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pomNew Contributor
I am 75 years of age and I have been suffering from anxiety and depression for over 20 years. I am now on my 7th different antidepressant and so far it is not working. Add to this the fact that I have to move again as the owners need to sell the house I'm living in. This is adding to my stress level considerably. Does anyone have any suggestions in addition to breathing exercises?
In response to: Frustration
MissGremlinSenior Contributor
Hello @pom and welcome to the forums. Medications can take time to work and sometimes doses need to be adjusted aswell, have you spoken to your care provider about it not working?
I'm sorry to hear about you having to move, I know how stressful that is especially with having anxiety and depression. Have you ever tried grounding techniques? Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy doing? For myself I usually run on distractions, I listen to music, watch TV shows, do various crafts etc.
Know that you're not alone, we're here for you ❤️
In response to: Frustration
Misty7Senior Contributor
Hello @pom ,
Sorry to hear you are going through a stressful time. For your anxiety and depression you could try splashing cold water on your face for about 15 seconds and marching on the spot for a minute. I also recommend boxed breathing and listening to relaxing nature sounds like rain sounds on YouTube.
In response to: Frustration
RadderSenior Contributor
Hi @pom, you can find grounding techniques at https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/support-toolkit/techniques-and-guides/finding-relief-through-grounding-techniques
My go-to for anxiety is focussing on the present moment. We can't change the past, we can only learn from it. Nobody knows the future. We can worry about a million and one things that may happen, but only one thing will happen next - and in my experience that thing comes out of left field, something that we hadn't thought of to worry about. So we worry about a million things that are never going to happen, which robs us of valuable living time in the present moment. Life is now, the present moment, take the time to savour it. When you know what the score is with whatever happens tomorrow, you will deal with it like you've dealt with everything else in life up to now. Until you know what you are dealing with, get on with living life today. Sure, have a plan and goals, but make sure to "smell the roses" and do something to enjoy life each day.
Another resource for anxiety is ARCVIC https://arcvic.org.au
Have you had counselling to address the root causes of your depression? Antidepressants can treat the symptoms, but they are not a "cure" and the side effects can be mistaken for worsening depression. The right ones can help you focus on counselling, but mental health is an inexact science and finding the "right" one can be trial-and-error. Quite often, and especially as we get older, we need to address existential questions rather than focussing on brain chemistry. Questions about meaning, purpose, connection and values. Those more intangible things in life that require talking through, reflection, and more time than simply dispensing a pill.
We learn in life through our experiences, both good and bad. That's how we build up wisdom over the years. As we get older, it can help to reflect on how we use that greater life-experience wisdom to help ourselves and others rather than waste it. That can help us find purpose at any age.
Please let us know your thoughts.
In response to: Frustration
DimitySenior Contributor
Hello @pom and welcome. How are you? As an older person myself I think increased anxiety and depression are often responses to life's difficulties. How are you going with finding a new place to live? Is anyone helping you? Medication and behavioural hacks are fine but sometimes we actually need to resolve the problem/s at hand.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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