Does unhappiness grow with age?

I notice based on reading some profiles that the older people get the more depressed they seem to become. I always thought it would have been the opposite. More mature persons to me are so much more organized and have a better understanding of life and always have solutions but why doesnt that make them happier? Why arent they seeing the glass half full?

[LeftCoastChick]

I think many more people whom are older post because they are more self-aware and realize that they need to act on their feelings.  Age doesn't equate to being more organized or wise in any respect, solutions can be difficult regardless of age.  I thought I would be happier by 40, apparently my brain has other ideas right now. Saying that,  most of the myriad of disorders out there can be biochemical in nature, not only psychosocial. I shudder at the thought of menopause coming in the next 10yrs or so, because your hormones can throw your moods completely out of whack. Life doesn't get easier, we just learn how to handle things better for the most part. As well,  you are only seeing a portion of the population, being this is a forum for depression. I hope this answers your question.

[Monica70]

I'm in my late 30s and just coming into my own and realizing what the world and society is all about. I am not happy.

[sarvan69]

Monica70, I totally understand.  I am 34 and with an 8 year old and a 7 month old, happily married and basically have a wonderful life.  However, at the end of the day when the chaos of the day is over and I take the time to look at the world and what is going on around me, I become unhappy too.  
Today, I had to see my doctor because I have been very sick (sore throat, fever, etc.) and I mentioned to my doctor about my anxiety and feeling of sadness and fear and together, we decided for me to go on Lexapro for 6 month and see if it helps me to get of my funk.  Maybe you need to do the same, go to your doctor and get some professional advice about your unhappiness.

[venessal]

This is my personal opinion, i am not a doctor or anything like that. But do these medications for unhappiness (which is really what it is) really work in the long run. It cant change my circumstances, at the end of the day the problem is still there. I think its like what alcohol or drugs does to the body it alters the mind, make you just relax and feel like the problems arent there until you get sober that is.
But what happens when you stop taking these medications you were not healed it doesnt make you better, what do i do then i cant very well live on these medications for the rest of my life?
So arent we wasting our time taking them if it does not heal you at the end of the day, why dont we just look at the problem find better solutions and be more positive. Make up our minds to look beyond all the bad that is out there, love ourselves, love God and alter the negative way in which we view life?

[Monica70]

I've certainly had to change the way I respond to situations and what I think about them. I have anxiety with bouts of depression because of my anxiety.

For example, I'm a student and that causes me stress and anxiety. But I can't quit. So I have to "soldier on" and continue being a student 'til I graduate. But I'd love to remove myself from the situation.