Suggest Treatment For Depression

Posted on Tue, 22 Jul 2014

Question: I am XXXX again, 61, my son who is married and lives in XXXXXXX 2 to 3 hours away, never returns my phone calls or emails. They have a son and he will be 3yrs in Sept. Last year I sent my son and XXXXXXX the baby, both cards and presents. I did not get a thank you or anything. His wife who I was so good, when XXXXXXX my son's Father who was mean to the girl and tried to break them up and ugly to her parents as well. Now they are married and I have only seen XXXXXXX once at 3 months old. I am left out of everything and no response to anything. I have done nothing for awhile , several months. I called at Christmas, no word. It is so sad for me. I also have the daughter now not speaking and a Dr. has answered one of my questions. My daughter is from my first marriage of 3 years and my son from second husband of almost 10 years. These things depress me. I am not remarried and not a male friend either, though I am not trying to date. My parents left me their home in a very small town and I just do not meet anyone, have tried the internet thing in New Orleans years ago and very disappointed in the whole thing. Even if I did have a fabulous other life with someone, my children are greatly missed everyday and have always treid to be close to them, and have in the past at different times. I am on Zoloft. Klonopin, and Trileptal, all helps, but can not get them to be the way I would love for them to be.

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try social support group

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I would like to answer your query.

I have seen conditions before and it is nothing new. Elderly are commonly abused (Physically and sexually), neglected, financially exploited and even ill treated.
I cannot advise you on how to live, as you have to decide that. Your main complaint among above would be "neglected".
You are on certain medications and as you have claimed, it seems to help you and as all these are important medications, you should never stop it without your doctor decision.
As an elderly, you need support of a social support group to manage your life. You are alone and you need to meet more people of your age, to form a group and live together.
I would not support leaving the elderly or neglecting them due to personal problems and time should only heal wounds and you have take care of your personal health and remain functional to live for that.
You can get counseling from your counselor regarding neglect and at the end of the day, it is you and you alone, who can solve or leave your problems and leave happily.
Things you can do:
1. Meet support groups and people of your age and you will understand more about yourself and others.
2. At times of ill health you might require a care taker, try to identify one whom you could be comfortable with.
3. Try to maintain an appropriate and meaningful recreational and leisure activity to improve your quality of life. Gentle exercise and outdoor activities would improve the mood and also has additional health benefits.
4. Have a nutritional diet rich in proteins and vitamins. Vitamin deficiency can cause mood changes like depression.

Hope it helps. Have a happy and healthy life.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar