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How do you manage depression (50+ )?

Posted , 5 users are following.

molly8693
molly8693

I decided to manage without medication.

I don't think they help as they don't really treat the depression.

Plus there are side effects and weight gain.

Talking therapies weren't of much help either.

I wasn't fortunate in finding a therapist that I could work with.

I suffer from mood changes and a continual sadness.

Anxiety, irritability and sleep problems drain my energy.

But try to carry on as well as I cain although is hard to focus

and function.  Getting older and becoming ill also scares me.

I am married but feel alone..

 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • peter01729
    peter01729 molly8693

    Posted

    I dont manage it, tried to escape via suicide but couldnt bare it long enough, I have always been alone, meds do not work as it is not a chemical imbalance but circumstances that cause my depression, talking theraphy helped me see the utter hopelessness of my situation.
    • molly8693
      molly8693 peter01729

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Peter.  So sorry you have to struggle and your situation hasn't improved yet. Yes circumstances and loneliness do affect us.

      I don't know what exactly is wrong with me and if it is chemical imbalance or not.  Psychiatrist didn't tell me much.

      I just saw she put down "recurrent depression".  

      Are you considereing to have some more talking therapy.

      Maybe that is the right thing for you and not the medication.

      How long have you been suffering from D?

      Do you have any interest that you can enjoy?

      I think that can help us but not easy doing anything when

      we are feeling rotten.

      Best wishes, Molly

    • peter01729
      peter01729 molly8693

      Posted

      Hi Molly, I will be getting some more "therapy" following last weeks attempt, but know nothing can be done, I was taught by my mother to hate myself nearly 60 years ago, the depression has always been there though it can be managed when younger via friends, work, interests and the hope that one day you will find somebody to love and raise the family you always wanted to be part of. But that hope has faced reality and being off work with a bad heart this year has shown me what my iminant retirement is going to be like.

      I filled my empty life with lots of hobbies and interests but now days I just want to sit and look at the floor.

    • molly8693
      molly8693 peter01729

      Posted

      Hi Peter,

      I understand you would have liked to have your own family and kids but even if you had done, there wouldn't have made much difference.  Family and kids mean also stress, pressures and also various problems. A parent's depression also affects the kids.  So, in a way one can be free not having to deal with all the extra issues.

      Not having a work cuts us off socialising and the feeling of being alone kreeps in.  I am myself retired and considering doing voluntary work.  Giving support to other people can make us a lot of good to our confidence and give us purpose and fulfillement.

      Hope you have a good doc and treatment for your heart problems.

      It is hard to get over such chilldhood traumas as you mention.

      It is weird how negative experiences of childhood can pursue us still after so many years...  Try to give a go to this therapy, you never know.

      I find writing down thoughts before therapy helped to have a more focussed  and better session.

      Don't forget how fortunate we are these days to have

      technology in our lives.  We can make friends and find some relief.  So, do let us know how you are getting on.  There are people here who would understand what you go through and would like to share.

      Hope you have a better day and you get a therapist you like.

       

  • darren_88404
    darren_88404 molly8693

    Posted

    Hi Molly I'm Darren please too meet you. I suffer from the same as and it's horrible. I have meds but they don't do anything. I've been waiting 5 years to see a female therapist and still waiting. I was raped and abused when I was younger and hate men I find it hard to even give my son a cuddle. It's cracking me up to. I'm in a relationship but feel alone aswell. I hope your husband is supportive like my partner.

    • molly8693
      molly8693 darren_88404

      Posted

      Hi Darren,

      Thanks for sharing.  I am so sorry.  It is terrible what you have been going through.  And it is awful that they make you wait for so long befor allocating a therapist.  Glad you have a supportive partner.  I do too but still it is often difficult what depression is unless you know it from first hand.  Hope you will keep working at getting closer to your son.  It is so good you have 2 people that really care for you.  We have to concentrate on what we have but I know it is hard work.

    • phyllis11904
      phyllis11904 molly8693

      Posted

      Hi Molly. I am 68 and was diagnosed with MDD with psychosis in July 2015. I had been suffering crippling depression for about three months although I had never had clinical depression in my life. It was the worst thing I ever experienced. I was totally dysfunctional and didn't want to see anybody or do anything. Every day activities were torture and nothing was a distraction. My psychiatrist hospitalized me for eight days to monitor my progress while he found the meds that would work for me. Since I gave been taking the right meds I have been doing great and had no relapses. I know I am very lucky, but it is possible to get your life back and be happy again. Take care. 

    • molly8693
      molly8693 phyllis11904

      Posted

      Thanks Phyllis.  I am glad you found a good doctor and medication

      that work.  I have been managing alright without medication but had a set back because of a surgery.

  • wayne1962
    wayne1962 molly8693

    Posted

    Hi Molly - sorry to read of your dilemma. I think it is a wise decision of yours to seek alternative therapies to tackle your depression. The first thing to look at is whether you are physically healthy - i.e. no debilities illnesses that er affecting your mood. Depression can be moderated with attention to diet; cutting out processed; weaning yourself off sugar (which is prevalent in packaged foods, particularly in 'low fat' items); stopping smoking; limiting or stopping the use of acffiene and alcohol. These changes should be made gradually, one step at a time. Eventually, you will not even miss those chocky bikkies at supper or that dram of whisky in the evening.

    Second is exercise. The best exercise you can get without a bikini is walking. It stretches all the muscle groups, it has scenery to admire and it is free. It is also posited that because this exercise is done outdoors, your body gets a dose of sunshine which not just boosts Vit D but also your mood. One of the best encouragments to exercise in this manner id the ownership of a dog. Not only do you have to exercise them, you have to be responsible for them, and - best of all - they will give total and unconditional love.

    The third suggestion to add to this list is talking therapy. A counsellor or even a psychologist to help you address any triggers and/or behaviours that lead to a depressive slump. This method can help you vent, release buried issues and address them, and will also give you a place where you can dump that crap and leave it there. If a one-on-one is not enough.

    Alternative to one-on-one, if that is not your scene, you could try group therapy. It need not even be realted to depression, just something you like to do - a knitting circle, a book club, bunging jumping off bridges. It doesn't matter just as long as you like it.

    When you have an outside interest that stirs your passion, your husband will notice. This could lead to a more inetresting life with him. Best of luck to you Molly - and we are always here to talk to.

     

    • molly8693
      molly8693 wayne1962

      Posted

      Thanks Wayne.  Your interesting letter is much appreciated and will be of great help to many of us here.

      Best wishes

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