Hello

[Kajohns]

Hi I'm Kathy a 66 year old women. I've been on leave from work for a long time because of depression anxiety and panic attacks. I'm really suffering

[2knowme]

It is time for you to retire and focus on you! Start with maybe some breathing techniques and work your way to light exercises. Go get a full body massage, Mani & Pedi a new outfit and find someone to have dinner and a movie with...Your BFF or good male friend! Time for you to live honey! Be a little selfish and focus on YOU!

[Kajohns in reply to 2knowme]

First of all o can't retire I live by my self and can't afford it. I don't know how old you are but if you can you need savings for retirement SS won't do it. I wasn't smart enough to think ahead But I agree I need to focus on me and take care of my self I just moved to a new area a year ago and this illness hit me soon after. I'm better then I was but I'm not where I need to be thank you for your support I am going shopping this weekend

[2knowme in reply to Kajohns]

Please forgive for assuming by your age, that you were ready to retire...

[Kajohns in reply to 2knowme]

There's nothing to apologize for I just even if I could I wouldn't I need to work just to keep me goin my kids are all grown and even the grand kids are to an age where they do their own thing I know they love me and are always glad to see me but they have their own friends and school.

[gogogirl in reply to Kajohns]

How is the new area you moved to? Do you have connections there? Hey, I am the same age, and can relate. Man, does life pass by quickly.

[Kajohns in reply to gogogirl]

I love the new area I moved from around Ann Arbor mi to knoxville. The people are very nice I love my new apt it's huge when I moved I gave away all my furniture and bought new stuff. I really have a great life my son accepted a professorship at the university of Tennessee This depression and anxiety stuff has thrown my for a loop. I've been away from work for almost a year. Time flies

[lex95]

Hi kathy.

my name is lexi and i am 21 yrs old. since around thanksgiving this past year my anxiety, depression, and panic attacks have been the worst theyve ever been. i took time off work too. I have family members that struggle too and they pushed me to build my strength and get back to work. luckly i have a very strong support system at work and that helped, but in all honesty getting back to work is going to be hard, but its going to help you so much, it gives you a purpose and somewhat of a distraction. just remeber that you have a support system right here and if you need to talk someone is always here.

[Kajohns in reply to lex95]

I know o have to get back to work soon I've tried a couple times and only made it a day or two but I'm going to a new therapist and I'm confident he's going to get me further than the others. Thanks for letting me know some one is there to support me

[lex95]

you've got this

[Kajohns in reply to lex95]

I do !!👍💖

[Lostjoy]

Hi Kathy,

I'm sorry you are suffering. I know it can be debilitating at times. Did you ever have depression, and anxiety earlier in life? Or did it just recently start? It is very scary.

I am 53, and just started having this stuff this year. I think it's a bunch of stuff piling up on me at once. I am panicked over not having retirement money as well. There is no way we can save anything right now for retirement, and we just purchased a house in a new area not close to anyone we know in order to be close to work. We used what retirement we had for a down payment. I miss my family and friends terribly.

I would not wish anxiety and depression on my worst enemy.

[Kajohns in reply to Lostjoy]

I'm sorry anyone has to suffer with this. I had panic attacks 32 years ago after my dad passed but I was able to fight thru it with no meds and I've also had my low times I was surprised to find out my daughter in law could see them coming. She'd tell my son when I was going into a low period. This time it's hit me like nothing I've ever had But like the fight song says I still got a lot of fight left in me

[gogogirl in reply to Lostjoy]

It's very sad that people in the US have to leave family and friends in order to work. I am in my sixties, and can relate to the retirement thing. It's very scary. With politicians always blabbling about family values then communities breaking up because people have to move is ridiculous. And now with automation so that companies can make more profits.

[Kajohns in reply to gogogirl]

I followed my son here so I can stay near to family. He moving ahead in his care and I've worked for Walmart for 27 years and can transfer anywhere I held several different positions with the company so at my age I've dropped back to part time and want a position with little responsibility this illness has thrown me for a loop

[Hidden]

I'm so sorry for your suffering and everyone else who suffers as do I just like you. It is very hard but give thanks to God for another to fight and pray for peace and strength, and I do everyday. I will pray for you and us all. Feel better love you have alot of life in you, keep fighting and pushing through. Take care 💕

[Kajohns in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I have a lot of fight left in me an I'm determined to make it thru

[Hidden in reply to Kajohns]

You do, and you will. We are all rooting for you. ☺

[Kajohns in reply to Hidden]

This helps. 🙏🏻🌸

[menagerie11]

Hi Kajohns. I am 65 and was off work for four months due to anxiety and depression. I went back to work about two months ago, and although it is hard, it does help. There is interaction with people and a feeling of accomplishment, despite having to live with the symptoms. In my case, my worst symptoms are internal shakiness and lack of appetite. I have health anxiety and am sometimes afraid to do things in case "something" happens. I tell myself that it is only anxiety and that with God's help, I can do it (whatever it might be). I am seeing a therapist and am on meds. and both help. I am not ready to retire either. First, I can't afford it right now and second, I am not ready psychologically. I used to be involved in volunteering for organizations but haven't been doing that since the anxiety disorder hit. So I have to rebuild my life outside of work so that when I do retire, I am not retiring into a void. The idea of retiring into a void with no connections is very scary to me. I often wonder what other people do with their time, but I know that the anxiety is interfering for me and that there are lots of things that I could do....just not right now. It's one step at a time for me. Even going out for dinner with friends or family is an accomplishment. There is help through cognitive behaviour programs and meds. - don't know if you have tried those but it might be something to consider. You are not alone - there are many of us coping with anxiety and depression. Wishing you all the best.

[Kajohns in reply to menagerie11]

Thank you for your words. I feel I'm on a road back to life. I look in the mirror and see this person and the emptiness in her eyes but I am getting better I've tried to go back to work a couple times and I've failed I do need to find some place to spend my time

[menagerie11]

We all need to have a place to go and people to interact with. I do hope that you are successful in your third attempt at returning to work. As a back-up, consider volunteering. It might help to do some short-term volunteering to get you back into the swing of things. We are social beings and we need to spend time with other people. In the meantime, thank God for the internet. At least we can connect with people that way!

[Kajohns in reply to menagerie11]

That's a great idea. I'm going to check around and see if there is something I can do just a few hours a week thanks

[KrierandRosie]

I am 64 and retired from my job at 62. I wrongly thought I could find something part time but it seems no one will hire me. I don't have as many skills as younger people. This makes depression worse. If you have a job, try to keep it. So now I have money problems.

[Kajohns in reply to KrierandRosie]

I work for Walmart I have for27 years. Have you tried there. Walmart hires almost everyone