Comments on: What’s Worth Living For?

By: littlepitcher

littlepitcher — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:15:59 +0000

Living on junk foods definitely will cause depression. I’d recommend some B vitamins and sublingual B12. Exercise in sunlight is a common treatment.
Don’t allow the human race or your current circumstances to affect your mood. Seth Godin’s recommendation “don’t wait to be chosen” applies here. Act instead of waiting to be chosen–by life, by employers, by acquaintances.

By: deRuiter

deRuiter — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:11:53 +0000

Go to the local animal shelter a couple of times a week and walk some poor dog on death row. He’ll be thrilled and greatful, and the fresh air and sunshine may make you feel better.

By: Parisian Thinker

Parisian Thinker — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:32:39 +0000

Who wouldn’t be depressed? USD has lost its purchasing power and no interest is received for savings. The water is polluted and radiation is coming your way. We all want life and to live, but those in charge want “genocide” for us and are very happy with the present situation.

By: Stephan F-

Stephan F- — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:11:22 +0000

One thing I hated in school was the advice “find yourself” Hello, I’m right in front of you.

No you have to find your element, that thing that lets you dive into flow and you are what you were born for. I just, as in yesterday, figured that out for myself.

Everything changes when that happens. So many things fall away as unimportant.

That said, it will take years to become a source of income to my family but it gives me something to live for that will make most any day-job more bearable.

If you are needing to do things that are harmful for recreation, over-eating, alcohol, etc) this is a warning sign you have not found the thing what you can live for.

By: Brenda W.

Brenda W. — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:40:21 +0000

Ditto what Sonja mentioned … turn off the news. And expand that to “Carefully monitor what you expose yourself to”. TV news is visual, and designed for 30 second impact statements … 90% or more of which are the negative things of society.

I obtain my news via reading, and I’ve found eliminating the VISUAL aspect of world and national news does not make me feel so “ill” in my inner being the way WATCHING the news does.

And in addition, one must still also fill yourself with overall POSITIVE aspects of the world … balance and overcome the “bad news” with good things. Find blogs that highlight good things that folks are doing or writing about. As Trent mentioned, involve yourself in something that is fun and rewarding. Spend time around optimistic folks, and limit your time around those who are always focusing on the negative.

These things may not change how you feel in a day or two, but it probably will when done consistently for a month or two.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:35:56 +0000

I would encourage EVERYBODY to go to the Dr. if they are feeling this way. You may be unable to find that thing that “lights your fire” because you have other issues going on. I thought this way for too long (no, I’m not depressed, I’m a happy person, just a little unfocused), until I went to the Dr. and got diagnosed as bi-polar. Things made sense all of a sudden, and as soon as I started taking medication, I found out that there were things out there that I was interested, and worth really working for. If people are worried about funding medication, there is a program called “Bridges to Access” that provides medication to lower income individuals at no cost.

And I would second Rebecca’s comment about choosing words carefully. While people with children with special needs have different needs and challenges in life, we do not in fact suffer. I thought I was a very compassionate person until my son came along, and all of a sudden I can now relate to others on a whoooooole different level. A little in return is always nice. But not in a condescending, pitying kind of way, please.

By: TLS

TLS — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:19:38 +0000

Trent gives some good ideas here. I have two other suggestions that have really helped me.

1. Experience art – Visit a museum or gallery, enjoy music, or try out something else that interests you. Many cities have free or low-cost ways to do this. My city has an outdoor sculpture park you can visit for free.

2. Travel – This is not an option for everyone, of course. But travel to a foreign country (especially one that is less ‘well-off’ than the country you live in) can really make you feel thankful for everything you have.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:59:39 +0000

Trent, please consider carefully which words you choose to use when talking about those who are developmentally different that yourself. I doubt that it was intentional, but “plight” isn’t a word I want associated with my 2 challenged sons. We also don’t “suffer” and don’t need pity, although compassion is a good thing. Just food for though.

Working with people with differing abilities can be an amazing experience, and can change your whole outlook on the world. I would encourage it for anyone, especially young people, who are becoming more and more focused only on themselves.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:51:07 +0000

I am on the same wavelength as Kristine! Skip the existentialists. Also, if you watch a lot of cable news, turn it off. Write a letter to a soldier – make someone’s day brighter. I like the nature things – planting, gardening, hikes in the nature preserve with my camera. Always interesting. Or get out and take a class in something that interests you like art, cooking, learning a language, computer skills, etc.

By: kristine

kristine — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:24:57 +0000

I find spending time with children, or helping others, does it for me. Or time alone in nature-solo camping. One note on the philosophers- choose carefully. I dropped out of existentialism 2x in college as it made me extremely depressed.