why i am depress in near 40s?

Question

At the moment, i am near 40 and depressed. For a week now i was really down the dumps.

Some of you know what is it like to be depress. and i dont believing in depression. For me, it is an excuse to everyone. that way i tried to contral the motions and i dont use the meditions at in any time and in any kind, i try avoid them in all times.

back to the question, is it true that you get depress when you are near 40s and over 40s? And how i stop thinking about, any suggestions?

Answer 1

(L)
"The Common Cold of Mental Health"
Depression has been called "The Common Cold of Mental Health." We all know that everybody feels "down," "blue," "bummed," hopeless, or pessimistic from time to time. That's normal.

Many people wonder "When does 'feeling down' cross the line into depression?" That's a tough question, because it's not always an "Either-Or" kind of thing.

We hope that reading this information will help you understand your situation a little better, which then may make it easier to get the help you need.

In considering whether you need help with depression, it might be useful to consider the following three dimensions: Frequency, Severity and Duration.


Three Dimensions of Depression
Frequency: How often do you feel down or depressed? Every day? Three times a week? Once a month? All the time?
Severity: How bad is it? Do you feel suicidal? Totally hopeless and stuck in a dark hole? Or just kind of lousy and negative?
Duration: How long does it last? Until you see your partner? Until you go home for the weekend? Just a couple of hours? Does it drag on for days, weeks, or even months? Have you felt somewhat depressed your whole life?



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What Causes Depression?
Some of you may feel like you know exactly why you're depressed.

Your partner just broke up with you . . .
A loved one or a pet died . . .
You lost your job . . .
You didn't get accepted into that professional school . . .
Other times, however, the reasons for our depression are not quite as clear; that is, there may not be just one "cause," but a variety of contributing factors that accumulate over time and lead us to that feeling of being defeated, demoralized, hopeless, helpless, depressed. And sometimes, with factors like low self-esteem or anxiety, it may be almost impossible to say which causes which.

Do low self-esteem and anxiety cause depression?
Or does depression cause low self-esteem and anxiety?
Or both?


Common Symptoms of Depression
Physical

Changes in sleeping pattern: much more or much less?
Changes in eating patterns: much more or much less?
Fatigue, loss of energy.
Headaches, stomachaches or otherwise inexplicable aches and pains.

Behavioral/Attitude

Diminished interest in and enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities-sex, sports, hobbies, going out with friends, etc.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Neglecting responsibilities and personal appearance.

Emotional

Depressed mood-can mean feeling down, apathetic, irritable, pessimistic,hopeless, negative, guilty, anxious, empty, etc.
Suicidal thoughts.
Feeling hopeless and helpless.
Feelings of worthlessness.


Possible Contributing Factors to Depression
Environmental: Cramped living conditions, bad roommate situation, money problems, car problems, holidays you're not looking forward to, having a tough time with classes, too much pressure on you, feeling helpless to change your environment, loss of something significant (a job, a dream, etc.), being victimized (assault, robbery, rape, etc.).
Interpersonal: Relationship problems or break-up, conflicts with parents or family members, death of significant person in your life, the anniversary of a loss, feeling like people are taking advantage of you, unresolved anger or guilt, feeling helpless to effect changes in important relationships.
Physical/Medical/
Biological Food allergies, unhealthy diet, genetic predisposition ("it runs in the family"), chemical imbalances, dealing with illness or infection, sleep deprivation, chronic anxiety.
Diet/Exercise Getting by on fast food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, potato chips, and other relatively non-nutritious items; substance abuse; lack of exercise.
Cognitive Negative self-talk, self criticism, pessimistic thinking, catastrophic thinking, anticipatory anxiety, low sense of self-worth.
Spiritual/Existential/
Philosophical: Doubts about the meaning of life; questions about your own religious beliefs; a sense that you're somehow missing out on your true calling or pathor that you're not being true to yourself, your dreams, your beliefs.


What Can I Do About It?
There are actually a lot of things you can do about depression. The most important thing is that you do something positive and constructive.

