Often when your prone to depression it's not always a good idea to pay too much attention to the news and all the negativity out in the world. We tend to create enough negativity in our own minds we don't need any extra input. I'm not sure if your familiar with S.A.D. - Seasonal Affective Disorder, but it often affects folks with Depression. It occurs when Seasons are changing, days are getting shorter, daylight is less, sunshine is less, less natural Vitamin D, these can all cause S.A.D. You have to stay in tune with your body and try to compensate, try to get out earlier in the day when the Sun is out and get some Vitamin D, naturally. A 15 - 20 min. walk is good. You can also take a supplement, but the natural stuff is the best. If you see a Pdoc or Therapist you might want to check in with them about your depression getting worse, before it gets too much out of control. If your getting sick on top of it that can also bring down your mood, so vitamin C, chicken soup, all those things that help a cold are good things to do. See your GP if you feel like its more than just a cold. Try not to give in and stay in bed or on the couch too much, but don't overdue it either.

Support boards like these can be good support, you can look online for meetup groups if you like to meet others for outings. If you check your local library they probably have lists of local groups like bookclubs, bike clubs, bird watching clubs, etc. those types of things where you could get some contact with other people and not be so lonely.

If you're not seeing a Therapist, I would highly suggest it, because it would most likely do you quite a bit of good.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

Yes Wendy I'm in the same boat..getting older with no kids but heck the way things are so messed up now it would be no guarantee that kids would take care of us anyways! Depression has caused me physical side effects too. My heart goes out to you and hope it passes soon. Huge Hugs!

I share you feelings about the world. Though I endeavor to know the issues reading news from trusted sources and put the feeling I have of the world "on a shelf" which will just more problems for my family contacts. Try to avoid any contentious issues with family and this is an easy one to avoid.
Hope this helps.

Wendy, I agree with previous posters regarding Vitamin D and not watching the news. I have suffered with anxiety and depression and have found that watching the news only makes it worse. I will watch I love Lucy or something funny instead. Since you are older and have no children have you considered moving to a retirement village? We have them in my area and they are great for creating community and giving you opportunities to engage with other people.