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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For being depressed at time passing?

32 replies

GrumpyCowBag · 20/09/2025 23:21

I know I am being unreasonable but couldn’t think where else to put this.

I am 44 and recently I can feel really quite depressed at the thought of life disappearing. Life seems to pass so much faster now. My kids are adults, my parents are getting older. And I find it depressing time is running out for my parents and then it’ll be us.

I really have to try and distract myself when my mind starts spiralling as I can get really upset about it.

And then I start telling myself how lucky I am. My parents are still here in their 70s. I’ve made it much further than people who have died a lot younger than me. So I do completely appreciate how lucky I am. I just feel so sad if I think about how fast time is passing us by.

Of course is doesn’t help that all of a sudden I look so much older! Wrinkles everywhere, grey hair, loose skin, sagginess. I promise I’m not a shallow person but it’s all just adding to the feeling that time is running out.

Am I alone? Does anyone else feel this?

Please give me a reality check!

OP posts:
thishouseisashittip · 20/09/2025 23:36

I am totally with you (am a bit older, 49..50 in November ) and it's getting worse for me. I can't believe how fast time has gone. Feel so nostalgic for past times and it's making me so sad 😞. Kids are grown (mostly, last one is 14 next week but is more mature for his age and doesn't want to hang out with us oldies anymore 😔.

Femalefootyfan · 20/09/2025 23:36

I’m 61 and definitely feel like time is passing too quickly. Both me and DH have lost our dads and while we’re still lucky to have our DM’s they’re both 83 and we’ve also been to 3 funerals of extended family already this year, it does make us think about our own mortality.
All of this makes me think just live life, take the experiences we can fortunately afford to do and enjoy life whilst we’re healthy enough to do so, while still knowing we’re leaving enough financially for our DC’s to benefit.

WilfredsPies · 20/09/2025 23:31

You’re not being unreasonable for it to play on your mind, but that way madness lies. You have to make a concerted effort to think of something positive every time it creeps into your mind. If you’re noticing wrinkles etc now, remind yourself that in ten years time, you’ll be wishing you could look like this again. If the year is going by too fast, then make an effort to enjoy every bit of it. Adjust your priorities, sod the housework and spend time with your parents and/or your DC. Work your way through a bucket list while you’re still young enough and fit enough to enjoy it.

ETA - I think this might be my last year with my mum. I don’t know how I’m going to cope without her. I want to make sure that I know who she is as a person and learn everything I can from her, while I still can. I’m going to enjoy the time I have left with her.

GrumpyCowBag · 20/09/2025 23:31

MsSmartShoes · 20/09/2025 23:27

I was split on this one. Time passing is good - it men’s we’re alive. However, now that I’ve reached midlife and can’t believe how quickly it’s gone and how little I’ve achieved - time passing is depressing.

Absolutely, I know I’m lucky as I know people who have tragically passed away much younger than me. I just have this awful feeling time is running out, especially when I think we might have maybe 10 years left with my parents if we’re lucky :( gosh it’s just depressing :(

OP posts:
MsSmartShoes · 20/09/2025 23:27

I was split on this one. Time passing is good - it men’s we’re alive. However, now that I’ve reached midlife and can’t believe how quickly it’s gone and how little I’ve achieved - time passing is depressing.

GrumpyCowBag · 20/09/2025 23:27

BrisPerm · 20/09/2025 23:24

I’m 44 and I feel exactly the same. I often get random memories of my grandads Boxing Day parties where our big family, aunts, uncles, cousins etc would all get together. Then I realise that out of all of those people we were so close to at the time - most are now dead, divorced or NC. All it just seemed like it was only yesterday we were all so happy and care free.

I’m sorry you feel the same. It’s not a nice feeling. I wonder if it’s our age, I’m hoping someone older will come and say they felt the same at 44 and it passes xx

OP posts:
BrisPerm · 20/09/2025 23:24

I’m 44 and I feel exactly the same. I often get random memories of my grandads Boxing Day parties where our big family, aunts, uncles, cousins etc would all get together. Then I realise that out of all of those people we were so close to at the time - most are now dead, divorced or NC. All it just seemed like it was only yesterday we were all so happy and care free.