You might start by getting yourself some paper and a pen and make headings for all the factors previously described: Environmental, Interpersonal, Physical/Medical, etc.

Make a list of any problems, concerns, or negative feelings you have that relate to each of the areas. (It also helps to identify which of the areas are sources of strength, support, positive feelings.)


As you break the depression down into smaller, more manageable contributing parts, some solutions will seem clear to you. Again, we're not operating on an "Either-Or" assumption---that you either have depression or you don't; we're assuming a continuum of depressive feelings or symptoms.


So any changes you can make for the better, though they may not "fix" the depression or make it go away immediately, are definitely worth doing.


Depression can leave you feeling helpless and out of control of your life, your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You want to regain and experience more power and control; you want to get to the point where you feel like you can do something to improve your situation and life.


So for instance, you may realize that relationship problems are a key contributor to your depression, and decide that assertiveness or communications training would really help remedy that situation.


Or you might notice that for you the symptoms are largely physical and choose to get a medical check-up to rule out other possible problems.


Perhaps parental pressures and expectations have been burdening you and you'll decide to have that long, honest talk with your parents.


Go over each area and do your own self-assessment, then write down what you think it would take to help the situation. No two lists will be exactly alike, but several general strategies often are beneficial to people struggling with feelings of depression.



Beneficial Strategies for Coping with Depression
Develop a more healthy, balanced diet. We aren't made to run on junk, fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes.
Get regular exercise and sufficient sleep. For exercise, walking is fine. The times when you least feel like doing it might be the times you need to do it most. Cutting yourself short on sleep can really contribute to a downward spiral in other areas.
Develop stress skills and time management skills. These will be very helpful in surviving college and keeping yourself from feeling overwhelmed and down.
Check in with your emotional self regularly. Learn to be aware of your feelings and not let them build up to the point where they overwhelm you, bring you down, and cause even bigger problems in your life.
Develop and use a support system. Most people don't mind being around someone who's depressed, especially if you tell them what would be helpful, as in the examples below.



I need a hug. I need some support.

I just need somebody to listen.

I just want to vent and blow off some steam.

I don't need you to "fix" me or "make it all better."



But I Just Feel So Stuck!
Clearly, many of these changes are things you can do on your own. For many of us, it's difficult to get ourselves going, and we may prefer to seek the help of a professional counselor to help us move past that stuck point. Certainly if you have been stuck for a long time, or if you are at the point where you are seriously neglecting important aspects of your life or even thinking about suicide, you must seek professional help.

A professional can help you get the help you need, whether that be counseling/psychotherapy or even possibly anti-depressant medications for a short period of time. See the next section for a description of the three types of psychotherapy and a discussion of when anti-depressant medications should be used.



Three Types of Psychotherapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy

This approach can help identify and change the problems in social and personal relationships that are contributing to the depression.

Cognitive-Behavioral

These approaches focus on the negative, inaccurate, self-defeating, and/or pessimistic thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions that are contributing to depression. They then aim not only at identifying and changing thought patterns, but on making specific behavioral changes to reflect and reinforce the new thoughts and beliefs.

Psychodynamic Therapy

The focus of psychodynamic therapy is on past experiences and how they might be contributing to your current depression, perhaps in ways of which you are not conscious or aware.




For many people, just being able to talk to a helping person about their problems, getting problems off their chest, and getting some support can be therapeutic.


Anti-Depressant Medications for Serious Depression
What are they?
For more serious depressions, psychiatrists sometimes prescribe anti-depressant medications to help get the person back on track more quickly. Many people have found that the medications helped them "lift the cloud" so they could function better and move toward "getting things back to normal."

When should they be used?
Medications generally are not seen as substitutes for therapy, but work best together with therapy not only to relieve the depressive symptoms but to enhance the person's understanding of the depression and expand his or her coping strategies for dealing with the conditions that led to depression in the first place. A consultation with a psychiatrist can answer your specific questions about medications and side effects.

