Real advice

[Goober4]

Throughout my life, people have told me that feelings are temporary and things will get better. Sure, there are times when things don't seem quite so bad. However, I honestly don't remember feeling properly happy since 2014. Has anyone got any real advice other than "time will help" or "keep yourself busy"? Currently I'm surviving but I'm not living and I don't want to continue like this. I need a new perspective but haven't been able to get advice that gives me any hope from therapy or family. I don't really have any friends which doesn't help. I'm seeking fresh perspectives which are different to what they tell you in therapy. Thanks

I think we might need some more information. What is it about your life that's making you unhappy?

Childhood trauma. Gambling addiction (which I'm proud to be clean from for 5 years but life has never been the same since). Strained family relationships and no real friends that I feel I can talk to. Struggle to hold down a job (despite having a decent career on my 20s) because depression keeps getting the better of me.

A support group could help. Could you ask GP for a proper assessment, there may be a reason for how you feel that's more than the odd depression.

That's really sad I'm sorry you feel that way. I had quite a few years where I felt like this, like I was just existing. I was quite young however (from around 19 - 23) and then I decided to go travelling which opened up my world as I met lots of new people and experiences. I know this isn't always the answer and I'm not sure of your age / situation and whether this could be an option? but just to say that things can always get better. Maybe try seeking a new therapist if the first one didn't work. There are also apps to meet friends such as Bumble BFF where you could meet likeminded people in your area or near by

You need something to work at I think. I'm the same. Normal life is just depressing as fuck to me. Time passes slowly and the daily grind is torture because I enjoy hardly any of it.

I took up horse riding. It gives me something to look forward to each week, I have a favourite horse there who I love and I make him some kind of small treat each week. Its outdoor exercise, its healthy for me, gives me goals and rewarding as I love animals. Is there anything that you have ever wanted to do and never really got round to?

A sport, musical instrument, hobby of some kind?