Need a kick up the bum!

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get out there. Join clubs, get a dog.

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.

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.

? not a kick up the bum

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

OP There are some very thoughtful replies on here. I’ve nothing to add save that many of us recognise what you are feeling.
All good wishes ?

Swolleneyes, sorry you are having a tough time with neighbours. Your post might get overlooked on this thread. Perhaps you could start a new discussion so that more people will reply and advise. If you are new to this go to 'Forums', choose an appropriate subject heading, and click on 'start new discussion'. I apologise if I am teaching a grandmother to suck eggs! . Here's hoping you find a solution.

Enjoy your walk, hope it helps. I don't know whether you use Facebook and the like, but I think they give a false impression of what everyone else's life is like. They all have low times too, but don't post about them. I agree that a GP visit might be called for.

Swollen eyes. Have you thought about parking on the other side of the road?

Enjoy your walk Oldwoman, we GNetters will be with you in spirit???

Thanks to everyone who responded - I really appreciate it. Living alone sometimes things get on top of me and it is comforting to know that GNs are there for support. I know things have to change in my life and only I can do that. Planning to take a walk in the sunshine today so hopefully that will help lift my mood. Thank you all again.

Oldwoman70, I saw elsewhere that lack of vitamin B could bring about a low feeling. Your GP can check that, I think.

I find St John's Wort useful but it can conflict with prescribed meds, so if you have any of those you'd need to ask your GP about that.

I hope all the advice here doesn't seem too confusing, and that you find something that will help you.