Penny for my thoughts?

Hi, late 20s F here, working adult with average full-time job income and freelance jobs on hand just to pass time and increase income. Stress wise is manageable to mild from family, friends and work. Have other extra activities on-top of work and also regularly works out. Meets with friends regularly as well. Don’t have a partner but totally okay with it.

Here comes the issue. I think I am depressed? My general outlook of life is that there is no purpose. I have rationalized and gone through how I have come to it. There is no point in working, upkeeping relationships, working out etc everything. At the end of this journey of life, what awaits is, death. But I still go through with it, everything, the many things I do, and I do it well, like a normal, functional, human-being and converse with people normally. I had come to the above consensus for years and a few of my close friends know how about it. But I don’t talk too much about it because it is depressing.

I think another that comes along with being self-diagnosed depressed is that I am emotionally detached. My friends have commented that I don’t look elated or sad when things happen, no matter good or bad. I am just netural. Generally, it has just been good things happening and I am just neutral.

Thoughts?

Dear @eee12345

Firstly, I want to say that your thoughts and feelings are incredibly valuable, worth far more than a mere penny. :wink:

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. It sounds to me like you might be pondering some of life’s age-old questions about purpose and meaning. Grappling with existential questions is a common experience, and throughout history, many great minds like Plato and Socrates have delved into these inquiries. It’s entirely natural to contemplate these ideas, and exploring them further can be a pathway to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.

When contemplating a depression diagnosis, it’s crucial to consider various factors. Self-diagnosing depression may not necessarily contribute positively to your well-being. It’s common to experience occasional dips in mood; in fact, our bodies often signal a need for meaningful connection, either with ourselves or with others with whom we feel a sense of belonging.

Exploring existential questions can indeed evoke feelings of sadness for some, particularly if they’re unfamiliar with the topic. If you’re troubled by concerns of experiencing depression, it’s advisable to seek support from mental health professionals for a formal diagnosis. This step ensures you receive the appropriate support and guidance tailored to your individual needs.

Emotional detachment can serve as a protective mechanism, especially if we’ve faced or witness shame or discomfort in expressing our emotions in the past. This coping strategy of appearing ‘neutral’ or ‘numb’ might have developed as a way to shield ourselves from potential harm. While this approach may have been adaptive at one point, it may no longer serve us well.

It seems that feeling emotionally detached and pondering existential questions about life may have triggered a cycle that reinforces feelings of low mood. However, there are steps you can take to break free from this cycle and cultivate a healthier emotional landscape.

One approach is to work on unlearning old coping patterns and replacing them with more adaptive strategies. This could involve practicing mindfulness techniques, engaging in therapy to explore underlying emotions, and seeking support from trusted and skilled individuals.

Additionally, exploring existential questions in a supportive and constructive manner can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. By addressing these existential concerns with curiosity and openness, you may find greater clarity and meaning in your life.

Here are some actionable steps to deal with existential questions about life:

Reflection and Journaling: Set aside time for introspection and journaling. Reflect on your beliefs, values, and what matters most to you. Writing down your thoughts can help clarify your feelings and provide insight into your existential concerns.

Engage in Meaningful Activities: Engage in activities that bring meaning and fulfilment to your life. This could include volunteering, pursuing creative interests, spending time with loved ones, or immersing yourself in nature. Doing things that align with your values can provide a sense of purpose and direction.

Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking. These practices can help ground you in the present moment and cultivate a sense of acceptance and peace amidst existential uncertainty.

Therapeutic Support: Consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor who specialises in existential therapy. They can provide guidance, support, and tools to navigate existential concerns and help you find meaning and purpose in your life.

I hope the above has been helpful and if you’d like more resources or if there is anything else you’d like to share with us, please do. We’re here to listen to you, your feelings are valid and you matter! :grinning:

Kind regards,
CoolBreeze =)

Hi @eee12345

Thank you for sharing your thoughts here, I personally don’t find this topic depressing, I feel like it can be a really good discussion and very thought provoking especially because there’s so many of us who could feel the same way but keep it to ourselves so thank you for sharing and starting this conversation.

Just curious, if death doesn’t occur, would that give you meaning/ purpose to life?

No right or wrong answer, just wanted to ask cause I wanted to hear your perspective too cause it came to my mind a quote from Dr Strange, it’s said by the ancient one: “Death is what gives life meaning, to know your days are numbered, your time is short.”

It got me thinking why does death gives meaning to life and I’m still in the midst of searching for answers.

Looking to hear your perspective! :slight_smile: