Depression reflects genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. I believe that in our age group it may also emerge from the polarities that we were raised with, and the realization that our expectations of black and white, good and bad, etc are simply not achievable. That’s why “non pharmacological” approaches have benefit (perhaps as adjuncts to meds.) Walking, meditation, prayer, and music are connectors to that realm of existence that is beyond cognition and beyond judgment.
This is an important message for seniors to hear. Thanks for writing about it. Thanks, also, for being generous enough to share your personal story. I can relate, Don. As far as mood-enhancing music, I can recommend an early Elvis Costello album entitled “Get Happy.” 🎶
Don, thanks for your transparency and authenticity. I honor your efforts to not only turn your attitude around but to also help others age positively and with grace. The world needs more people with your attitude and insights.
I am one of those people who's naturally happy, optimistic, and energetic. Despite that, I too have my days. Those days usually come from taking life too seriously and returning too hard, from eating poorly, and from hanging around the wrong people. A daily walk helps me right my ship and get back to a more balanced life.
Keep sharing your path. I'll keep learning from you.
Hi, Don. I am blessed to have been dealt a fair dose of positivity and optimism in my DNA, but, as you note, "Even optimistic geezers get the blues sometimes." Always in pursuit of influencing more positivity going forward, I strive to awaken and force into my awareness that each new day I begin has every possibility of being a most wonderful, rewarding day. You would not believe how hard it is to remember to perform this simple, affirming exercise. It's worthwhile to make the effort....as it jump starts your day with a smile on your face!
Very brave post. This is still so hard to talk about. Hard for our generation not to feel that we are somehow the problem, when that is not the case. Says someone who has battled bouts of low-level depression (sometimes, not so low level) on and off forever, and never sought any counseling or treatment. Because, this is just how I'm made, right?
Of all your articles I’ve read so far (and they’re all great), this one resonates with me the most, not just because I’ve been in the caregiver of people suffering depression for most of my life, but because of my own struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of my third child. The more open people are about it, the more likely the stigma is to fade. And, I loved that comment about not being able to feel like hot coffee when the world feels like cold oatmeal! Wit on point!
Rosemary, thank you so much for your kind words. People who haven't experienced depression really have a hard time understanding its impact. But all of us who have been there recognize it instantly.
Thank you, Don, for keeping it real, and for explaining the benefits - and limitations - of antidepressants. I, too, am a lifer. The first half of my life, without an antidepressant, was pretty miserable and pessimistic, to be honest. With this medicine and therapy, I've become an optimist. But there are still some days when I'm bedridden with curtains closed. I accept those days and move on. To Life!
Thanks for your willingness to write about how you really feel (some of the time). I'm curious about your prayer. When you pray, are you referring to some part of the traditional liturgy or do the words come spontaneously?
Depression reflects genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. I believe that in our age group it may also emerge from the polarities that we were raised with, and the realization that our expectations of black and white, good and bad, etc are simply not achievable. That’s why “non pharmacological” approaches have benefit (perhaps as adjuncts to meds.) Walking, meditation, prayer, and music are connectors to that realm of existence that is beyond cognition and beyond judgment.
Just a thought….
Thanks, Patti. Good observations.
This is an important message for seniors to hear. Thanks for writing about it. Thanks, also, for being generous enough to share your personal story. I can relate, Don. As far as mood-enhancing music, I can recommend an early Elvis Costello album entitled “Get Happy.” 🎶
Thanks, Brian. I'll check it out.
Don, thanks for your transparency and authenticity. I honor your efforts to not only turn your attitude around but to also help others age positively and with grace. The world needs more people with your attitude and insights.
I am one of those people who's naturally happy, optimistic, and energetic. Despite that, I too have my days. Those days usually come from taking life too seriously and returning too hard, from eating poorly, and from hanging around the wrong people. A daily walk helps me right my ship and get back to a more balanced life.
Keep sharing your path. I'll keep learning from you.
Thanks so much, Kit. I'm learning from you as well.
Thank you! It's nice to know I'm not the only one!
JoEllen, thanks for commenting. Sadly, we are in excellent company.
Hi, Don. I am blessed to have been dealt a fair dose of positivity and optimism in my DNA, but, as you note, "Even optimistic geezers get the blues sometimes." Always in pursuit of influencing more positivity going forward, I strive to awaken and force into my awareness that each new day I begin has every possibility of being a most wonderful, rewarding day. You would not believe how hard it is to remember to perform this simple, affirming exercise. It's worthwhile to make the effort....as it jump starts your day with a smile on your face!
Thanks for sharing that, Bev. You definitely have the best attitude.
I commend you for your courage to write this but even more for your willingness to help others on the journey you are on.
Thanks, Wayne.
I love your authenticity and vulnerability in your writing. You’re an inspiration, Don. This was so encouraging. Thank you
Thank you, Joel. I appreciate your kind words.
LeRoux!
I was thinking a little earlier than that. More like Allen Toussaint, Ernie K. Doe, Professor Longhair.
Very brave post. This is still so hard to talk about. Hard for our generation not to feel that we are somehow the problem, when that is not the case. Says someone who has battled bouts of low-level depression (sometimes, not so low level) on and off forever, and never sought any counseling or treatment. Because, this is just how I'm made, right?
Meds and therapy don't work for everyone but they made a world of difference for me. You might want to give one or both a try.
Of all your articles I’ve read so far (and they’re all great), this one resonates with me the most, not just because I’ve been in the caregiver of people suffering depression for most of my life, but because of my own struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of my third child. The more open people are about it, the more likely the stigma is to fade. And, I loved that comment about not being able to feel like hot coffee when the world feels like cold oatmeal! Wit on point!
Rosemary, thank you so much for your kind words. People who haven't experienced depression really have a hard time understanding its impact. But all of us who have been there recognize it instantly.
Thank you, Don, for keeping it real, and for explaining the benefits - and limitations - of antidepressants. I, too, am a lifer. The first half of my life, without an antidepressant, was pretty miserable and pessimistic, to be honest. With this medicine and therapy, I've become an optimist. But there are still some days when I'm bedridden with curtains closed. I accept those days and move on. To Life!
I guess we're lucky to live in a time when medicine for mental health has progressed as far as it has. L'chaim!
Thanks for your willingness to write about how you really feel (some of the time). I'm curious about your prayer. When you pray, are you referring to some part of the traditional liturgy or do the words come spontaneously?
I created a personal liturgy.
Out of the siddur?
I used Jewish forms but fused them with affirmations.
*not ‘in’ the caregiver! *the caregiver