Are there any older people out there with long term depression that can help me with motivation?!
Question: Are there any older people out there with long term depression that can help me with motivation.?
I am 60 years old and have taken medication for depression most of my life.
I was, fortunately, able to work full time until my retirement this year.
I live alone.
I need help with motivation, as I do nothing but sit on the sofa! (I am ashamed to say)
I can see outside it is a lovely bright day, but even this doesn't make me get out!
My house looks a mess-I used to take pride in it!
I used to be smart and well groomed, now I go around the house looking like a slob!!
My doctor has told me that I am on the highest dose of medication, and basically, it is now up to me!!
I feel as though I am existing rather than living!
Can anyone give me some advice.?
Thank youHealth Question & Answer
I was, fortunately, able to work full time until my retirement this year.
I live alone.
I need help with motivation, as I do nothing but sit on the sofa! (I am ashamed to say)
I can see outside it is a lovely bright day, but even this doesn't make me get out!
My house looks a mess-I used to take pride in it!
I used to be smart and well groomed, now I go around the house looking like a slob!!
My doctor has told me that I am on the highest dose of medication, and basically, it is now up to me!!
I feel as though I am existing rather than living!
Can anyone give me some advice.?
Thank youHealth Question & Answer
Answers:
I'm 61 and like you have been on anti-depressants for many years.
I too sit and look at my messy house, and won't look in the mirror.
I think a big part of what is going on with you is just the fact that you are now retired and don't HAVE to go fix yourself up and go out. Big changes in our lives, like retirement, cause big changes in our attitude.
It's quite possible that the meds you are on just aren't working anymore. Has your doctor considered changing your meds.? If not, I might consider seeing another doctor who understands the changes that have happened in your life.
Stop feeling ashamed of anything. You are the only one living in your house, and I think that eventually the mess will get to you, and you will clean it up some. That's what happens to me anyway, and some days, when the sun is shining, I actually go outside for a while :)
You'll be okay. Stop worrying.
Good LuckHealth Question & Answer
I too sit and look at my messy house, and won't look in the mirror.
I think a big part of what is going on with you is just the fact that you are now retired and don't HAVE to go fix yourself up and go out. Big changes in our lives, like retirement, cause big changes in our attitude.
It's quite possible that the meds you are on just aren't working anymore. Has your doctor considered changing your meds.? If not, I might consider seeing another doctor who understands the changes that have happened in your life.
Stop feeling ashamed of anything. You are the only one living in your house, and I think that eventually the mess will get to you, and you will clean it up some. That's what happens to me anyway, and some days, when the sun is shining, I actually go outside for a while :)
You'll be okay. Stop worrying.
Good LuckHealth Question & Answer
ive suffered from depression since i was 32 and i know how awful it is,i dont take any medication dont think they work i helped myself with a very good book called peace from nervous suffering by dr clare weeks .its been a great help for me ,also exersise 30 min brisk walk every day they say is better than tablets think positive ,and stop looking for depression if you look for it you will surely find it cgange your thought and you will begin to feel better i know cause ive been there good luck Health Question & Answer
Well, all u have to do is get up and start something.
Only u can decide on what to do.
For example, start on something small, say gardening... kick-start something small and eventually u will grow your interest.
Perhaps u can start by cleaning up.. get good furniture, or just clean up, invites someone u know for dinner, get new clothes, go out for a movie, meet new friends from different places..
a lot can be done.. but its entirely up to u...
good luck!
Health Question & Answer
Only u can decide on what to do.
For example, start on something small, say gardening... kick-start something small and eventually u will grow your interest.
Perhaps u can start by cleaning up.. get good furniture, or just clean up, invites someone u know for dinner, get new clothes, go out for a movie, meet new friends from different places..
a lot can be done.. but its entirely up to u...
good luck!
Health Question & Answer
you sound like a pretty chill 60 year old.
and damn, the things i can say about life right now as a 19 year old that matches with your description. Pretty much the same.
Which is pretty cool.
Outside is overrated.
You should totally get some cool video games.Health Question & Answer
and damn, the things i can say about life right now as a 19 year old that matches with your description. Pretty much the same.
Which is pretty cool.
Outside is overrated.
You should totally get some cool video games.Health Question & Answer
you can do anything you set your mind to
all you have to have is the will and the drive
IT sounds like retiring at 60 was too young for you
volunteer or take a part time job to feel useful again Health Question & Answer
Join a club in your area, the most important thing for you to do is get up and do something. Only you can help yourself in this situation.Health Question & Answer
Since your question deals with mental health I would suggest posting it here: RecoveryForums.org
RecoveryForums.org is a free forum for the discussion of all aspects of addiction, recovery, sobriety, and mental health.
Website: http://www.RecoveryForums.orgHealth Question & Answer
RecoveryForums.org is a free forum for the discussion of all aspects of addiction, recovery, sobriety, and mental health.