Do something positive and constructive.
Again, the key is that you do something positive and constructive. You don't have to live like this. Depressive feelings are common and we have given you some ideas how to work with them yourself, in a "Self-Help" kind of way. And when the depression feels too frequent, too deep, lasts too long (remember Frequency, Duration, Severity), it's time to seek professional help, either at the Counseling and Mental Health Center or from a qualified professional in the community.


Are You Considering Medication for Depression?
Perhaps your counselor or psychiatrist has mentioned this option to you, or you've wondered whether an antidepressant medication might be helpful based on what you've "heard" or the experiences of friends or family members.

This brochure is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about antidepressants. We hope that the information will serve as a starting point for a more in-depth discussion with your counselor and your psychiatrist here at the Counseling & Mental Health Center.

If you decide to explore the option of medication further, you will want to meet with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose specialty is the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental health problems. A psychiatrist is specially trained in the use of medication to treat depression.

See also our new brochure: Considering Medication for Depression.



Remember, depression is treatable.


Frequently Asked Questions About Antidepressants
1. What are the signs that I may be depressed and therefore might need medication?

Most of us feel temporarily discouraged or "down" at times. This brochure is about treatment for a very different kind of depression. If you are experiencing this kind of depression, you may have been feeling sad, irritable or depressed most of every day for weeks, if not months. Activities or people you used to enjoy might not seem interesting anymore. You might stop attending class and feel tired all the time. You might find you have increased or decreased appetite, or you might find that you have lost or gained weight. A couple of days of insomnia, sleeping all day, or wanting to "just stay in bed" occasionally happen for us all. But when this happens consistently over a period of weeks it suggests a more serious problem.

If you're depressed, you may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Friends may comment that you're extra "sensitive" or crying a lot. When you are this depressed, it is not unusual to feel hopeless and helpless, as if you're "stuck in a dark hole" and can't get out. Other people may notice you no longer seem to care about your responsibilities or your appearance. You may think about death a lot and even consider killing yourself. These are all signs of a serious depression.


Signs of Depression:
Sad Mood


Sleep Problems


Appetite Change


Concentration Loss


Suicidal Thoughts


2. Is depression a sign of personal "weakness"?

Depression is one of the most common concerns of students coming to the Counseling and Mental Health Center. It is not a sign of personal weakness. Abraham Lincoln, Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill are only a few of the strong people history suggests struggled with depression. It's not a condition that you can will or wish away. People suffering from depression cannot merely expect to "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms of depression may persist or get worse. With treatment, you may begin to experience significant relief within four to six weeks.


You're not alone. Many university students experience depression.

3. Shouldn't I be able to feel better without taking medication? Don't other people get through this without medication?

Eventually, some people will feel better, even without treatment. Unfortunately, "feeling better" can take a year or more, and if untreated, depression can get worse and seriously interfere with your ability to study, work and enjoy relationships. Depression can also be a life-threatening illness when there is a risk of suicide. Medication will not "fix" everything, but it may help lighten your mood and help you to function so that you can begin working through other problems.

4. How does an antidepressant work?

Depression is an illness in which factors such as genetics, chemical changes in the body and external events may play an important role. Research suggests that depression may be linked to changes in the functioning of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Current research focuses on the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine systems. Certain genetic factors and changes in body hormones have also been implicated in some depressive conditions. These complex biological changes can produce profound changes in your mood and behavior. Antidepressants are thought to correct some of the chemical imbalances present in a depressive illness.

5. Is there a blood test for depression?

The diagnosis of depression is based on the recognition of certain characteristic signs and symptoms affecting your mood state, thinking patterns and physical well-being. At present, there is no blood test that can confirm or eliminate the diagnosis of depression.

6. How long will I have to take a medication?

You and your treatment professional(s) will meet regularly after medication is prescribed to assess any changes and/or concerns and to evaluate how the medication is working for you. Typically, people take antidepressant medications for eight to twelve months or longer. While it is often tempting to stop taking the medication when you feel better, it is important to continue until you and your doctor agree your depression is treated. Stopping the medication early can result in the return of your original symptoms. You may be asked to gradually decrease or "taper off" the medication. "Tapering off" is particularly important with some medications to allow your body an adjustment period.

