SHT Depresssion the silent disease

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Talk About: Triumph Over Depression In the Depression discussion, a ThirdAger reveals: "My bout with depression was debilitating. I stopped doing my favorite things (knitting, crocheting, painting and gardening). I didn't want to see people and I didn't want them to see me. It's a wonder I made it through the workday. I spent my time in a darkened house with the blinds drawn and only enough light to keep from tripping over the furniture. I would burst into tears for unknown reasons. I missed so much of life that I can't get back. I wish I'd gone to the doctor sooner. Now I open the windows, taken up my knitting needles and am happy to be alive. With the support of family and friends, I hope never again to see the dark side of depression." -- Sandy55

Readers Respond: Solutions and Support "I feel like you are talking about me. I am also going through depression. I'm 51 and thought at times it was just [part of] getting older ... other times I just don't know. Do you know what started your depression and did you recognize it right away? I'm taking a mild anti-depressant at bedtime and it seems to help at times. Was there anything other than medication that got you back on track?" -- quietime

"This may sound old-fashioned ... but sometimes a good, hard cry will take away some of my depression -- but not all of it. I also try exercising, biking if weather permits or going on my treadmill and swimming indoors. I have two dogs and they are a great comfort by just giving them a good, strong hug. I tried Prozac for about six months because I was crying all the time and suicidal. You are not alone." -- lau50

Find more support for dealing with depression in this ThirdAge discussion.

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I myself have suffered in silence, never told anyone, I was in severe and despondant depression....once in my first marriage cause I could see NO end to it, no way out....and then twice over miscarriage/pregancies where hormones played a large part. too many women hold this in, and think something is wrong but won't ask for help. I don't mean to "preach religion...but God helped me each time. you see I was afraid to admit it, for fear I would lose my daughter, the only thing that kept me going.

I have found out that my bio. mother was very depression prone, and it is heridtary. It is not a crime to ask for help...the older I am getting, the easier it is for me to ask for help!

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2001

Answers

Thanks for sharing, SARO. Certainly different answers for different folks, but SO hard to admit to yourself that you need help and then to seek out the help.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2001

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