Website: http://www.RecoveryForums.orgHealth Question & Answer
Maybe you need to start to try and cut down on the medication, it cant be doing you that good. What are your interests, explore them.Health Question & Answer
Well you were lucky to be able to work till you were 60. I alway planned to work long after retirement age because I knew that I would not be able to fill my time. Then I had a stroke and had to stop working at 38. I am now 50, and as hopelessly bored and depressed as you. Medication is not going to do it for you, because you are an intelligent person you can see what is wrong with your life, and happy pills are not going to fix it. Just as a suggestion, and it is something that I have not been able to try because I cannot get to see my neurologist till December, suggest that some sort of dopamine therapy might be able to help you. Dopamine is responsible for a lot of things like controlling fatigue, giving motivation, well look it up, before I bore you. But it may be worth trying. My problem, unfortunately, I do not think can be fixed with just supplementation, but you have not had a head injury, so it might just work for you. Good luck, and can you let me know if you do try this what the outcome is.?Health Question & Answer
Hey, the first step you have already taken by recognising exactly what is happening to you and wanting to put it right ... but not having the impetus to do so. That is the trouble with depression .. apathy is such a killer! The key word here is action ..... but action that should take small, almost imperceptible steps. Rome was not built in day but starting to do things in small doses ( like ironing .. groan ... ) can have a therepeutic effect and is something amazingly simple that you can build on. There is no magic pill here and the thought of ever increasing medication must be depressing in itself .... the answer lies entirely within you. That is an observation and now a criticism. Yes., I have been there too ..... please email me if you would like to chat further. I have an email link!Health Question & Answer
Antidepressants aren't your answer, whereas St. John's wort is effective for most people, tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe. It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as Sertraline (marketed in the USA as Zoloft: a commonly prescribed antidepressant) in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation.).
Remember back to a time when life was full of promise, or a day when you felt particularly good, or possibly excited from a good result. Emotional states are associated with memories, and if it isn't major depression, this method can help. A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements. ~~~ (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. ~~~ (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).
(4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi. ~~~ (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. ~~~ (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule. ~~~ (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. also, 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ Some of these will be available in pharmacies, or supermarkets. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition.
An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. also, iodised salt is much preferable to regular salt (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). Try to imagine, as vividly as possible, a time in the not too distant future, when you have overcome this temporary setback, and things are much better. *View section 2, on the first 3 pages, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and motivation is addressed in section 28, but this won't improve until you find effective treatment for depression, If you wish to wean off antidepressants, take at least 2 weeks, with medical advice before beginning the wort: see section 2 on tapering off. Health Question & Answer
Remember back to a time when life was full of promise, or a day when you felt particularly good, or possibly excited from a good result. Emotional states are associated with memories, and if it isn't major depression, this method can help. A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements. ~~~ (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. ~~~ (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).
(4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi. ~~~ (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. ~~~ (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule. ~~~ (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. also, 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ Some of these will be available in pharmacies, or supermarkets. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition.
An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. also, iodised salt is much preferable to regular salt (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). Try to imagine, as vividly as possible, a time in the not too distant future, when you have overcome this temporary setback, and things are much better. *View section 2, on the first 3 pages, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and motivation is addressed in section 28, but this won't improve until you find effective treatment for depression, If you wish to wean off antidepressants, take at least 2 weeks, with medical advice before beginning the wort: see section 2 on tapering off. Health Question & Answer
the only advice i can give you is to invite god into your life.use your 60 years experience in life to make a difference to others and you will feel alive again.i am a 21 year old lad and have done all the bad things in life already and learnt alot from them.but i only learned from them when i searched for the answer of what life is all about http://www.itshisstory.com/studies.html.... this,if you are already a believer in god then i think you need to listen to him.god is all around you but you just cannot see him.he comes in many ways and forms and that is through people,books and internet.i think you have already asked for him but you do not know it yet.he is now here to offer you the help you have asked for just trust in him and he will show you.hope this helps and i wish you the best Health Question & Answer
Hello, Jenny. This is a very brave and poignant posting for which you should be congratulated.
Well, I do not suffer from depression myself, but if you feel it will help to talk about motivation, you are more than welcome.
Always remember, Jenny, that God made you, and if you are good enough for Him, you are MORE than good enough for the rest of us. Agreed.? Great!
Although I am not a medical doctor - and nor do I profess to be, by any stretch of the imagination - what you need in my view is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on - and we all need one of those from time to time!
I honestly do not feel that the medication you have been taking for most of your life has done you any good at all: this has simply been hiding the issue. If we can focus on this issue, we can deal with it. The thing most people fear about fear is fear itself: in the cold searchlight of fact, fear will dissipate.
Please consider this very carefully indeed, Jenny.
Regards.Health Question & Answer
Well, I do not suffer from depression myself, but if you feel it will help to talk about motivation, you are more than welcome.
Always remember, Jenny, that God made you, and if you are good enough for Him, you are MORE than good enough for the rest of us. Agreed.? Great!
Although I am not a medical doctor - and nor do I profess to be, by any stretch of the imagination - what you need in my view is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on - and we all need one of those from time to time!
I honestly do not feel that the medication you have been taking for most of your life has done you any good at all: this has simply been hiding the issue. If we can focus on this issue, we can deal with it. The thing most people fear about fear is fear itself: in the cold searchlight of fact, fear will dissipate.
Please consider this very carefully indeed, Jenny.
Regards.Health Question & Answer
Yes - pull yourself together and reclaim your life. Start by tidying up. Then find some friends - go and get dancing lessons or join a badminton club or something. You get one life - stop wasting it.Health Question & Answer