The ‘Get Well’ cards and balloons filled the dining room. Marta was well-liked by all.
But, her diagnosis was grim. It was a rare form of cancer. It had spread throughout her body. If it hadn’t been for COVID, she wouldn’t have known until she died.
We haven’t seen any family visitors. Has anyone called her family?
There is no family.
Nonsense, everyone has a family.
She does not. How long does she have to live?
Perhaps, a month.
Good Odds.
How so?
A neighbor found her during a well-check visit. She arrived here as an attempted suicide.
2022©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
photo prompt©Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers Photo challenge
*********
What is Depression?
Depression is a real illness that impacts the brain. Anyone suffering from depression will tell you, it’s not imaginary or “all in your head.” Depression is more than just feeling down. It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. Research tells us that other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances. Any of these factors alone or in combination can precipitate changes in brain chemistry that lead to depression’s many symptoms.©info from the Univsersity of Michigan Mental Health
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For more information about depression:
World Mental Health – Dignity Mental Health Foundation
University of Michigan Depression Center – Mental Health
Inside the Mind of Isadora 
June 26, 2022 at 8:38 am
Oh
Oh this is
Oh
Nicely done
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June 26, 2022 at 11:55 am
A bit overwhelming, I know. Thank you Laurie for reading and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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June 22, 2022 at 7:59 pm
How sad – and thank you for the reminder of the beautiful Beatles song
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June 22, 2022 at 6:39 pm
The song “Eleanor Rigby” comes to mind when I think of the lonliness some of the poor folks feel. It really gnaws away at their self-worth. Well written tale, Isadora.
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June 22, 2022 at 6:44 pm
Thanks for the song reminder. I haven’t heard it in years. I’m popping over to hear it again.
I appreciate your stopping by and commenting, Russell. Have a wonderful Wednesday … 😎
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June 22, 2022 at 7:08 pm
I thought the song was perfect for my story.
I’ve added it to the page. Thanks …
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June 22, 2022 at 2:25 am
Indeed, Isadora. Serious stuff.
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June 22, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Yes, it is Bill. Dialog is the most important.
Thank you, Isadora 😎
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June 21, 2022 at 6:18 pm
Perhaps the illness triggered her depression.
My husband described depression as a big black cloud just behind you and over your head, ready to drop down and swallow you up without warning.
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June 21, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Thank you for reading my story, Linda. Living in Florida, with many seniors as friends and neighbors, I listen to a great many of their sorrows. The biggest sorrow is loneliness. Their immobility, loss of spouses, and the lack of family closeby causes a lot of melancholy moments. Depression needs to be looked at more by government. Have a wonderful day … Isadora 😎
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June 22, 2022 at 2:31 am
Isadora, I agree that depression needs to be taken more seriously. As a psychotherapist, I fully understand the importance and the dangers. However, I would rather see less attention from government, and more from medical care, church, friends, family, neighbors. Person to person, not big government making pronouncements that won’t really change much.
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June 22, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Thank God someone understands the gravity of mental illness. I’m pleased to know you were a psychotherapist. My youngest daughter is as well, but in Hospice.
I guess what I am looking for in the government is programs for free therapy and meds for those who can’t afford them. Mental illness has ravaged my family. My mother was so debilitated from post-partum depression my garndmother had to come over everyday to help with her kids. My youngest sister walked onto a highway and killed herself at 26. My grandson shot himself at age 24. And, there are others but this is not the format. I just feel strongly that help is needed but isn’t always there. Thank you, Linda for the work you have done in this field. Have a wonderful Wednesday. 🤗
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June 22, 2022 at 7:11 pm
Isadora, I am deeply sorry for what you and your family have suffered.
One of the most satisfying parts of my work was that I worked in a private Christian office, and had the freedom to offer Jesus to my hurting clients. Best therapy there is!
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June 22, 2022 at 7:15 pm
Thank you for your compassion, Linda.
I believe you’re so right. A higher power in our corner, no matter which one, is a saving grace. 🤗 😍 🙏🏻
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June 20, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Very poignant and important story, Isadora.
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June 21, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Thank you, Gabi. It’s a subject that if oten swept under the run. Dialog and changes are greatly needed. I apprecited your comment.
Isadora 😎
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June 19, 2022 at 11:40 pm
A peaceful transition is all any of us can hope for. I hope she has that ❤
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June 21, 2022 at 1:31 pm
I suppose it does give one pause to think about our own demise. I hope seniors start being recognized as the new forgotten. There are so many sad stories about them that I am made aware of all the time. Thanks, Lisa for your wonderful comment.
Isadora 😎
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June 21, 2022 at 1:36 pm
You’re very welcome and agreed on everything you say.
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June 21, 2022 at 5:29 pm
🤗
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June 19, 2022 at 4:57 pm
it must be tough to live like that. better dead than alive.
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June 21, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Thank you, Plaridel, I think. Suicide is never the answer. People in that desperate state feel hopeless but suicide should never be the answer. I hope more is done for those who need the mental help.
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June 19, 2022 at 11:53 am
Querida Isadora,
Pobre Marta had more than one strike against her. I know about depression from personal experience. How many well meaning friends told me to “just let it go”? Would that it were so simple. Bien escrita mi amiga.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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June 21, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Querida Rochelle,
It’s a subject that I’ve experienced through members in my family. My youngest sister and my grandson both felt a desperation that caused them to be victims of suicide. It’s devastating for everyone. It’s still considered taboo to talk about, and people continue to shy away from talking about it due to the stigmas. It’s in the news daily, but ignored. It’s very much a real helpless illness and not one that can be poo – pooed like a toothache. It’s a frustrating thing to, now, hear seniors are desparately alone due to family distance of miles or family detachment which is causing these suicides. Well … that is a mouthful early in the morning. 😊
I appreciate your weekly leadership and Thnak You …
Abrazosn y Carino,
Isadora 😎 🤗 ❤️
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June 18, 2022 at 2:41 pm
I cannot imagine how she must feel. What a sad situation.
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June 18, 2022 at 5:19 pm
I can’t imagine how she feels either, Keith. This is my 1st story since I’ve been away on vacation. I didn’t like what I wrote but I wanted to participate this week. This is based on many, many stories I’ve heard that I pieced together. Suicide numbers in the elderly has been rising during COVID isolation. Thank you for reading. It’s always a pleasure to see you here.
Isadora 😎
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June 18, 2022 at 6:33 am
Oh, the tragic irony of it
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June 18, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Yes, indeed, Neil. It’s a tragedy we’re going to hear more and more about. I gathered info for this story from the many senior tales I’ve been hearing recently. They’re tragically going through hard times. COVID isolation is causing many senior suicides. Thanks for the great comment.
Isadora 😎
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June 18, 2022 at 2:26 am
Hope she finds a caregiver in the hospital who can sub for a “family.” At least there are caring people there.
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June 18, 2022 at 5:31 pm
This story is based on several stories I’ve heard recently. Senior suicide has been on the rise due to Covid isolation. I hope anyone who’s thinking of this gets the help they need. Thanks for visiting, Oneta. Hope your well and enjoying life.
Isadora 😎
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June 17, 2022 at 10:15 pm
An important topic to be discussed.
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June 18, 2022 at 5:24 pm
It is a very important topic. Suicide in the elderly is on the rise due to COVID isolation. Sad 🙁 Thanks for commenting, Iain. Congrats again … Isadora 😎
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