Hello I have just reached 80 years old and have extreme anxiety with the feeling that I am going to die soon. This feeling dominates everyday and I am unable to enjoy the life I had. My doctor has now put me on an anti-depressant but so far still feel the same. I do not want to feel like this. I want to enjoy life. I know it is all irrational but I cannot convince myself of that. Any thoughts or help would be much appreciated.
Extreme Anxiety
- Thread starter Maisie123
- Start date
Marian
Member
Maisie, I have the same. How long have you been taking the antidepressant? It can take about 6 weeks for them to kick in. If it’s been longer than that, then tell your doctor. There are other medications they can use. Therapy can also help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is what they mostly use for anxiety.
I’ve also found that seeing a psychiatrist instead of just getting medication from my primary care doctor is the way to go.
I really hope you can get some help with this. It’s awful. I wish you the best
I’ve also found that seeing a psychiatrist instead of just getting medication from my primary care doctor is the way to go.
I really hope you can get some help with this. It’s awful. I wish you the best
Hello and welcome. I don't know if this is of any comfort, but I just turned 70 and those thoughts do cross my mind now and then, the fact that it is dominating for you is not a good thing.....hugs.
With age, a lot of people think of being in the winter of their lives and the end getting closer. We should not let it have a negative effect on our lives in current time, we should cherish every moment we have on this earth and make the best of it.
To constantly review regrets of the past in your mind just wastes the present time you're living in and is a disservice to you.....as is constant worry and dread about what may happen in the future.
People die every day at all ages, in my opinion we should just be thankful to have made it this far, and enjoy the precious moments we have. Do you live alone and spend a lot of idle time thinking? It may help to change your routine, do something different, get outdoors more and enjoy nature if you like things like that, or get involved with a group for local trips, sightseeing, etc.
Visit here often, it will help to occupy your mind. Dying is a normal part of life, your worry will end there, but you shouldn't let it cast a gray cloud over your present life, enjoy that as best you can, love yourself and every moment. Have a good day, wishing you a brighter tomorrow.
Hello and thank you for talking to me. I have only been on the anti-depressants for a week so probably feeling worse rather than better at the moment as I am told that is the effect they have on you. I do live alone but when things are "normal" I am always out and about and doing things. I know this is illogical but I only got this feeling on turn 80. Never had these thoughts at 79 which I know sounds really stupid. I cannot thank you enough for talking to me.
Remy
Well-known Member
- Location
- California, USA
I'm 62 and feel like I could drop dead any minute myself. Life long stress. I just know I can't do anything about it. I know that isn't a helpful comment. We all have things to deal with. Perhaps medication can help.
I don't know if you have pets or other things that keep you occupied or depend on you.
I don't know if you have pets or other things that keep you occupied or depend on you.
hawkdon
Well-known Member
- Location
- Liberty MO
I've been there also, Maisie...does help to talk, and so
I generally come here or another forum....also have a
couple people that will listen to me....c'mon back !!!
I generally come here or another forum....also have a
couple people that will listen to me....c'mon back !!!
It's only a number, best not to give it any more importance than it deserves. Just consider yourself 79ish.
hawkdon
Well-known Member
- Location
- Liberty MO
Well the only other forum is the Nextdoor forum, now it is for neighborhood type content, but I like it to see whats going on outside my 4 walls, keeps my mind in a better place,.....
Hi Maisie, I don't have anxiety but I do have age. I'm 78 and the looming 80 has had me thinking about more and making plans.
I think those big birthdays with a zero mean more to all of us than the ones in between and make us think more. I never paid much mind to birthdays until I hit 70. That one bothered me more than all the ones since and I think 80 will be even harder. But, I always think of my friend who lived alone until age 97 and made it to 99 with a little live-in help. Her memory helps me remember that I should plan to live that long because it could happen.
Marian gave you some very good advice, I think. I would encourage you to join in the other threads here in the forum and get involved in the conversations that interest you. There is a wide variety of topics and you will meet a lot of people from other places that have interesting opinions.
All of us here like to talk (obviously) so just keep talking to us about everything and pretty soon you will feel right at home.
Judycat
Well-known Member
- Location
- Pennsylvania
I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Please take care of yourself.
Lewkat
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey, USA
Hi Maisie. I have a good friend in England who is 93, her name is Maisie too, and I am 90. We both have health issues, but I don't think either of us thinks too much about dying at all.
However, when I was reaching my mid-20s, I suffered severe anxiety and panic attacks and, certain that I would die any second. Terrible feeling to say the very least.
There is no quick fix to getting past this situation, but as you can see, it can occur at any time in one's life. Assurances from people did not help me at all. I needed to get through it on my own terms.
My friend Maisie in the UK had good reason to have anxiety, for she went through the blitz during WWII. Perhaps it was living through times such as those that makes it a non issue for us today. Even though I was on this side of the Atlantic, I knew full well what was happening over there.
I certainly wish I could tell you that this too will pass, for it surely will, but it won't solve your problems. Try getting a pet and have some serious discussions with it. I mean that, they are the best listeners in the world and will love you for just paying attention to them.
Good luck and prayers for a happier day soon.
However, when I was reaching my mid-20s, I suffered severe anxiety and panic attacks and, certain that I would die any second. Terrible feeling to say the very least.
There is no quick fix to getting past this situation, but as you can see, it can occur at any time in one's life. Assurances from people did not help me at all. I needed to get through it on my own terms.
