar and medicated herself with alcohol. She died at age 60 of liver failure. Watching all that, and growing up as an abused (in every form) only child, I have never touched a drop of alcohol. Being depressed at our ages isn't easy but it isn't for anyone. I guess I just thought that at 72, my life would be all peaches and roses (WHAT was I thinking???), and, surprise, it's not. But, on we trudge my friend ..... just know you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here, older folks dealing with depression. You've got plenty of company, my friend. Stick with us ..... you'll find these people safe and wise.
abby

When you go through mental illness it is a life changing experience. I know it has been for me. All we can do is be strong and talk to our Lord and ask for his strength and ask for him to hold you in his arms. I get great comfort from that.
Your in my prayers
Patti

Hello @georgette12 and welcome to Mayo Connect. You have joined a wonderful online community of folks who are interested in health topics and sharing information about what has helped and encouraged them. Please feel free to share with us as to what brought you to Mayo Connect. Is there a specific health issue you or a family member/freind is dealing with? All of us came to Mayo Connect as a result of some health-related issue and we have found support and help along the journey. We look forward to getting to know you! Best wishes. Teresa

Hi, I only just joined and have not a clue why other than I am old and have treatment resistant depression and PTSD. Other things too. Also feeling foolish coming here.