UNEXPECTED EMOTIONS AFTER SIXTY
Ever since I turned 60…. now nearing 66, I’ve begun experiencing something I never expected….. quiet waves of dread. They most often come in the early morning, though they have happened other times too. It’s a heavy, depressed feeling that doesn’t quite make sense, especially for someone who has never considered herself a depressed person. Thankfully, these moments usually pass once I get moving and busy with my day. Still, a few weeks ago the feeling lingered for two days. Seriously it really scared me. I felt hopeless, joyless, and super sad. I was embarrassed to tell anyone, mostly my husband, until a couple weeks later. Embarrassed….. because I am strong, capable, and an optimistic person. I don’t like people feeling sorry for me.
SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS
I’ve wondered why, for all this time. Could it be hormonal? I’ve chosen not to take hormone therapy because I’ve heard difficult stories of weight changes, side effects, and things worsening rather than improving. I did briefly try a very low dos at a doctor’s suggestion, but after only two days I felt weird, and stopped. Because I value my health and feel so good otherwise, I hesitate to experiment with something that might disrupt that balance.
When I asked my newsletter readers about their experiences, I felt immediate relief. At least I wasn’t the only one. Many women wrote to me saying yes, this happens to them too. No one had a clear medical explanation, though many also suspected hormones. Nearly all shared similar ways of coping: prayer, exercise, meaningful hobbies, God, and staying spiritually grounded. These are the same things helping me, and I’m grateful they do, but I still find myself wondering where these feelings come from.
WHAT MIGHT BE HAPPENING
Many women experience emotional shifts in their 60’s studies show. Hormone levels remain low after menopause. Changes in sleep, brain chemistry, life transitions, and even quiet reflections on aging can all contribute to brief feelings of sadness or the dread I’m talking about. Experts say that depression risk can double during this time. Medical summaries report that 15-50% of postmenopausal women experience mood swings and depression. While unsettling, these moments are often temporary and surprisingly common. Knowing this can be comforting, it reminds us we are not alone, and certainly not going crazy!
MOVING FORWARD WITH HOPE
For now, I continue leaning into the practices that bring peace… prayer, movement, connection, purpose, and faith. These steady anchors help the waves pass more quickly and remind me that joy is still very present. Aging may bring change, and sometimes it may feel like the process accelerates. It’s good to note, that scientists have discovered that there can be long periods of feeling somewhat stable, but then certain decades will have noticeable differences, 40’s and 60’s. These times can have bigger visible transitions.
If you’ve felt this too, I woud love to hear from you. You are not alone in wondering what the heck is going on. I would have thought way back when, that at this age I would have all this kind of stuff worked out! Perhaps the greatest comfort is knowing that even in moments of heaviness, light still returns….. most often sooner than we expect.
TAKE A LOOK AT THESE JOURNALS BELOW…. ALL SO HELPFUL
