Hi 57 year old woman suffering anxiety and depression

[Angela15]

I am a 57 year old female who is suffering with anxiety and depression. I have been suffering on this occasion since December 2015 and initially lost my appetite, this has now become a major issue and I am constantly anxious as I know I have to eat.

[Agora1]

Hi Angela15, In this past year have you worked with a therapist or been on medications? Having a healthy body is a big part of feeling better both mentally and physically. A nutritionist along with your therapist would be the way to go. There are plenty of supplemental nutritional drinks that you can have in between small meals. It would help stabilize your metabolism. Try talking to your doctor regarding this. Wish you well..

[Angela15 in reply to Agora1]

Hi Agora1, thanks for your reply, took a long time to get hospital appointment with mental health team and as there is a long waiting list I have started CBT Therapy which I am having to fund privately. Haven't been referred to nutritionist but have started to have milkshake in evening which is roughly 150 calories. GP doesn't seem concerned at my weight, I have lost roughly a stone but am still within guidelines.

[Agora1 in reply to Angela15]

Angela15, I can understand the long wait for an appointment. CBT therapy will help but it does take work on your part. There is no magic pill or therapy that will get us through this. It just supports us. When I was hospitalized for my anxiety, I noticed that the hospital used a nutritional drink which supplemented the daily intake of vitamins and minerals as well as protein. The thing about having a milkshake is that there is so much sugar and fat vs protein and vitamins. I'm glad to see you are addressing your weight before it does become a health issue. You are on the track. Stay well!

[Angela15 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks again, I am also taking omega,3 and complex B vitamins in tablet form, take your point about milkshake, using Nesquik so will check container re sugar. How long did you spend in hospital, you must have been really bad, feel for you, was that a long while ago and are you better, if so what worked for you, know it is different for every person.

[Agora1 in reply to Angela15]

Angela15, actually 1 month with intense therapy and medications. That's been 6 years ago and I'm back to being "me" again. It's a great feeling. It's a good life. P.S. what worked for me was positive thinking, deep breathing and relaxation became a part of my life several times a day. Continued phone therapy while being agoraphobic and venturing out little by little. It takes time and as you said each of us is different so never be defeated by someone else's success. My best

[Angela15 in reply to Agora1]

You are an inspiration, thank you.

[sunnyg]

I too have loss of appetite and supplement with a protein drink and organic fruit and veggies in it. I can get good vitamins and minerals and nutrition from it. Sometimes I can eat, but most of the time it's dang hard to. I can get down yogurt and bananas. Drink lots of water and try to only drink healthy shakes and take a good probiotic for your tummy.

[Angela15 in reply to sunnyg]

Thanks sunnyg

[Stay_strong85]

I just want to personally give you my love...my mom is your age. Life is not easy, but just keep the faith. You will overcome this. 😚I struggle with ya. 🤗

[Angela15 in reply to Stay_strong85]

Thanks for your kind words.

[Paulina21]

Angela 15

Do you have a close person you can talk to ?

If you have very bad times you really need someone .

This is such an horrid thing , lots of people on this site are suffering badly ,

Seek professional help if you have no one and can't cope .

Stay on touch if you need a rock

Hugs to you

Xx

[Angela15 in reply to Paulina21]

I have my husband who is wonderful and it is him I feel for he just wants me to get better, I have tried so hard but then get days like this when I feel I can't go on,meds don't seem to work, so obsessed about food and not wanting to eat.

[Paulina21]

Have you tried Amitriptyline ?

Helped me a lot ..or maybe you need to keep trying different ones till one might suit you .

Don't give up , fight this dark dog that lives to come and wreck our lives ...

Maybe counselling might help , samaritians , there 24/7 service , will phone you back if financial problems .

Can give false name and can talk to same people if they can manage it .

Are you in the U.K. .

[Paulina21]

Ps

Do you have children / grandchildren ?

[Angela15 in reply to Paulina21]

No children, but 14 nephew's and nieces between us who nearly all have children of their own. I have a lovely family and could have a lovely life, no money worries, don't know why I have to be like this xxx. Thanks for your concern, how are you, what's your story?

[Paulina21 in reply to Angela15]

Hi

Feel I have a picture , having loving family and no financial issues can help ,but still doesn't make everything ok , anxiety comes to poor , rich and comfortable ...

I have 2 sons , flown nest but live near and a grandma with a gorgeous 14 month granddaughter ..

I am feeling better then

I did a few months back , had a relapse last week , GP up meds from 10 to 20 mg ..

I get frightened it might stop working altogether , having acupuncture as well , suppose to help anxiety ..

Keeping busy or being around friends / family helps , stops you dwelling on anxiety issues ..

Each day can be an effort , try to be seeing someone each day as I am on my own through the week .

No idea how bad anxiety can be , it is horrid and wrecks people's lives ...

[Angela15 in reply to Paulina21]

I have acupuncture as well and am finding CBT privately but nothing seems to be working. You take care and thanks for all your concern.

[Paulina21 in reply to Angela15]

Hope you can find something at somepoint that helps ..

It is so hard and feel for you ,

Still have bad days/ moments at times but not all the time ..

Hate this thing in my life ...

Take care also

Does your acupuncturist have hope it will help ? They can tell by your pulses : posture / mobility , tongue

for changes ...

I do it as it gives me hope ..

had about 6 /7 sessions up to now ..

[Angela15 in reply to Paulina21]

I like the acupuncture it's very relaxing, glad it is helping you.

[Angela15]

I do live in Wales in UK, when to A and E once and saw Crisis Team but they just sent me home with diazapan