There are many areas that require focus when you are trying to support someone who is feeling depressed. The main core feelings underlying depression are Hopelessness, Helplessness, Worthless. To assist feelings of helplessness the individual needs to feel as though she/he has sufficient resources. In order to assist an individual to increase worthless feelings, it's important to increase internal validation. If a person is feeling unloved, showing him those that love and support him will help. However, in times of depression, it is really critical to advise a depressed friend to seek professional help from a psychic or from a qualified therapist or life coach.
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it is hard not too worry over money problems, but not al has insurance
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ok this is true, the health care provider is on the case yet it's still not solving the depression, could the meds. they take no longer work for depression after a length of time?
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mnl has been having crying spells n I will try to get her to tell me why she is crying then she will tell me, she is not crying. I suggested that we tell her doctor for her next appointment but she refuses n saids that nothing is wrong. I am hoping this local church that offers respite care will help her get engage with others n help relieve her from the crying spells. I already take prozac for anti-depression n this emotional roller coaster ride of hapiness, negativity n crying spells from the mnl surely don't help me one bit. I feel like a yo-yo sometimes n just want the the string to snap n I just roll away. Yet then, I feel guilty for even feeling that way for I have no idea what she is 'really'going through from such robbing disease. I have to admit at least hubby is helping somewhat since he is out from teaching that will be gone in August.
When do u say something to the doctor if she continues to have crying spells?
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Gloria, I don't think any of those 3 drugs are anti-depressants. Xanax is usually used for panic disorder or severe anxiety; metroprolol treats high blood pressure, and pravastatin helps manage cholesterol for the sake of your heart. If you need these drugs it is wonderful that they are available to you. Do you have depression besides these other conditions? Is it being treated with something else?
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I have been taking anti-depressants for about 12 years, xanax, metroprolol, and pravastatin......
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I am a senior citizen and can fully understand why we become depressed. You are invited to one of your children's home and try to be part of the conversation and are interrupted when talking or completely cut-off. I feel as though I have had a lobotomy, by no means am I stupid or incapable of reading and understanding what I read. I feel as though I should just sit there and keep my mouth shut or stay home. I am a lucky person that has had breast cancer, this was about 23 years ago, chemo but never missed a day of work as a purchasing agent in a hospital, retired 10 years ago and moved to Florida. Then had a lower partial denture made here by what I would classify as a incompetent dentist, he could not adjust the appliance properly, continous irritation of the tissue and several biopsies. This led to cancer in my mouth and again surgery to explore the lower jaw bone to see if had spread into the bone, also about 5-1/2 years ago was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell lymphoma, only 60 known cases in the world, again chemotherapy and radiation. I am in remission and have been for 5 years. I am not looking for sympathy, never would I ask for any. Just try to treat us like we are still alive and not totally worthless. I also have less than 50%
usage of my lungs, arthritis of my knee and degenerative discs in my spine. Everyone is going to get old, so good luck.
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Thank you for your response; especially about a geriatric psychiatrist--never thought of that! I hope our HMO is agreeable. I'll get to work on it tomorrow.
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I think that you need to have a psychiatrist evaluate him and perhaps prescribe more appropriate meds. A geriatric psychiatrist would be best. Often appointments are far in advance, so get started ... and state that you would be available if a cancellation comes up sooner.

Good luck!
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My 81 year old husband has been clinically depressed (untreated) since he was a child. Therapy began shortly after we were married 46 years ago. About 10 years ago he began anti-depressants prescribed by his PCP. Since 2000, he's had some critical health issues and recovered nicely after each one, except his last one. First he had colon cancer, then double heart bypass, then a half-hip replacement followed by 4 additional surgeries on the same hip. Recovery has been long and difficult. Then, he fell and cracked the hip on the other side. Pins and metal shafts in both thighs. His mobility has been severely curtailed. He is in his second round of PT but doesn't want to do any exercises at home. Doesn't want to try. He's on high doses of Celexa and Wellbutrin but acts and says he is still depressed. His aging is coming on fast and wasn't emotionally prepared for the changes he's experiencing. His will is evaporating before my eyes. I believe I need to have a psychiatrist evaluate him and perhaps prescribe more appropriate meds. Should he be seen by a MD who treats oldsters exclusively? Thank you, I'm feeling the urgency for new action. ----Sandy
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