Wellness

[PINKdogWOOD]

I hear that vroom vroom under the hood of your midlife crisis @Snowpuppy  Ms Snowpuppy!  Your's is called a beautiful Mustang.

Mine was a Honda S2000 ragtop some years ago.  Silverstone was the color, black leather interior - s very sweet ride.  Yeah I got the whistles.  Just slide right in to that bucket seat and press that button that begs you to 'start the engine'.  OOO LA LA what a sound...

[SilleeMee]

I'm 61 and post-meno. I found that changing up your diet can help considerably, especially decreasing carb intake because older people do not require as much.  The older you get, the more protein-dense food is a good thing. So consider this, too. Changing your eating habits at this stage in your life is important and many find it hard to do. I believe ignoring dietary changes at mid-life is the reason for the expanding waistlines many of us experience during our "change". 

Exercise is always a good way to boost mood.

The last thing I would do is take drugs and/or hormone replacement. Only if all else fails would I consider these options.

[drizzellla]

I am glad you have a therapist to share your concerns. I clearly am no professional. But I would like to share an experience in my own life. We got a dog about 3 years ago. And he likes to be walked.  Well, as a result I have met and talked to neighbors I never even saw before. But until DOG came into our lives we did not spend our days walking up and down the street or in local parks. It really is enjoyable. To talk to our neighbors, get some exercise (the dog likes to sprint home) and get out in the sun and beautiful surroundings.

We got the DOG from a rescue group. So we also volunteer for the group and attend numerous events.

It is enjoyable on several levels. And the DOG is one happy camper too.

[three4me]

Thank you all for the great suggestions and support you certainly gave me a lot to think about as I try and move forward. I will tell you my husband is busy at work, youngest is last year of middle school so doesn't really need me and my middle child is a senior in high school this year. She has always had special needs and i sitll worry about her future but even she is not as needy for me anymore. This concern may even hold me back a bit and add a level of anxiety for me as she has to make her way in the world too. My older son is in college and is very independent.  My husband thinks I should enjoy this time but he is motoring along at his work and too tired for me when he gets home. I am so lonely but I know alot is in my head and I want to cry alot. That was the reason I originally mentioned antidperessants. I will entertain that Thursday with my therapist. What was the name of that support group someone was king enough to post above but links are not allowed on here so i will try to find it? I am trying to find the positive in every day but then sadness sinks in and I am restless. I may look for a part time job but I can't shake the sadness and neglect I feel. I probably could use a good dose of self confidence too. I just don't want to become a needy burden to my husband and kids and I feel like that is where I am going. Thank you ladies again, I feel such wonderful support from folks who understad. I am menopausal ( went early) so that is probably not helping. Please keep the suggestions coming, I really appreciate them. Thank you.

[NeNe1010]

Yep, I remember when my last child moved out. I went to the grocery store to buy groceries and started crying and thought what is the point of buying groceries? It is just a new normal and you will adjust. Start thinking more about yourself and what you want. a new hobby maybe. A road trip with a friend? I hope you feel better soon.  

[ms traditional]

i would definitely check out possible hormonal changes.  when i got to your age i found that i saw dark when there was light -  and it was all because my body was entering menopause, not that i was losing my grip.   wishing you well.

[qualitygal]

My thought, have you been through menopause? It feels a lot like your description. You may want to visit the doctor to just check it out.

[SaRina]

I can only offer the tried and true (almost) cliches.  If you're feeling unneeded, useless, pointless, lonely....

-Volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, etc..

-Loving a pet changes one's life tremendously, whether dog or cat.

-Learn a meditation technique.  This will help you look inward, focus, clear your mind of unwanted thoughts, and to relax.

-Physcial exercise, of course.

-Gratitude journal or daily affirmations.  Either write 5 things you are grateful for in your life each day when you awaken or stand in front of the mirror and speak to yourself, "I am grateful for...",  "I am strong..." , "I am happy..." , "I can weather this storm..." , etc.  This type of practice has been proven to help, over time.

Personally, I would try any/all of the above before taking the easy way out and popping a pill, but that's me.

I hope you feel better soon!