triplew00t

Lately, I've been very depressed. My life seems to have no direction or reason to keep bothering. I used to use religion, and the gathering of knowledge on it, as a goal of somesort. When I was younger it was losing my virginity. On and off, I've had career aspiration that have fallen through. But as of now, recently, I have not had much that I have to work for. There is really no goal I have, nothing I want. And after finding religions to be faulty, now I can't even justify swamping myself in old tomes. Any others out there had to face this problem? Any idea on ways to make life SEEM to have meaning again? Because as of now, I am become more and more depressed.

- Nero

Jesus Tap-Dancin' Christ

First, get yourself screened for depression, especially if you haven't been enjoying what you usually do.

Secondly, pick a hobby! Wargaming is great, and Games Workshop sells lots of minis that you have to assemble yourself. Those are great, since you get a fair amount of customization in on it, and then there is the painting portion. Even if you suck, it tends to draw you in. Then there is the competitions in the form of Grand Tournaments. Set a goal like that. (Note: I don't work for GW, this is just my hobby :P) Any hobby will do, but pick one that interests you and you can set lotsa goals for yourself in.

Enai

Hello triplew00t,

maybe you're just having a situational depression, which usually doesn't last long (max. 3 weeks), I read. Try to go visit some friends / go to your parents or another relative you trust to get yourself out of your misery. If that fails or makes you feel even worse, what about therapy? A trained professional might be able to help you cope with your situation much better than you or your friends can.

Oh, and lest I forget: I'm not a doctor or mental health professional. Take what I say with any amount of salt you deem necessary.

Enai

yguy

Sounds like you're looking for an illusion. That is, you don't care if your life actually HAS meaning, you just want to think it does. It appears, however, that the power of varioius distractions to provide solace is waning.


yguy-- please refrain from posting unless you have some positive and practical advice to offer along with your comments. This thread was a specific request for support.

---AspenMama, SL Moderator

triplew00t

I have chronic depression along with cyclothymia and borderline OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and hypochondria. I am on, and have been on, varying levels of meds for the past 9 years. My comment about wanting something to make life seem to have meaning again was directed at the assumption that there is no OBJECTIVE goal in life, but only personal, subjective ones. I need a new personal one to distract me from my depression and anxiety, and I cannot find one at the moment. That is what I am looking for help with.

I used to be an avid Magic player, but there is no one to play against around here now (living in a small midwestern town for the next month or two before moving back to a big city).

I just moved for the second time in the last month and a half. I feel out of control and useless here, as it is not my home really. I have a bad cold at the moment (and being a hypochondriac, that means I think I am dying at every second), this apartment is horrible on my allergies, which makes me sicker, I am in a new place, and feel powerless. Mostly what I am doing is sitting around and worrying, as I have no transportation at the moment and very little money.

I just need something to help give it all meaning again, as religion used to do for me. Back at home, fantasy games did alot for me, but here, I can find nothing.

-Nero

AspenMama

Well I don't know too much about the mechanics of clinical depression, nor would I atempt to or suggest that others advise you on that. And it seems you are asking for some practical suggestions here. I think that having a bit of success at something makes a huge difference in how happy you are in life.

Work for one-- earning your keep. Whether it's your ultimate career or just a job you enjoy in a coffeehouse or department store. Perhaps a video/gaming store might be up your alley.

Then there's getting in shape-- getting the heck outside and walking, biking, hiking, roller-blading-- whatever your thing is-- it's good to get outside.

There's fun classes to take-- if I could, I'd love to take a cooking class-- Asian food or desserts or something. Most book stores have book clubs that meet on a regular basis too.

Or simply set a reading goal for yourself. Keep your mind sharp.

Buddrow_Wilson

Have you tried the online version of Magic (if it even still exists)?

I can't tell you how to create a meaning for your existance. Hell, I struggle with that myself. There is no shame in talking with a counselor.

Virgil Tibbs

I suffer from avoidant and depressive personality disorders, so I can understand where you are at. I don't imagine there is any one-size-fits-all solution.

For me, creative writing helps me find some purpose. I don't know if I'll ever be good enough to publish anything, but I feel better for making the attempt. At any rate, if you can find anything creative that interests you I recommend giving it a shot. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Tibbs

enfant terrible

You are not alone. I've been there, and so have millions of people in the US, not to mention how many in the rest of the world. You have to understand, and accept, the fact that depression is an illness. Fortunately, there is more and better treatment every day. But you have to stick with the treatment. If it does not work, talk to your doctor. Good treatment usually combines medication and counseling. If your doctor doesn't have time for you, consider changing the doctor. But in any case, take the medications regularly and try to follow the doctor's recommendations about lifestyle changes. Usual recommendations are more exercise, doing what you enjoy on a regular basis, having a social life (if your problems make you shy, maybe you can try a support group) and so on. Also try to get enough sunlight. Many people are affected by lack of light. Try to take a walk around noon each day. If you work, have lunch outside.

And remember that there is nothing more "shameful" about depression than there is about, say, pollen allergy. Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill suffered from depression.

SimplyAtheistic

I know it gets hard without some afterlife to work towards, but this world has plenty of great things to get involved in! Some other people have given suggestions, and I suggest picking up computer programming. It is a dynamic challenge to the mind and really makes you feel like you accomplished something. You can be your own god in a sense. Anyways, remember that life is worth living to the fullest.
Jake