7. Will the depression come back when I stop taking medication?

In the majority of cases, depression is an illness that can be effectively treated with medication and counseling. However, there is always a chance that your depression may return once a medication is stopped. Continuing antidepressants and/or therapy for the recommended time period minimizes this possibility. Unfortunately, in a small number of cases, depression reoccurs after treatment is complete. Recognizing the signs of a new depressive episode and seeking treatment early are very important.

8. Is the medication addictive? Will I get "high"?

The currently prescribed medications that are approved for the treatment of depression are not considered addictive. Drug addiction implies that you would crave increasing amounts of a substance. While certain medications used in treating unusual forms of depression do have potentially addictive qualities, these medications are not considered standard antidepressants and are not the subject of this brochure. Although antidepressants are not addictive, you may experience some symptoms that lead you to wonder whether you are getting "high." Early on in treatment, antidepressants may cause you to feel unusually energized, especially compared to your previous state. As with most prescription medications, there are also potential drug side effects with antidepressants. Feeling "high" or intoxicated suggests an unusual reaction to your medication, an interaction with another medication, complications from drug or alcohol use, or other unwanted side effects. In addition, some patients with manic-depressive illness may experience an unwanted episode of euphoria. Should you experience any of these problems, contact your psychiatrist immediately.

Antidepressants are not addictive.

9. Will the medication change my personality?

Medication will not change who you are as a person, your unique personal characteristics, or your life circumstances. The goal of antidepressant therapy is to allow you to work toward positive changes in your mood state and thinking patterns. Antidepressant medication assists people in experiencing the full range of human emotions without feeling overwhelmed. Although these positive changes may seem like personality changes, most often they are a sign that you are recovering your ability to react to people and situations in a non-depressed way. Sometimes antidepressant medication produces temporary side effects that feel like negative changes in personality. In particular, you may feel less emotionally sensitive or less "intense" than you did before taking medication. In the event that this occurs and is distressing for you, don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with your counselor and psychiatrist. Refer to question #12 in this brochure to learn more about potential side effects.

10. What might my doctor ask me to do before prescribing medication?

The first step is usually an appointment with a psychiatrist to discuss your depressive symptoms. Your psychiatrist may ask the same questions you have already been asked by another professional. While you may find this repetition frustrating, keep in mind that questions are repeated so that your doctor can gain a thorough understanding of your symptoms, medical history, medication use, and drug or alcohol use. For female patients it will also be important to discuss the issues of pregnancy and birth control use since medication may be potentially harmful to a fetus or nursing infant. Since certain drugs, as well as some medical conditions, can produce depressive symptoms, you may also be referred to another physician for a complete physical exam and laboratory tests.

11. How will my doctor choose which medication to prescribe?

There are approximately 20 antidepressants currently available and approved for the treatment of depression. Antidepressants are generally classified by the chemical properties of the drug and the way in which they are thought to work. Groups of medication your doctor may refer to include: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) or Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Some clinicians may refer to medications discovered in the last 10 to 15 years as "new" medications and those medications which have been available in the last 30 years as "older" medication. Like shoe sizes, not every medication is the right fit for every individual; a medication that worked well for a friend may not be the best match for you.

Your psychiatrist will consider potential adverse effects of medication. The goal of treatment is to effectively eliminate depression with a medication that produces minimal problems or adverse effects. Unfortunately, an "ideal" medication that does not pose some potential problem or risk is not yet available. Side effects are generally mild and decrease with time. Research is focusing on more selective medications for depression that produce fewer and less problematic side effects. It is important that you ask your doctor about any concerns you might have about a medication or its potential side effects.

12. What are the possible side effects of antidepressant medication?

Antidepressants are a relatively safe treatment option in otherwise healthy individuals being treated for depression. Like most prescribed (and some over-the-counter medications), antidepressants may cause mild, and usually temporary side effects in some people. Most of the time, side effects are mild, manageable and disappear over time. Common side effects include nausea, loose stools or constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, sleep changes, dry mouth, headache and blurred vision. Some people experience a change in sexual interest or functioning. While more severe problems are less common, they are possible.

