New Here

[Trek6000]

Hello,

I found this website in a workbook on depression. I am 67 years young. I have been suffering with depression for a good deal of my life. Looking here to see and exchange different techniques to help. Also just to have friends who understand.

[Agora1]

Welcome Trek6000 to the support forum.

Keep that positive attitude "I am 67 years young" and you will meet

many caring men and women who share your struggles with Depression.

I'm glad you are here with us. xx

[blackcat64013]

Welcome to the site from me in Australia. 🐨 I am taking the approach that age is just a number as I approach the 60s. Those of us who are older can offer suggestions which work for us but may not suit everyone, especially the degrees of physical activity. I have found when I have moments of reflection, you learn so much about yourself, even depression.

My motto is talk (with friends & therapist) and walk (move it or lose it).

[Trek6000 in reply to blackcat64013]

So you are from down under. Thanks for writing! I too love to walk it really helps with the depression. I like your expression “move it or lose it”

A coworker also told me “depression can’t hit a moving target” you and her are right. I didn’t go for my walk today as we are expecting some strong thunderstorms. I don’t mind the rain but not the lightning. So far today I am stable and without depression. My doctor is STILL trying different meds and I have a therapist, but over the years I tried most of the strategies.

John

[blackcat64013 in reply to Trek6000]

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I get nervous about lightning too.

To the best of my knowledge doctors now have so many more meds to choose from than 20 years ago when Prozac was the new wonder drug. No wonder they can't work out the best one for our different bodies. My doctor has combined meds under advice of a psychiatrist. If the black dog of depression comes back, it might be worth trying, if you haven't already.

I am getting ready to return to seniors sports, starting with field hockey which was my passion for 30 years. All the best

[Trek6000 in reply to blackcat64013]

It sounds like you have your depression under control?

[KrierandRosie]

I am also 67. I struggle with anxiety and depression, also. It is there forever, not bad every day. Different days bring different issues. I am from two dysfunctional parents, and have had to find my own way to live with this all of my life. You can email me if you would like that. Where do you live? I am in Ohio.

[Trek6000 in reply to KrierandRosie]

Hi I am from Pennsylvania. I too am a child of difficult parents . My mother was abusive to me. Though it took awhile I am now over that. I came to realize that she couldn’t help it. She was perhaps mentally disturbed.

[KrierandRosie in reply to Trek6000]

My mother verbally abused me and beat me with her fists. I think mine was also mentally ill. She would go through phases. She could sit on a chair and stare into space for hours, no emotions. Cold as ice.

[SunIsShining]

Welcome!

[FMsocial]

Welcome! You've come to a good place. The people are very supportive. I am 70 and have been struggling since I was little. I finally found a therapist who is actually helping me. It's hard to face all the problems head on, but we are getting through it. Exercise is also reccommended and she checks with me every week to make sure I'm doing it. It's hard because I have a really bad back and can't walk long distances. Household work is hard as I have to stop in the middle to rest my back. But I am trying.

My parents were not abusive, just too busy to give me the attention that I needed. As the youngest child of 5, I was always the last one, never getting to do what I wanted, always what my sisters wanted--or else in my room all alone.

Sorry about the long reply. I would be glad to help you any way I can. Take care.

[Bettikins]

Hi Trek6000 , Welcome to this site. I am new here as well. It is great that we can support each other and know that we are not the only one experiencing depression. I am a young 68, am in good physical health, walk 5 kms a day, and have found depression setting in just for the last month. I have already had to change meds. I try to be positive, socialize as much as possible during covet, and count my blessings. Waiting for this 'fog' to lift. How are you today?

[Trek6000 in reply to Bettikins]

Hi Bettikins, just got back from my morning walk. I found walking helps with my depression. I am on new meds and though not perfect they are helping a little bit. It is very hot and humid here and that makes me feel a little worse with the depression. This depression has been going on too long and I get worried it will never go away!

[Bettikins]

Hello Trek6000,

I find that walking helps with the depression as well. I try to observe everything as I walk - trees, houses, cars, squirrels anything to distract me. I am able to walk to a major great lake and it is interesting to see how it changes everyday.

Then when I return home I feel good for the exercise but at times the bad old thoughts prevail. Any suggestions?

[Trek6000 in reply to Bettikins]

Bettikins, have you tried meditation? Or mindfulness meditation?

It works for me. Not a cure all but it helps. You are lucky to be able to walk to a lake. By you observing all the things you see on your walk that is all part of mindfulness.