More anxious

[loveletters]

I am 71 and noticed I have been more anxious than when I was younger. Does anyone else feel this way? I have been depressed and on meds for over thirty years.

[Arymretep]

Hi there, yes for me definitely , I’m 74 and these past few years since covid really my anxiety has worsened , actually I think covid has made it worse being unable to get out and about and it’s not gone away, I. Don’t. Think life will ever be the same as before, I was put on antidepressants around that time , thankfully I’ve been able to cut them right back now, I’m glad yours have helped you too, take care

[LadyZen]

I notice it more as I get older. I just figured it was because I'm more aware of the bad things that could happen. Whereas when I was younger, I had less life experience.

[Agora1]

loveletters, when we've been on medication for that length of time, it is important

to have a recheck with your doctor regarding the meds, dosage as well as how you

might be metabolizing them as you age.

There is truth to the fact that as we grow older, we may not do as well on the same

medication and dosage that we did when younger. Just a thought but one worth

looking into. My best to you xx

[Pearl67]

i was ggoing to say the same, Agora! Also, as we age we lose the ability to digest our food the same and get all our nutrients so vitamin D and B12 levels really need a look.

Also, limit news and social media. Older people are using it just as much as youth now, as a way to fell less lonely, but it is creating big problems for them.

[Naturegirl60]

I'm 60 and notice things are more intense.. Not fun.

[punkster]

I am 63 and my anxiety started to ramp up after menopause. I went through menopause late at age 59. Covid didn't help things, like another poster said. I am convinced that it is a change in brain chemistry. My Mom had the same thing, but it manifested itself in giant hives. She didn't know she was anxious, but she never sat still and would clean the house compulsively for hours. I suppose I'm thankful that I don't have hives. Even so, anxiety, and the way it makes you feel, REALLY stinks. I have come up with all kinds of coping strategies and most days they work, but some days nothing works. I am on low dose hormone therapy, and it seems to help a little. If I get super anxious I take CBD gummies (no THC). I always have Ativan to use as a back up, but I don't enjoy the side effects, so I rarely take it. Antidepressants didn't work for me, as they altered my reality so much that I couldn't stand the way I felt. To sum it up, aging stinks. But then again, what is the alternative?

[Scott1951]

I have felt more anxiety as I have aged (now 72) but the world has changed a lot in that time, too.. I'm thinking of the political division we are experiencing, the threats of domestic violence, the very real possibility of a nuclear war with Russia, North Korea or China; pandemics, decreased social connection, etc. Can anyone live today without some anxiety and depression? Maybe a good portion of our suffering isn't so much psychological as just a common sense reaction to the state of the world. Sorry, don't mean to be a downer!

[Bastian7]

I see this in my mother, who is 76. She used to be very pragmatic, and tackle things head-on without much overthinking or worry. Now she is much more insecure, withdrawn, and mentions 'fear'/'afraid' quite often when we talk on the phone (we live in different countries).

I am sometimes impatient with her when I think that her fears are irrational or seem exaggerated, but I try to remind myself that I am no longer dealing with the same person my mother was 20, or even 10 years ago. I also try to encourage her and give her kudos for the things she does well.