Discussion Is it life or just my brain?

[pang of joy]

Every piece of advice I read about depression and suicidal ideation seems to be about some kind of change of mindset or motivation to have a different/more positive outlook on life.

I've found that the reason none of this advice ever seems to help, no matter how profound or thought provoking, is because, for me at least, the issue doesn't lie with the experiences and affairs of life.

Finding beauty in the little things, embracing the meaningless absurdity of life; none of this is genuinely helpful when my struggle lies with the fundamental aspect of life itself.

Oftentimes I'll read a quote or personal anecdote that actually inspires me a little, but each time I'll find that my belief in the futility of life remains without fail.

How can these attempts to change our mindsets really aid us when it feels as if our brains are just fundamentally wired to question and even detest existence itself?

People tell us to practice gratitude. I'm self-aware enough to know there are a multitude of things in my life I should be thankful for - others have it much worse than me.

But my depression isn't circumstantial. I could be rich with a loving family and friends, or poor with shitty relationships. No matter which direction my life takes, I find that this feeling of emptiness lingers. And it feels as if no amount of blessings could make it go away.

But then this begs the question: is life really meaningless? Or is it the chemical imbalances in my brain that force me to find no interest in living a life that will end anyway, and likely only cause suffering on its way.

Does it matter either way? I just don't understand how I'm supposed to cope with life when it seems that no amount of inspiration can fix me.

 

[Hollowman]

Nothing would make me content either.

 

[Hvergelmir]

is life really meaningless? Or is it the chemical imbalances

Meaning is subjective. Objectively speaking no thing is more significant than any other. Values are something we assign ourselves.
That's the factual part of the answer.

If your depression is long term and not circumstantial, I think treating it as a chemical imbalance is worth trying. Other than that; look for meaning in new places.
Unless you've for example been "rich with a loving family and friends", you don't really know what it's about. There might very well be meaning that you can't see, in situations and environments you haven't experienced.

 

[justanotherfailure]

What truly is meaning? Meaning can only be something as observed by a person which defines it as meaningful or meaningless. That is to say, nothing is inherently meaningful or meaningless, it only has meaning as is observed by someone. Life isn't meaningless - it's just up to you to decide what its meaning is. From everything I've observed on this forum, in my own life, and in things I've heard other places, the best way to feel content in life is to find meaning in meaningful friendships. Find people you love and who genuinely care about you. In the end, if you decide that the meaning of life isn't worth living, that's your choice to make. This is simply the nature of life.

I feel the emptiness too. I wish life were at least easier, that everyone actually cared about the other people they interact with. Maybe one day I will find something that fills the hole in my heart. Until then, I wish you peace and happiness however you choose to give your life meaning.

 

[pang of joy]

Meaning is subjective. Objectively speaking no thing is more significant than any other. Values are something we assign ourselves.
That's the factual part of the answer.

If your depression is long term and not circumstantial, I think treating it as a chemical imbalance is worth trying. Other than that; look for meaning in new places.
Unless you've for example been "rich with a loving family and friends", you don't really know what it's about. There might very well be meaning that you can't see, in situations and environments you haven't experienced.

I really appreciate this reply. I truly do hope I'll be able to find what could bring me contentedness.

 

[pang of joy]

What truly is meaning? Meaning can only be something as observed by a person which defines it as meaningful or meaningless. That is to say, nothing is inherently meaningful or meaningless, it only has meaning as is observed by someone. Life isn't meaningless - it's just up to you to decide what its meaning is. From everything I've observed on this forum, in my own life, and in things I've heard other places, the best way to feel content in life is to find meaning in meaningful friendships. Find people you love and who genuinely care about you. In the end, if you decide that the meaning of life isn't worth living, that's your choice to make. This is simply the nature of life.

I read this earlier today and honestly it's given me a lot to think about. I am someone who is actually blessed with genuine friendships so I definitely agree with how valuable they are. However my issue was the fact that the feelings of meaninglessness and futility remain despite the blessings in my life. The feeling of emptiness just seems like a constant that's unrelated to anything I could feel grateful for. I just can't see where the value is in living as opposed to non-existence.

"In the end, if you decide that the meaning of life isn't worth living, that's your choice to make. This is simply the nature of life."

I really appreciate this. I suppose it really is a choice to make at the end of the day. Perhaps life isn't inherently meaningless but rather neutral. I think I'd prefer to deem it valuable just for the sake of it.

Thank you for your kind message. I wish you peace and relief from all that you suffer from.

 

[pthnrdnojvsc]

Life is meaningless

Evolution and culture society programmed a human's brain to make things matter

To me the only things matter are my suicide related and me avoiding unbearable pain