Suddenly, I hated Santa.

Depression can feel like an invisible struggle, especially for the millions of women over 50+ facing its challenges. Trust me, I know. I have had a lifelong battle with depression and anxiety. I’ll tell you a little story. I have always been a Christmasaholic. Always. From the time I was a child and throughout each stage of my life, I was crazy about Christmas. I mean, my kids all had trees in their rooms. (And I had 5!) In fact, every room in my house had decorated trees. Even the bathrooms. 🤣 Each year we picked themes. One year was all about nature. Another year was our Candyland Christmas. One year it was Santa from around the world. And one year, I organized a luminaria for the community in our neighborhood, covering 5 blocks and over 80 houses. Hundreds of people came.  It was Christmas magic.

And then one Christmas, I didn’t even want to pull the decorations out of storage. I just couldn’t feel that feeling of precious joy. I mean, I used to cry at touching Christmas carols. Seriously. Even in my middle school band performance at Christmas, I was holding back tears when we played “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. And yet here I was, numb. No matter what I did, I had lost that lovin’ feeling. That is when I realized that depression had set in again. Worse than I had dealt with before. If you have trouble feeling joy for things you have always loved, or don’t even want to do them anymore? You might be suffering from depression too.

As a mindset coach passionate about supporting women in this stage of life, I want to be by your side on this journey toward healing and resilience. Here are some insights and strategies to help you break free from depression’s grip and rediscover your inner strength and joy.

Understanding Depression in Women Over 50:

Depression in women over 50 can be different from what younger individuals experience. It might show up as sadness, hopelessness, or physical symptoms like fatigue and sleep issues. There are many reasons for depression at this stage of our lives, from hormonal changes to life transitions like menopause, being a caretaker, or retirement. Sometimes, there seems to be no reason at all. Asking for support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a brave step toward healing.

Breaking Free from Silence and Shame:

Whether it’s talking to a friend, seeing a therapist, or exploring meditation and mindfulness, remember that reaching out is a sign of strength. Be kind to yourself throughout this journey. Embrace vulnerability, honor your feelings, and know that you deserve love and compassion just as you are. It’s time to put the stigma towards mental health to rest, girls. We don’t want our granddaughters to ever feel like they have to hide how they feel, right? So let’s be brave, and show them the way. Side note: Therapy is covered by most insurance. And if yours doesn’t, there are plenty of online options that have sliding scales, like BetterHelp or Talkspace. And if you are hiding your depression because you think it would be a burden to someone else, please stop. You matter, you matter, you matter! And anyone who truly cares for you will know you matter too.

Empowering Your Mindset:

Challenge those negative thoughts that depression feeds you. Replace self-criticism with self-compassion, doubt with belief, and fear with courage. You have the power to rewrite your story and adopt a mindset of resilience and possibility. Your struggles don’t define you; your resilience does. But, this takes support and practice. You have to be willing to do the work. If you are, the potential for change is enormous!

Healing for Body and Soul:

Healing from depression involves your whole being—body, mind, and spirit. Try mindfulness, yoga, journaling, or simply spending time in nature. Do things that bring you joy and peace, and prioritize self-care. Remember, healing isn’t a straight line, but every step forward is worth celebrating. In my experience, it wasn’t one thing that helped me find my way through depression. It was a synergy of things. Mindfulness, challenging limiting beliefs, self-care, therapy, and medication were my magic combinations.

Building Your Circle of Support:

Surround yourself with a supportive community of women who understand and empathize. Share your stories, offer encouragement, and draw strength from one another. Together, we can create a safe space where vulnerability is embraced, and hope is renewed. The Middle Girls has both a public Facebook page and also a private community for members of my coaching system and courses where other women our age can lift you up. Or look around in your own world.

When I first was diagnosed with anxiety over 20 years ago, I felt the stigma. But I felt it important to share what was going on with me. And when I did, I was shocked at how many people told me, “I deal with that too.” When we speak out about our struggles, we give other women the courage to speak about theirs. There is bonding in that. I found support in the least likely of places, but with people I will always remember.

Depression Sucks, But…

As you navigate depression after 50, know that you’re not alone. Trust your inner wisdom, and believe that healing is possible. Do your best (and your best is always enough!) to face this journey with courage, compassion, and a belief in your resilience. You’re stronger than you think you are, and brighter days are ahead. Depression sucks, but there is hope to feel good again. To feel like you aren’t walking around in concrete anymore. If you are interested in receiving support, mindset training, and guidance with coping skills for depression, check out my signature program, The Mindset Shift Coaching System. I’ll see you there! 🤗