Need a kick up the bum!

Is it the days you don’t have a commitment. Feel you are just existing with no purpose?

You should change your user name on here. You are an older lady not an old woman. Maybe that is how you see yourself? Change it to something that makes you smile and it will lift your spirits xx

The gloom can get you at any age and is not interested in bank accounts or life styles I have many visit I put up with them like a visit from an awkward relative I know they will leave soon although some do linger longer than I want them too now what I do I go swimming but that's not easy for everyone but my top tip is £5.00 or less have done it on three give your self a budget go to charity shops and try to buy an outfit with your allowance you have to try a few shops before you commit I find the staff in these shops are friendly and always have time to talk then when I finished BIG treat a cake

Depression is an illness. It is a physical illness of your brain. I have suffered from it, on and off, all my life. See a doctor for help. Sometimes counselling is all you'll need to reset the brain's chemicals so you feel good again.

Can I just put in a word for Vitamin D (yes I know the suns out) some years ago I kept saying to the GP I felt really low and under the weather, various blood tests nothing wrong, later found I was running on empty for Vit D and felt much better for taking it. It never seems to get a lot of mention but I think 70ish is a funny age others have said to me about general feelings of not being on top of things I know nowadays we are not old but sorry I have slowed down and need more time to get things done - good luck to those who don't find that. Good luck oldwoman lots of good advice here.

I too agree that you've been given good advice. May I add something from my own similar experience?
While I'm waiting for my 'down days' to pass I've adopted the mantra 'might as well'. I might as well get out of bed; might as well go for a walk and so on. It puts no pressure on myself but it often enables me to do something, anything, rather than sit in the doldrums.

I agree with the advice about depression and seeing your GP , it may also be worth having a bit of a physical MOT as well ( if you haven't had one for a while) Some easily dealt with medical conditions may present like this and the sooner they are picked up the better.
I also agree with the advice about Vitamin D I got mine tested on a whim and was nearly at the point where my bones would have been affected

? not a kick up the bum

Sounds like classic clinical depression and best treated by medication. Sometimes 6 months is all you need and you can gradually come off them again. Most people who take anti-depressants are not on them permanently. Just remember not to stop suddenly or you can get rebound depression.

I dont know how old you are, but I often feel the same, along with so much guilt for feeling like that. I am 60, husband and I retired. Three great kids, four perfect grandchildren and no money worries. Everything is perfect, yet I ten wake up feeling its ‘groundhog day’. Here we go again....
I usually feel better after a few hours, but dont know if its an age thing or what.

Get out there. Join clubs, get a dog.

There are many charities that need help and would be grateful for even a couple of hours of your time. This is a great way of helping others and making friends at the same time. Try local notice boards or local papers.

It's only natural that you are concerned when you feel extremely down, and the fact that there are people worse off has to be set aside and concentrate on yourself and what will help you feel better for the immediate future. Enjoy your walk today and think happy thoughts if you can.

Jazzy0251 I don't think it's an ageing thing as I've been in exactly your situation for 50 years and no amount of pills, counselling or forcing myself to get out to do things and meet people have ever helped.

I am sorry to hear that Belinda! I admire your courage to keep going under those circumstances. I am sure that's appreciated by those who know you. Fortunately for many if not most people there is one way or another to alleviate those feelings.

Last week I read in a newspaper about 'laughing yoga'. I cannot remember the exact title but a group of people get together and the leader asks, for example, each person to gentle touch the nose of the person next to them. Just that one small action makes everyone laugh. Each session lasts 45 minutes and all those interviewed for the newspaper said they wouldn't miss it for the world, it made each and everyone of them feel good about themselves and life in general. Maybe its worth a try finding one of these sessions in your area.

PS Its not the kind of thing where each person has to stand in front and tell a joke hoping it comes across as funny!

Oldwoman I am so sorry you are feeling low and it does sound like depression. There is lots of good advice here from GN. As someone who had depression, but didn't realise it for a long time, I wish I'd recognised it sooner. It is true that 'this too will pass' and walking in beautiful and/or natural surroundings can make a huge difference. I walk almost every day, rain or shine, and it does help in lots of ways.So does a good diet - both for the nutrition which is very imporant, but also because it is a real way you can know you are looking after yourself. I hope you can find people to be with, either as a volunteer, or to walk, or talk, or share something. When I was depressed I felt I could't talk to people and asked myself why on earth would they want to know how low I felt? I now know people do care and most will listen with kindness - but finding a counsellow might help too. Love to you.

It says a lot about how you see yourself from your handle ‘old woman’ very derogatory about yourself. Start making small positive changes in your life and start with your user name

For an instant pick-me-up read the messages on 'The things they say - DHs that is' on gransnet today.

Im sure that writing down how you feel and sending it to this forum has helped a bit. The pain and suffering you are experiencing is coming from the denial of feelings you do not allow to surface. You are more fortunate than others, and you are also less fortunate than some but . what matters at the moment is how you feel and how much space these feelings have to express themselves.

Some opportunities might come from writing a diary when you wake up, seeing a therapist, ;joining an expressive group like art or creative writing.

To even out the feelings, try for some physical expercise. Dance is great, but anything from golf to swimming will help relax the tension that comes from holding in the feelings and allow you some peace.

Clinical Depression does not have to be a response to something. It is often simply biological. Neuro-chemicals that have a powerful effect on our mood. If the symptoms you describe last for more than 3 weeks, it’s a good idea to see your GP. Modern antidepressants can improve things for you very quickly by changing those neuro-chemicals.

As Stella14 says depression doesn’t need an outside cause. My daughter has had it for twenty years and from the outside her life seems perfect. To look at her, you would never imagine there was anything wrong. She puts on a shiny,smiley face to the world.
There can be triggers such as hormones and certain deficiencies can cause depression.
If you see your doctor you may not need to be on anti-depressants. He,or she ,may recommend talking therapies. They are very helpful. Good luck and hope you feel better soon

Its hard. when I'm out I often notice how many people (I'm talking late 50's upwards) are on their own. Sitting in Cafes, Garden centres, walking, even in Cinema on their own. I'm sure some of these people it is choice obviously, but a lot of people I think are lonely. Friends die, move away. It's a pity more people don't get together in there area.
I did look at a MeetUp in my area, but it seems a bit of a faff setting it up, and as I'm still working/looking after grandchildren it would be more than I could take on right now....something for when I retire though I think x

See your G.P. Depression can hit anyone and there doesn't have to be a particularly reason we can our our finger on. Its not embarrassing. 65% of a G.P work is linked to depression and mental health. Well done for speaking out

This is not meant to be fasecious but people do say that changing ones name can help. 'Oldwoman' is not an uplifting name. Perhaps you could find something more cheerful to represent the You that you want to aspire to be? 40 years ago I went through a year of beastly depression and I do know what that can be like. I am fine now but I watch for warning signs in myself and others and try to get in first. We have starated a monthly Sunday Lunch Club in our village specifically for people who might otherwise be on their own. We have been going for a year and we all enjoy it and get a really good mix of people. Try putting a card in the post office and see what happens. You are not alone; lots of people feel like you do and they may be waiting for someone like you to make the first move. Good luck! Xx