Having children, can it make me less depressed?

You would be having children for the wrong reason so no. Have children because you want them and are in a stable and happy relationship.

If you want to help your depression then should try this:

I suffered from depression and coped through it without medication, and I swear by this because it does help . . . go for a run either early in the morning or getting late at night, when it is quiet and alone. and try and go to the gym or to the swimming baths about 2 a week. You will notice a difference and it does wonders for your confidence.

EDIT: also I must mention as well, people who suffer from depression can sometimes get better when around animals. I have been horse-riding for 18 years and that did help me too. Try it if you can.

There have to be more reasons why you're depressed besides just not having had children. I would suggest you start getting counseling to get to the bottom of your issues. Yes, there is a possibility for you to still have children. Of course you'd have to find a woman young enough to have them, just don't choose someone who's young enough to be your daughter. Since you're almost fifty, I think the youngest you should date is like 30.

To find women, of course you have to get out of the house. You can even try online dating. If your intentions are only to have children and not to date or anything you can always get a surrogate. Or what about adoption. That's a great option as well.

But see a counselor first.

The only way to pull out of your depression is for you to decide to pull out of your depression. Having children won't do it...unless you decide the issue yourself. You're experienced and wise enough to recognize that you are personally responsible for how you feel. You choose the attitude you will have and will present to the world. As for how old one can be and still have children, I have a friend who is 75 and has 3 kids under the age of 10. He dumped his wife of 30 years for a young chick who was only 29, married her and immediately had 3 daughters. And they all seem happy.

I think having goals is important in life. It keeps you from being depressed. Try starting a hobby or what others have mentioned, buy a pet instead. If you truly want kids, it's not late for you. Try meeting someone in public, sign up for online dating. More people are meeting online nowadays so it's not weird or creepy anymore.

yes if youve never had kids you can have them now. who cares what other people think? BUTTTTTTT...if youre thinking about having kids just to try and make yourself feel better..DONT. because its going to be hard to find someone, fall in love and have kids in a few months anyway. id say take it slow and date and when you find the right person then talk about having kids. or adopt. kids are hard work though so be prepared. and some women at your age cant have kids so find like a 35 year old.

And what happens when you have one "just to find out" and then realize it didn't help ....... yet now you have to go until you're almost 70 years old living with that mistake. That's a horrible reason to have a child you're not sure that you want.

If you have been depressed for years you need to get yourself some help. No having a baby is not going to help you if you are clinically depressed.

Absolutely.

If you're single get a mate, try for kids, sure.

If you're settled down I'd either adopt a child or if not, an animal

children are very stressful. first 3 or 4 yrs of their lives they depend on YOU constantly

get a dog