My friend Maisie in the UK had good reason to have anxiety, for she went through the blitz during WWII. Perhaps it was living through times such as those that makes it a non issue for us today. Even though I was on this side of the Atlantic, I knew full well what was happening over there.
I certainly wish I could tell you that this too will pass, for it surely will, but it won't solve your problems. Try getting a pet and have some serious discussions with it. I mean that, they are the best listeners in the world and will love you for just paying attention to them.
Good luck and prayers for a happier day soon.
Been There
Well-known Member
- Location
- Florida
There is a saying “Only worry about the things you can control and not the things you can’t control.” None of us know when we are going down for the count, so live each moment like it’s your last.
I may be only 62, but I’ve already buried several friends. Some were ill, 2 that I can think of just fell over dead and 1died from spinal meningitis while we were in Africa. It didn’t take him long to pass away. I never knew someone could die so quickly after being diagnosed.
I may be only 62, but I’ve already buried several friends. Some were ill, 2 that I can think of just fell over dead and 1died from spinal meningitis while we were in Africa. It didn’t take him long to pass away. I never knew someone could die so quickly after being diagnosed.
hearlady
Basic Member
- Location
- N Carolina
In my experience the meds can make it worse but then it does get better. If you can hang in there the end result is worth it but always keep your Dr informed along the way.
Talk with us through your journey. It can really help.
Nathan
SF VIP
- Location
- High Desert- Calif.
@Maisie123 , sorry to hear, perhaps your doctor could prescribe a short term anti-anxiety med until the anti-depressant takes effect. I once had an extreme anxiety episode the day after I abruptly stopped a rigorous medication regimen. Total crash, I was a mess, was given a script for Xanax which really helped tremendously. Short term six weeks or less, to avoid adverse effects.
Best wishes.
Marian
Member
Maisie, I started feeling that way when my father died. I knew I needed help but I didn’t want to take medication. I tried everything… except medication! Meditation. Going out in nature, yoga, herbal supplements etc. My father died 6 years ago! I just started medication 6 months ago !
It’s the only thing that really helped. Hang in there! I felt sick taking medication for the first couple of weeks but my doctor told me to try and keep taking it. After a few weeks I felt much better! What a relief it was! I hope you have the same experience
It’s the only thing that really helped. Hang in there! I felt sick taking medication for the first couple of weeks but my doctor told me to try and keep taking it. After a few weeks I felt much better! What a relief it was! I hope you have the same experience
Gaer
"Angel whisperer"
- Location
- New Mexico U.S.A.
. Death is never to be feared. It's a transformation into more and more wonder.
Each lifetime brings us closer to the evolution of our soul into God consciousness.
Yes, Cherish this life but your next life will hold all you've ever dreamed!
Personally, I can hardly wait to race toward the future lives.
If you begin the practice of Transcendental Deep meditation, seriously, this
will help you tremendously and without drugs. It's not a concentrative meditation
nor is it trying to empty the mind of thought. It's so simple and charms you
into your soul. It can be incredibly joyous! I've felt bliss beyond description!
Don't EVER be afraid of ANYTHING!
Each lifetime brings us closer to the evolution of our soul into God consciousness.
Yes, Cherish this life but your next life will hold all you've ever dreamed!
Personally, I can hardly wait to race toward the future lives.
If you begin the practice of Transcendental Deep meditation, seriously, this
will help you tremendously and without drugs. It's not a concentrative meditation
nor is it trying to empty the mind of thought. It's so simple and charms you
into your soul. It can be incredibly joyous! I've felt bliss beyond description!
Don't EVER be afraid of ANYTHING!
Jamala
Senior Member
- Location
- Butterfly from Herts/UK
Do you have somewhere close by to go for a walk? One of the best things to lift the mood when feeling anxious.
Also breath control. I can't say enough for learning to breathe properly.
Good luck and welcome
Remy
Well-known Member
- Location
- California, USA
Since this started when you turned 80, I wonder if it might just resolve on it's own. I went through I time where I thought I wouldn't wake up every time I went to bed. That went away. I mean it can happen at anytime, but I'm not thinking about it now.
Muskrat
Senior Member
- Location
- Mainly arizona
Sorry this has happened to you. There is good advice being given here…i am just here for moral support.
Been There
Well-known Member
- Location
- Florida
My niece called me about 6 years ago and told me that my uncle had transitioned this morning. I had no idea what she was talking about so I said, "That's nice." She aske me if I knew what she meant and I told her no. She said he died and moved onto the next step in is life. Now I was confused. If you die how can you transition to the next step in your life if you are dead? I didn't ask her to explain it because I always thought she was only half full most of the time anyway.
Hello everyone. Well 2 of my friends took me to a local garden centre for a coffee this morning. At first I didn't want to go but I made myself. I felt very weak and nauseous but I made it through. My doctor said try to get out. Now home and just want to go to sleep.
Am continue to persevere with the sertraline and hope the side effects will get better. I am so grateful to you all for talking to me. It really does help.
Am continue to persevere with the sertraline and hope the side effects will get better. I am so grateful to you all for talking to me. It really does help.
Nathan
SF VIP
- Location
- High Desert- Calif.
Additionally- "worrying about the past or the future robs you of the joy in the present".
However, that being said- all the 'best practices' and advice in the world are of little immediate use, when one is in the throes of these afflictions.