to ask what gives you reason to live?

[letsleepingbabieslie]

Subject line sounds more depressing than it's supposed to - I'm not suicidal, just often wonder 'what the hell is the point of all this [life]?!'. I admit I'm not exactly the most happy go lucky person - if I was constantly laughing my socks off I guess I wouldn't question it. But even though I'm basically happy and very fortunate (no complaints about health, family, work etc) I do struggle to find a logical reason to live.

So I'm wondering, what do other people find gives meaning to life and makes it all worthwhile?

Biology really. The emotional park pf my brain says 'my kids', but, I existed for 27 years before they came along. Survival is an instinct. We find ways to challenge ourselves to derive pleasure from life on a daily basis. We might book a holiday, eat a nice meal or enjoy slobbing infront of tv. Depression is an illness that stops some people from accessing that enjoyment. Sadness can too, but sadness can be overcome and it is instinct that forces us to try. Urgh - I sound like a meme!

My baby. Husband. My parents. My neices and nephews. My career. Knowing i still have South America, Africa, Australia and a about 100 other places left to visit lol

My children. I wouldn't bother with being alive if it wasn't for them.

These two also!

My husband, he’s going to be a very handsome old man.

I love this comment. Mine too! And I intend to be around to see it.

Also my daughter and her beautiful smiles.

Second chance.

I was severely depressed through most of my 30s & came close to suicide. Then at 40 I got treatment, got out of my toxic relationship and started over with a new home & new job. I've loved life ever since.

(Parenthood is my idea of hell - I recognise that I'm happiest & healthiest living on my own).

I’m an atheist so there is no ‘point or reason’ to live, I just do.

However, I’m very very happy that I do live! I love life, my lovely DH, my sweet dogs, friends and family, the ability to travel to different cultures and countries, animals in general and nature fill me with awe and wonder. I guess the aforementioned are my ‘reason’

This thread has actually made me quite sad - from my own realisation of me only existing for my son and others only reason to exist is their child.

I think this threads made me realise I need to take a hold of my mental health, do something about it and start enjoying life for myself and my son. Thank you for this OP I know it wasn’t your intention but it’s the kick up the bum I needed

Interesting ideas. Thinking of mine as it is all so topsy turvy.

What a great thread, it does make you realise to appreciate what have, also what you don’t like and to change it as life is short

My daughter. I often feel like jumping off a cliff but I'm hanging in there until she's at least 18.
Once I'm sure she's stable happy and self sufficient I will be happy I've done what is needed.
Then it's my choice.
I've suffered anxiety, depression and non nt all my life and I am giving up.
When i look back on how many decades I've been unhappy and always believed I'd feel better but never have, i see wasted time.

I have just lost my lovely mum so that just now is a hard one I know I have to keep going for the sake of my kids so I suppose that is my reason even though my heart is literally breaking

Kemer2018, please don’t give up. You are worth much more than just being a support system for your child.
Which treatments have you tried so far for your depression? There are many different antidepressants, cognitive therapy etc and if those fail then ECT has an 85% success rate.
You are a unique human, loved by God, and you are entitled to your place on the planet and your part in the tapestry of life. It can be a much happier part if you access the right treatment for your illness.
Not being NT is not a handicap- I’m also autistic, and I value it for the focus, logic and singlemindedness it gives me. Try seeing all the positive things about yourself- there will be many, hidden behind the black cloud of your depression.
My prayers that you find effective treatment, and have a much happier 2019. God bless.

I've often pondered the meaning of life.
I'm tired of it all some days and others not so much ( I just get on with it)
My children and dh are worth it but it still doesn't stop me thinking what's the bloody point?
( hard a few tough years with elderly parents which doesn't help)
Life gets harder as you age too.

My kids and my husband. Without them I wouldn't be here.

Also, the thought of the future and all the things I have to look forward to makes me want to live.

Nice post Babdoc

My husband and my surviving children. They have suffered enough since my eldest child died. My physical and mental health is very poor, but I owe it to them to stay with them as long as I can.

My children. I went through an awful time and thought about ending my life so many times. My children are why I didn't see it through.

My children.... I used to have a drug problem and came close to ODing (or certainly high risk for it) a few times, at the time I was too high and out of control to stop but now I look back and absolutely shudder at what might have been. I feel very ashamed that I could have left them without a mother, but luckily I made it through, got clean and feel assured that I'm not in danger of that ever now happening (through drugs that is).

Because every day I wake up breathing. I'm a full time carer for my autistic ds1. But the amount of stuff I do for him is a complete waste of time. I think I'm invisible. I do his therapy with him and when I get him to do it independently he ignores me. Just now I was explaining to dh and he was obviously reading his family tree research and couldn't remember what I had just said to him. Those dead relatives are more important to him than supporting me. Dh has got up without saying anything to me and buggered off . He thinks he's a big help to me.
I can't work. I'm just living a life that is a waste of time. I'm trapped in a life that is a waste of time. I thought I was teaching ds1 to be independent but actually I'm twisting myself into knots. I just can't see how I'm going to fill my days with anything worthwhile. I can't teach someone who won't engage.

@mountainlakes

Please think about including some self care into your daily routine. There is a self care thread on here somewhere with some ideas. I think it would help you. Caring can be relentless, incredibly tiring and thankless. You are doing your best and that's more than enough.

I think for me people, kind people: family, friends, neighbours and even friendly strangers. Great fiction and great music also help and nature is great to clear the mind of worries and remind you of the beauty in our world.

2018 has been a scary year, shown me how easy it is to hate one another over nothing. This has shaken something deep inside and I spend a lot of time feeling low and powerless . Am embarking on being kinder to myself to try and shake these feelings off.

Seeing the world-exploring new countries
Walking-being in nature
Spending time and laughing with friends/family
Experiencing new restaurants, foods, wines, plays, festivals etc.
Earning enough momey to retire early and travel even more

My child.

My dh and children