I am new here but I've had depression most of my life.Now that I'm going through menopause I am not coping very well to say the least.Is there others dealing with this. Meds can only do so much.I just need some women to connect with dealing with this...
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Depression & Middleage
7/14/09 8:10pm
Hi, Meme55. I'm 60, so I'm past it and you won't want to hear this, but I couldn't really tell by the usual symptoms that I had hit it because my hormones were kind of screwed up anyway and I was on the Pill to try to control that, so I think I might have gone through it without realizing it. By the time they checked my FSH levels, they said I was post-menopausal - never even saw perimenopause! Are you having a lot of physical symptoms, or do they seem to be mostly emotional? When you're depressed anyway (I've had it for most of my adult life, as well), it's hard to tell what's what. Part of it can be just realizing that you're getting older because of this milestone, but I have to say, I've found it to be very freeing in some respects because with age comes wisdom (for most of us, anyway) and that can be a relief, to let go of a lot of "shoulds" and things we think we need to do. I'd be glad to keep in touch if you would like me to, even though I may not have the same symptoms you do. Hope you will soon feel better or at least find some support.
7/14/09 9:07pm
Thanks so much for your reply! I have had to let go of some harmful relationships(women) and I feel so alone. I would like to keep in touch with you.I have already been through a divorce somewhat like yours as I told you.There was a girl 20 years younger than me involved with him.So I have had sorrow. If you feel able I would love to keep in touch! Have a good evening>
7/14/09 11:14pm
MeMe, I'm not divorced but I know about enough other kinds of sorrow. I can't see your post right now, but I don't remember if you said you had children or not. I have two grown sons and a little grandson who makes me get out of my depression whenever I see him. Both of my sons are on meds for it so we've been dealing with it in one form or another for many years. It's good you're reaching out. In fact, it helps me to be of help to others; this has not been a very good day for me but getting outside myself has helped. It would be great to hear from you again - take care.
7/15/09 10:29pm
Hi meme55. I understand what you are going through!! I went through menopause in my early 40's. I am now 53. I have also suffered from depression for many years. I was finally diagnosed with Systemic Lupus 6 yrs ago so the doctors think my depression developed from that.
My menopause symptoms didn't seem to be bad at first. As my Lupus got worse, so did the sweating and cravings. Now I break out in a sweat doing the simplest things around the house. After a shower, by the time I get dressed and my hair done, I find I am sweaty. Yuk!
My husband and I are seperated. The reason is too painful to talk about. My depression got worse once again. You are right, meds can only do so much. Some days I don't get out of bed and just want to hide from the whole world.
Because of everything I've gone through over the last several years, I have lost my best friend and feel very alone 99% of the time. My friend just doesn't understand what being deeply depressed means. She thinks I should just pick myself up and charge forward. As we all know, it is easier said than done.
My goal every days is:
1. to get out of bed and pull myself together.
2. eat something healthy for breakfast no matter how
3. leave the house for exercise or do errands. (this is my biggest challenge)
If I don't, I find myself feeling down, giving up, watching a movie or worse back in bed feeling angry at myself for failing. Today was one of those days. I allowed depression to win and missed a beautiful day outside.
I am sorry you are going through this and my heart goes out to you. I felt your pain when I read what you wrote and felt I had to reply. I wanted you to know there is someone else out there that does understand what you are going through. I will be thinking about you and will check back here tomorrow to see how you are doing.
~One hour or one minute at a time. Whatever it takes to get through the day.~
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Hi there and welcome to My Depression Connection!
Can you tell us more about what you are going through? I am not quite there yet...I am in my mid forties...but it is right around the corner.
It might help to talk about what is currently going on with you...there are many people here who suffer from depression and also are going through menopause. So you are not alone!
You are right...in so many cases...medication is only helpful to a point. You also need a lot of support. I hope you can find that support here.
Welcome aboard!
Hi back at ya, about meno systoms<They are horrible> Night sweats,sweets-wine & all chocolate makes me have a crawling feeling inside
Thats just some of them. I have found out that as a young women if you were under a lot of stress---I mean an extra,lot your adrenal glands are shot by the time you go through menopause and can't cope.I have found by way of a compounding pharmacy a harmone cream that has made a great difference. But the depression is always an enemy.That is the problem.I am already dealing with harmones gone crazy and you put that with depression you got a real party! So prepare yourself my friend...And stay in touch.Oh yea,anything that you are upset about makes your menopause systems worse~Really BAD~So Know and get ready.