Depression over 50
I am interested in how depression manifests in people over 50. I recently turned 63. I must admit I have fought depression since my teen years off and on, but in the last year it's gotten bad enough that I recently had to go back on meds, something I had been able to avoid for a few years.
Certainly health is a factor with older folks. I obviously can't do things I did 10 years ago. I also find myself feeling quite lonely at times.
I try to keep busy with a music blog, and with reading so I keep my mind active.
But I find myself feeling very sad these days. Just wondering how the older people here are dealing with aging.
Inspired by SunShine's thread:
@ShakenNotStirred932
HI Shaken, nice to meet you, I'm 42 y.o but I can feel you. Keep continuing what you're doing with the music blog. You are not alone. Sending hugs and positive vibes if okay
@ShakenNotStirred932
Trauma is stored in the body so as you age you will find it more difficult to ignore. Imagine not doing the laundry and how it piles up. The nervous system has an imprint of trauma and not many people are taught how to manage their feelings or emotions, nor how to process them.
However, there are many ways depending on how severe the trauma that brought on the depression.
No matter what it is challenging and I have faced depression before. It's hard to ask for help much less give one's self permission to 'go there'.
It does plie up. And then you have meltdowns, which has happened to me. Thankfully not often, but I (like most men) tend to bottle my feelings up.
I do have an issue asking for help. I was an only child and I learned to look after myself early on. There are both good and bad aspects to that. Right now, I am just coming out of a down phase.
@ShakenNotStirred932
Many older people deal with loneliness; which I think is a big factor in depression. Sometimes the loneliness is due to lack of a romantic partner or just friends in general. I think this can often get worse after retirement; when we no longer have our usual routine. I am 65 and have been alone longer than I care to admit. While it’s not an issue most of the time, it seems more difficult to deal with as time passes.
@UberRuminator
I absolutely agree with the above. I do miss my co-workers, and I also live in a much different area. I have had issues meeting people here.
@ShakenNotStirred932
I am introverted which makes meeting people difficult in general. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to move.