My depression seems to get worse the older I get... Has anyone else been through this?

@Sheilabdc72 Hi Sheilabdc72, thank you for opening this discussion and sharing what you're going through. I've moved your discussion to our Living with depression group for more visibility. Let me tag some other members who can share some advice and support.

Hi everyone, how are you doing? For those of you who have had depression for many years, do you feel like it's gotten worse with age? Have you found any treatments or other activities that help you to feel better? Can you share any advice or words of support with @Sheilabdc72‍?
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Feel free to share here!

Take care,
Courtney 

Hello, I'm new here and im a 31 year old single mom of 1. I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety in 2015. Since then I must say things have gotten better and worse at the same time. Lately I find myself crying ALOT even in public like at work. Im overly sensitive I take a lot of what people say to me and think it's all against me. Most days I feel extremely lonely like I feel like I'm all alone with nobody to talk to. My life is so routine it's like I hit repeat every morning when I get up. I don't have friends. I do have a boyfriend but he has his friends and probably a much more exciting life than me. I don't discuss my depression and anxiety with him cause I wouldn't understand. My family they just found out about my health a few months ago but I sti don't think they truly understand either. I'm crying now just typing this..😢😢

Hi, 

I was diagnosed when I was 17 yo and probably had been struggling for many years before that. Over 40 something years since then I have developed a lot of insight and I am very aware of warning signs and triggers, so that I can keep myself from spiraling downwards. About 20 years ago the psychiatrist I was seeing found the “magic bullet” medication for me which made a huge difference. I am seeing my current psychiatrist next week to discuss whether I need it any more. I can honestly say my life right now is the happiest I have ever been. In my case with more life experience and developing resilience my symptoms decreased. Depression is a chronic disease, I know that I need to stay constantly aware and to be prepared to implement additional supports when I feel it coming on. I’ve had various levels of success with therapy, what has been more valuable for me is to have a really good psychiatrist that fully understands psychopharmacology as in my situation I think it is a biochemical response.  That may not be true for everyone. 

I have lived with depression all my life. I find the combination of prayer, meditation and therapy work for me. I do understand that there is no one solution for dealing with mental health issues. Each individual is unique.  All you can do is take it one day at a time. Be gentle with yourself. You're not a bad person because you are depressed. You're hurt and wounded. I am sending you light and love. 

I will be 62 this month and yes depression appears to worsen with age.  A lot of unknown occurs.  Health deteriorates.  Things that brought me joy no longer does.  A lot of people I once knew has passed away.  I am going through a major depression and I am on medication.  Some days I feel better than others.

Dear friends,

I recently started TMS magnetic therapy. It stimulates the exact part of your brain where depression ls. It only takes 20 min mon-fri for 30 sessions. I am happy to report I haven’t felt this good in 30 plus years. I also take a few psy meds. I also watch positive Christian u tube and pray!   

If your insurance covers TMS go for it  You are all worth it  

Best regards,  David

@Bdewing Boy Lady D Your life describes my life.  I feel like it's Groundhog Day, the movie, everyday is the same.

I am much older that you and have probably been on every antidepressant and anxiety pill that is on the market.

Husband works all day so home alone with the dog. I am in pain due to a back injury so it limits me with shopping,etc. Every since Covid scared to go to restaurants and shopping. Have a psychiatrist but now can only get visits online and to me that is not much help. I need more personal one on one. Kids grown and live in different states. Stuck here in Florida (people not so friendly) and in 12 years, just made a friend.

I am reading and trying to get into sometime of crafts.

Good Luck to You, We will fight these demons as hard as we can. Blessings, Penelope

I was diagnosed with depression at 25. Been on numerous medications, finally found one that worked for many years. Then it quit working. Tried TMS and got worse. Tried ketamine therapy and had no response to it. (If you try ketamine therapy make sure you do it with someone who is trained to do it legally. It's a very dangerous drug.) Had the Genesight DNA testing done and found out which medication will work the best with my brain chemistry. Unfortunately, there aren't many that will work, but at least I know what not to try.  Sorry, I know I am babbling. Anyhow, my depression has gotten worse but I think Covid and isolation has been a huge contributer to it. What has gotten worse also is my anxiety. I am 57, and at this point I am not sure how much is Covid, how much is brain chemistry and how much is age. I know that probably doesn't help you very much. 

Hi I’ve been struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD and eating disorder Sense I was 12, I am now 20 years old. Im also a suicide attempt surviver. I’ve had bad outbursts due to the depression getting the best of me. I feel weak and not strong enough to build myself back up. I’m tired and exhausted from all this, I just want to be happy again. I recently lost a pet that I have adopted. He was abused and abandoned I tried to give him the best life possible. He was recently put down a few weeks ago and sense then I’ve gotten worse and it’s starting to impact my relationship with my boyfriend. My boyfriend tries so hard to keep me happy but the thought of my dog not being here anymore overrides my happiness. I tend to over love and it gets me hurt but I can’t help it. I just want someone to talk to and not feel like I’m in this alone. I want outside help. I can’t over come the pain and suffering alone.

I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. Have you thought about a new dog? They are wonderful therapy. I’m sure your boyfriend is frustrated but maybe try to tell him how much he means to you. Go on walks together, watch movies together.