Your doctor or pharmacist will have information sheets that outline a range of potential side effects. Each time you meet with your doctor for follow-up sessions, she or he will ask about your response to the medication and check for problematic effects. Unusual side effects or those that could interfere with your ability to work or study should be reported to your doctor immediately so that changes in the medication can be made. Most side effects are reversible and gradually disappear after a medication is stopped.

13. How long will it be before the medication helps me? How will I know that the medication is working?

All antidepressants take time to work. Don't be discouraged if you don't feel better right away. Therapeutic response typically occurs within two to four weeks after treatment is started, although some people feel better sooner. It is not unusual for your friends and family to notice signs of improvement before you do. When the medication begins to work, you may find yourself increasingly able to accomplish things and enjoy life in a way that is more "normal" for you. If you do not respond to one medication, your doctor may recommend a change of dosage or a change to other medication(s).

Each person is unique in his or her response to medication. Treatment of depression is an ongoing process, with your doctor monitoring and "fine tuning" your medication, depending on how it is working for you.


Each person is unique in his or her response to medication.

14. Can I take other medications along with antidepressants?

An important question! Sometimes when antidepressants are taken in combination with other drugs, the chances of side effects or drug interactions increase. It is very important to consult with your prescribing physician, particularly about allergy medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you use, even over-the-counter or "natural" vitamins and herbal products.

15. Will the medication interfere with my birth control pills?

There is no evidence that antidepressants decrease contraceptive protection. However, like other medications, antidepressants are potentially harmful to the fetus if you are or become pregnant.

16. Are there "natural" substances I can use to treat depression?

There has been a great deal of publicity about herbal preparations such as St. John's Wort for the treatment of depression. Unfortunately, in the United States there are currently no adequate studies to prove that this or other herbal remedies are an effective treatment, especially when compared to standard antidepressants for certain forms of clinical depression. In addition, herbal preparations may not have any significant impact on severe forms of depression. Currently it is not recommended that traditional antidepressants be mixed with herbal antidepressants. If you are curious about any new developments in the research on herbal preparations, talk with your psychiatrist before "self-medicating."

17. How much will antidepressant medication cost?

Although the cost of medication may be difficult for some students to budget, the costs of not treating a depression are also high. You've invested considerable time and money to attend UT. Your ability to function in school, relationships and outside employment may be significantly affected by an untreated episode of depression. The average cost of medication for depression will be about $10 to $70 per month (taking one medication at the average dose level). Many insurance companies pay a portion of medication costs. You may be required to pay a "co-pay" (often $4 to $12) for your portion of the cost. Other insurance companies pay a certain percentage of the cost. You will need to check your individual insurance policy to find out what medication expenses are covered.

18. Why can't I use alcohol when taking medication?

Did you know that alcohol itself is an extremely potent depressant? You certainly don't want to feel more depressed! The use of alcohol and drugs can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of a depressive illness. Many depressive conditions are associated with the excessive use of alcohol and some drugs. Using drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of dangerous behaviors including suicide or cause complicated interactions with your prescribed medication. In sum, alcohol or drug use can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment, prolong your illness, and increase the risk of negative medication side effects.


Alcohol and drugs can make your depression worse.

19. What if I forget to take my pills on schedule?

This is something you'll want to discuss with your doctor. In most cases, if you miss a dose of your medication, don't take a double dose next time. Simply continue with the next scheduled dose and try not to miss again. If you miss several consecutive doses you may experience problems such as headache and nausea. Most importantly, if you often forget to take the medication, your recovery is likely to take longer.

20. How do I tell my family and friends?

Often the people who care about you are already aware of and concerned about the changes in your mood and energy levels. They may be very relieved that you are getting help. Since depression can leave you feeling exhausted or helpless, getting support from others at this time is very important. However, many people have never experienced a serious depression and have trouble fully understanding how disabling it can be. They might not mean to hurt you but they may say or do things that do hurt. It may help to share this brochure with those you most care about so that they can better understand and help you.

