topic Re: severe depression - any hope in Wellness

severe depression - any hope

gellen — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:46:27 GMT

I havse posted before about my severe depression - four months now. I can't seem to get any elief - I live alone and really can't handle it anymore. there are no other living options. It is is quite difficult tobe older, severly depressed and alone Have you found a way out if you have been in a similar situation? My neighbors are also quit unsympathetic so no help there. Thanks in advance. It makes me feel even worse to be in bed on these loely fall days. I somehow have managed to get to my part time job - 8 hours a week.

Re: severe depression - any hope

ahoymate — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:50:02 GMT

https://psychcentral.com/lib/depression-hotline-numbers/

Re: severe depression - any hope

nana59 — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:50:56 GMT

you need to go to your doctor...there are meds that can help you......

Re: severe depression - any hope

Hooty — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:57:26 GMT

@nana59 wrote:
you need to go to your doctor...there are meds that can help you......

Yes, please contact either your medical Dr. for a referral or your local Mental Health Office!

Re: severe depression - any hope

Jaspersmom — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:01:20 GMT

First and foremost, you need to be working with someone who can do a complete assessment of your problems and then develop a solid plan to address those challenges. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication if it is needed. If your depression is chemical, then meds should work well even if you have to try a few different ones. If your depression is situational (sadness, emptiness, loneliness, trauma, etc.), then you should be working with a therapist. You have to also help yourself. It's hard when you're depressed to be motivated to do anything, but you have to try. Many people live alone and handle life just fine. You need to move physically. Maybe take a short walk every day. You need to have contact with people, even if it's only through phone calls. You have to find diversions so you're not thinking about yourself 24/7. A hobby might help. However, none of this will mean anything unless you are evaluated first.

Re: severe depression - any hope

depglass — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:00:50 GMT

I don't know where you live, but there should be some form of community mental health services near you. They are usually calibrated to income. If you can't find anything, try calling your senior center and they might have some info. I have been where you are and there is hope you will come out of this. I did.

Re: severe depression - any hope

Bella2022 — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:02:56 GMT

@gellen wrote:
I havse posted before about my severe depression - four months now. I can't seem to get any elief - I live alone and really can't handle it anymore. there are no other living options. It is is quite difficult tobe older, severly depressed and alone Have you found a way out if you have been in a similar situation? My neighbors are also quit unsympathetic so no help there. Thanks in advance. It makes me feel even worse to be in bed on these loely fall days. I somehow have managed to get to my part time job - 8 hours a week.

PLEASE CALL YOUR PRIMARY DOCTOR. SHE WILL HELP YOU, I PROMISE!

Re: severe depression - any hope

NYCLatinaMe — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 03:29:00 GMT

Hi @gellen

Best wishes

Re: severe depression - any hope

gellen — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:31:31 GMT

My depression stems from regrets over past decisions to stay single and not have a family. I changed my tune a while fack but due to my age it is a little too late. My drs. arre providing meds and counseling but no one has touched upon my regrests. I don't see a future for me; but trying to stay positive. my psychiatrist has recommended iV ketmine with gets mixed reviews. What I really just need are people to be aruong the house with me!!

Re: severe depression - any hope

Shepherd — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:38:21 GMT

As someone mentioned, call a depression hotline. Maybe trying a new approach will help. The grass isn't greener on the otherside. Sounds easy to say, but we all just have to accept our path. It's the only way out of suffering.

Best to you.

Re: severe depression - any hope

Glittergal — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:41:02 GMT

Gemcd, My heart goes out to you. I suffer from moderate to severe situational depression, and it helps me to get outside for a few minutes each day. I also started hobbies to fill in my time a bit. Cooking, growing plants. Pets help me tremendously. My dog keeps me company and keeps me active by encouraging me to talk walks outside. I hope your pain is eased, and I hope you will follow up with your doctor.

Re: severe depression - any hope

redbird — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:48:48 GMT

Depression is treatable. You need to work with your doctor or mental health specialist to find the correct drug for you. If one doesn't work tell the doctor and get another one. There are several types of drugs to treat this disorder and sometimes it is trial and error to find the one that meets your needs. Being alone in these times no doubt makes you feel worse than you might otherwise. Since you are able to go to your part time job can you also try to find an errand that you can safely do each day....any interaction with other people however brief would benefit you. Can you phone or facetime/skype friends or family members? I know these things seem impossible but once your medication is properly adjusted things can and will get better. If your current provider hasn't helped you please seek out another professional. these are lovely fall days. Aim to take a walk each day if you can...even just half a block at first would help your mood. Walk around inside your house maybe a100 steps after each meal to start. I am not a medical professional nor have I suffered from clinical depression myself, but i was an activity supervisor working with depressed people and saw many people slowly get relief. My best wishes to you.

Re: severe depression - any hope

redbird — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:53:09 GMT

I would add after seeing your second post there is no such thing as being too old to find companionship.

Re: severe depression - any hope

NYCLatinaMe — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 03:29:37 GMT

...

Re: severe depression - any hope

KailaS — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:19:31 GMT

As others have noted: talk to your doctor soon. Meds may help. However, they take time to work, and may need to be adjusted.

Try also to do little things to help yourself--one positive step a day ( or every other day) at the start.

For instance, say hello to people you see or pass. Go for a walk-- even if you get only a block or two. If you do not want to go outside, march around your house or dance to one of your favorite upbeat songs. Sing a song that evokes positive memories at the top of your lungs.

Engage in something you always wanted to do. Don't overwhelm yourself. Make a loaf or two of bread, or make a pie, set out a bird feeder, repot some plants, make a Halloween wreath, buy a new shower curtain and towels and make your bathroom "autumn ready," even clean out your sock drawer. Having little goals may help you focus outside yourself.

Adopt a more mature dog or cat if you can and pamper that pet. Focusing on his/ her needs sometimes helps and may even help you interact with a neighbor or someone in the pet food aisle of the store.

Eat nutritious food--some fruit, veggies, yogurt or something that will make your body feel better.

Make your bed and get dressed every day. When you turn in at night, find one situation or event for which you are greatful.

Your journey may be long, but so what? You can do this. I hope you find someone ( a therapist or doctor?) who can help you make the journey a little easier. Good luck.

Re: severe depression - any hope

GenXmuse — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:22:20 GMT

Are you doing any talk therapy? That would be helpful in addressing your regret. Hugs to you.

Re: severe depression - any hope

Still Raining — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:22:24 GMT

If right now regrets are foremost in your mind, why not ask to speak to that first at your next session?

Can you ask for a review of your drugs to see if an addition or change would be beneficial?

You are your own best advocate.

As one old lady living alone to another, life can be good. Nice you have a job to look forward to.

Re: severe depression - any hope

mac116 — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:47:54 GMT

I think that I understand your situation. My sister dealt with severe depression for quite awhile before her meds were adjusted enough to help her. She was NOT honest with her psychiatrist for a long time about how and why she was feeling so low. Sending good thoughts your way.

Re: severe depression - any hope

Sweet Caroline 1 — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:05:23 GMT

@gellen, I would like you to come visit us at "Positive Thoughts September" thread. First go to "Among Friends" forums and scroll down and click on Positive Thoughts September. A lot of people come here to get their spirits lifted with quotes of positive messages. You can leave a positive thought for others if you like. Please come and visit and hopefully you will stay with us. You'll make a lot of caring friends, I promise. Also, there are other threads under "among friends" that you can visit and mingle with other good people. Please come and visit, Lots of love and hugs coming your way, SC

Re: severe depression - any hope

Sweet Caroline 1 — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:19:35 GMT