As the time went on, it seemed like I was getting worse instead of better. Nothing seemed to be fun anymore. Even when my knee was getting better, I still found that it was really hard to get out of bed in the morning. I just wanted to hide under the covers and not talk to anyone. I didn't feel like eating much, and I started to lose weight. I knew I had to keep going because I lived alone.  My kids helped when they could, but their lives were busy with their families. It just felt so impossible, like nothing was going to change or get better.

My home physical therapist asked me if I was feeling sad. I told her I was. After all, I am over 85. What could I expect?  She said it was not normal for me to feel so sad for so long, no matter what my age.  She encouraged me to talk to my doctor.

My doctor diagnosed me with depression, and she sent out a Mental Health Nurse from Holy Redeemer Home Care. The nurse worked closely with my doctor to treat my depression. Because of this intervention, I am still at home, independent, and feeling like myself again.