Existential Crisis
Hi. I'm having a hard time right now. Over the last week, I've been feeling really depressed and sad about my future. I'm 26 and I don't have a job, I'm still getting out there and keeping active and up until now that's made me relatively happy. It's only this last week, I've been worried about my future- afraid that I'm running out of time, to find my purpose and do the things with my life I want to.
I don't usually feel like this and I don't know what to do.
Thankyou.
Comments
That sounds hard @Clarke
I'm only 17, but definitely relate to some of what you've said.
I've been through a lot with my mental health these last few years. While other classmates were thinking about their careers, I was thinking about the fact that I didn't want to wake up tomorrow.
I had days where the only thing I could think was, 'what is the purpose in being alive?'
I ended up leaving school early to focus on myself. No one expected this. But best decision ever.
This is stuff that's helped me. It's easier said than done. Please don't be hard on yourself if this doesn't work for you. Of course, I'm not a professional, but I'm just sharing what I've learnt through my experiences.
I've learnt to stuff other people's expectations. It's your life, not theirs.
Everyone lives by their own timeline, and that's ok. Comparison is pointless because everyone has unique circumstances. Chances are, given your unique circumstances, you are absolutely smashing it.
You don't have to have everything figured out right now. It's ok to not know what to do. Most of us are just making it up as we go. We're all human.
Be kind to yourself because you are doing the best you can.
When I'm struggling, I try to take one day at a time. Dreaming, goals and plans are great. But sometimes all you can do is take one day at a time and trust it will all work out. Then when you are in a better headspace, you may find it easier to think about the future.
Like @Jennifer-RO said, talking to a mental health professional could be helpful.
And I agree with @featuringme that journalling is a fantastic tool.
Just please be assured that it's ok to feel this way. You're not the only person to. It doesn't make you weird. It just means you're human trying to find yourself and what you want to do in this crazy world ❤️
Hi @Clarke
Existential crises can be so frightening and challenging, and developing unusual feelings are such an unpleasant experience. I'm so sorry you're going through that.
I really admire the fact that you were going out and keeping active, and you should be proud of yourself for doing that. Were there any other strategies you might want to try out to see if they would work for you? I find that writing in a journal or book helps me to rewire my thoughts and reassure myself, but there are lots of other strategies that you may prefer 😊
Hi @Clarke
Thanks for taking the time to share what’s going on for you today. I find myself worrying about the future as well, especially at the start or end of the year.
It’s great to hear that you’ve had strategies to keep yourself feeling well, however, sometimes there are circumstances or changes and they may need to be revisited. How did you come to find that keeping active and getting out there improved your life?
Whilst these feelings happen, sometimes it is worth speaking to mental health professionals to get better insights and consider things in different lights. Is this something you have done before?
Our community should have different thoughts and ideas on the topic as well 😊