21. If I am taking medication, will I still need counseling?

For many people the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the most effective way to treat depression. While medication can help improve depressive symptoms, it can't change the events, thoughts or behaviors that are problematic or distressing for you. Even before becoming depressed you may have been struggling with personal or family issues that affected how you felt about yourself and your relationships. Psychotherapy can help you begin to explore and resolve these concerns. Individual and/or group psychotherapy may also be recommended to assist you in improving self-esteem, relationship skills and strategies for managing stressful events. Good nutrition, good quality sleep and exercise are also important elements of your recovery. To feel better as quickly as possible, consider all the recommendations made to you by your counselor and your psychiatrist.

Answer 2

I have struggled with depression for a while now. I was assaulted by 2 men and my back and neck was injured 7 years ago. One thing I have realized that is when it starts taking hold of me, I will be sure to take B vitamins; sometimes called stress complex. I heard that when you are under stress your body needs more of these vitamins, I know it sounds simple but it really helps. Another thing is to realize is that you are not alone. One of the worst things for me was that I thought I was going crazy and I did not realize that some of my symptoms were normal.

I also write in a journal; it helps me to sort out my thoughts and to vent when I am angry. Remember that problems are relative, so what is a big deal to me may not be to you and vise versa. Your feelings are real do not let anyone tell you that it is not a big deal. I think a little depression is part of the natural rhythm of life, there are peaks and valleys.

I am not 40, I am 35. I have been a little down lately because I expected to be at a different place than I am now. I thought I would have a better job and be married with kids by now. Then I try to focus on my accomplishments and not on the things that I have not accomplished yet. It usually makes me feel better. Be sure to tell your doctor if it lasts too long because there is nothing wrong if you do need a little medication. Think of it like this sometimes, hormones or other chemicals can get off balance, depression is the way our body reacts to the imbalance. I will be praying for you, Good luck:)

Answer 3

there is no point in not believing in depression. its real and it happens to almost everyone to some degree at some point in life. often at 40 or 50 a person begins to feel old and that life is passing them by. the best way to get past that is to do things that make you feel younger. get out and do things with your life, dont sit around. depression is an excuse until its yours. you cant stop thinking about it if you have too much time to think, so work on yourself, physical fitness, take some classes of some kind, work with children, learn to love life again. its not over, im 59, i have high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritus and im very overweight, but i still bellydance when my joints allow it, im a very busy artist, and i have a wonderful lover, as well as daughter and grand daughter and 3 cats, so just stay busy and try to improve you. stewing, thinking about things all the time is the quickest road to danger, lots of hobbies and friends and family are the best cure. its not over till its over.

Answer 4

If you don't believe in depression you better take off your shades...Depression is not a sign of emotional weakness. It is an illness with physiological as well as psychological causes. Depression is caused by a malfunction of the brain's neurotransmitters, chemicals, particularly serotonin that modulate moods. It is also hereditary so stop being in denial and call your doctor. He will give you an anti-depressant that will pull you right out of the funk you're in.

Answer 5

There is a lot of stuff on the internet that is basically fat-shaming diabetics for causing their own diabetes with their bad diet and lack of exercise and general lack of moral fibre. A lot of this stuff is written by non-doctors, often with a supplement or diet or training plan to sell that they claim will completely cure diabetes if only people stick to it.
I read this interesting book https://tr.im/teAbt that gave me a lot of useful tips about my disease and also a different perspective on the best therapeutical approach. I think you should read it too.

Answer 6

Check this site http://www.youtips.info/r/rd.asp?gid=549

IT will give you a different perspective on your diabetes. I don't think you'll be able to reverse your diabetes as they say but it's still an ebook I recommend. It helped me in my fight against the disease.

Answer 7

Age has nothing to do with it !
its what you think about what makes you depressed!
think happy thoughts when you feel sad even if you have to force yourself