Hello.

I'm a 68 year old woman. I've been depressed and anxious probably all my life. I believe the depression is a symptom of not just childhood trauma, but ongoing traumas. I've had so many different diagnoses over the years, and different treatments, but I continue to get depressed. I've tried hard to get well, and feel like I've failed.

I live alone and have three grown up children. No other family. I feel very lonely, and any friends I used to have, I've lost. I've never had a healthy relationship. Weekends are the worst.

Thanks for reading this.

Hello Shenpa

Welcome to the forums and great to have you with us too!

Im 59 and have had anxiety/depression since I was 23. Even in recovery I agree with you when you mentioned........

"I believe the depression is a symptom of not just childhood trauma, but ongoing traumas"

The forums are a non judgemental and safe place for you to post Shenpa. If you wish, you are very welcome to post back :-)

I hope that you have even a small support group (or one...or two people) that you can confide in

you are not alone

my kind thoughts

Paul

Welcome Shenpa

I'm sorry to hear you have struggled for so long. It does lead me to feel sorrow when someone experiences the incredible and torturous challenges of depression.

What also leads me to feel sorrow is the fact that, as a child, there were people who failed you and throughout your adult life people continued to fail you (including mental health professionals). I believe, with all my heart, that it is not you who has been failing. Now, at 68, you face a time where great support and guidance is again needed. Are there any people worth considering who may be considered successful in the way of guidance and support? You need empowering people around you, not those who will lead you to a sense of failure. For example, is one of your kids that sort of person? If so, perhaps it's worth having a chat with them in the way of support and guidance.

By the way, one of the most impressive titles I've heard in life is 'The 3rd age'. My dad used to attend a variety of programs at his local 'University of the 3rd Age'. Myself, I work in aged care accommodation and wish this form of accommodation was globally renamed '3rd Age Care'. The reason I'm rambling a little about this topic is because aging can feel like a disempowering experience in today's messed up society. I believe the 3rd age should really be about taking the 1st 2 stages, childhood and adulthood, and combining them so there is a mature sense of adventure and recreation (aka re-creation). Care should also be given in regard to how members re-identify themselves. For example, 'Who am I now, without certain friends or family members around me?' Every 3rd age care facility should have deep focus on mind/body/spirit well-being, including access to counselling for those who not only face the challenges that come with aging but the challenges that have never been properly dealt with throughout life. Things are fairly well balanced where I work (re: mind/body/spirit) with a fantastic activities coordinator whose coffee mug reads 'Faye - She who is in charge of fun'. I believe she covers the spirit aspect. Anyhow...

I wish I could throw some magic and miracles your way. I wish I could change the chemistry of depression for you, that chemistry that deprives a person of a sense of happiness and motivation, among other things. I wish I could help you make sense of the pain, make sense of how others have interfered with or not helped you form a positive sense of self.

Love to you Shenpa

Thank you Paul for your kind words.

I hope to post again.