Once you have the right medicines, then you can proceed with the next phase, which is becoming productive somehow. — hks

Hmm, this advice seems a little mean spirited. I am on disability, so that's what's keeping me afloat. Then again, whatever floats your boat, as they say.

It is certainly scary to think about dying but sometimes living is more frightening and I don't know if dying can be worse than a terrible quality of life. Sometimes I think death is inevitable so we have to confront the fear at some stage. But I do want to die peacefully of old age ideally if I can reach that stage.

But the inevitability of death itself can fuel my feelings pf pointlessness. I personally don't advocate suicide but I think people suffering from mental distress often have to consider it.
Like Camus I think the question of why not die is really important. If we keep ourselves alive what is motivating that? I don't think fear of death is the only thing keeping me a live. — Andrew4Handel

Yes, there's certainly more to life than the fear of death. Otherwise why are so many people living? Then again, suicide rates are still very high despite our level of development. One can always wish to go back to plain and simple living; but, that kind of life is brutish and short.

I still have a resovair of fond memories from my childhood, so that keeps me kicking. They're only glimpses though. I don't get why children don't get depressed where adults so easily fall into that botomless pit...

The major of fighting through mental illness seems to me to be an incredibly strong will. — Nathaniel

Oh, well I seem to have always had a weak will-power. Otherwise, I wouldn't be depressed over it so much. Again, I used to take artificial stimulators like Adderall or Dexedrine to help me motivate myself. Well, there I go again, craving it again.

Citalopram has a significant effect on my anxiety. It had a bigger effect when I started it years ago but it is the only consistent medication that keeps my head above water. — Andrew4Handel

I'm on Zoloft (Sertraline), but I feel it pooping out, which is an issue any depressive faces when prescribed (pretty much any) medication. My p-doc already told me I have enough chemistry going on in my brain (Also on Zyprexa and Haldol)... yeah, pretty intense stuff... It sucks, because I know that they are potent mood stabilizers that could and likely are contributing to my apathy and anhedonia. I used to be a stim freak, which helped tremendously with the a-motivation I experience. I often wake up craving Adderall or Dexedrine in the morning. Ehh.

What I have found that some medications can radically change your mental states, dreams and moods etc so it seems to me that it is brain chemistry definitely affecting mood. I am quite pro medication and brain alteration as well as using other therapies or anything else. — Andrew4Handel

Same here, though I feel like I've exhausted most of the chemical routes of mood enhancement. I was on Nardil, and was happiest on it; but, it's an old drug that most psychiatrists won't prescribe anymore, sadly. If you ever feel in a rut, then give that one a try. You'll be flying!

I think my traumatic childhood has probably permanently altered my brain and also I just this year found out I am autistic (at 42). — Andrew4Handel

I'm sorry to hear about that. I have little to no memories of my childhood, only adolescence. My dad might have done something to me; but, I'll never know that so I just keep on chipping away I guess.

I don't think the brain equal the mind (call me dualist) but I do think it is bound to influence mind and thought. — Andrew4Handel

Yeah, same here. The mind is still a mystery, as well as the placebo effect to a large degree.

7 - a purpose for living — hks

So, that seems to be my problem with starting this whole thread here.

Is that a need or a want?

You really need to get up and go. Wallowing will just make things worse. You're not going to accomplish anything in bed.

Bed satisfies the need for sleep. Once you have slept enough you need to get up and do something. — hks

Hmm, that's quite succinct and blunt. But, I guess it's true.

I suffer from chronic low mood and anxiety. I drink a lot of coffee smoke a couple of packs of cigarettes, go for walks, get drunk, listen to music, distract myself on the internet. — Andrew4Handel

What has helped you then?

I often contemplate dying as a release from the remorseless low mood and bodily fatigue. — Andrew4Handel

I used to be enamoured with death, now not so much. It's kinda scary if you ask me.

I feel frustrated and disturbed by people. I feel like humans are mad and bad and that causes more helplessness and anxiety. You have to try and look for positive affirmations of reasonable people. — Andrew4Handel

Yes, I think so too. I have to start setting lower expectations of people and myself included. Thoguhts?

Do you want advice on medication? — Andrew4Handel

My doctor is in charge of that. I used to play around a lot with herbal medications and stimulants. But, I can comfortably say that's in the past now. Do you take anything that helps?

Therapy recommendations? — Andrew4Handel

Yes, I've tried logotherapy, some CBT, and some group therapy. All have failed me thus far.

Does philosophy help. — Andrew4Handel

I think so? Does that count? What are your thoughts about philosophy and dealing with mental disorders?

I find food has a temporary antidepressant effect and sometimes walking and listening to music. You can just focus on surviving which is what I do. — Andrew4Handel

Oh dear. That's not a long term solution. Then again, we're all dead in the long run.

Do you have a specific problem that needs solving? I have some specific problems and being trapped with them can heighten depression or lead to a perpetually trapped feeling. — Andrew4Handel

I think I just need to become undepressed. Thoughts?

1 - get out of bed. — hks

Let's take it slow. I wallow a lot. So wallowing is one goal I want to tackle. I usually wallow in bed. It's what I do best for the matter. Just daydreaming and wallowing in bed. How do I wallow less?

How?

Depression stems from a lack of purpose. Once you have a purpose in life then you will become more enthusiastic about living. — hks

Hmm. Then just shake it off? I've been posting on this forum for about 3 years and it's a cycle of depression or some other ailment. I just ate a hot dog and some chicken, so I'm feeling less depressed. :)

Did I mention that I have struggled with a substance abuse problem. I think that issue is in my past now, though.

Do you have depression? What worked for you?

And if I understand past conversations, you have much more than simple depression on your plate. — Bitter Crank

You are right about this. I also have a psychotic disorder (formerly diagnosed as schizophrenia) and anxiety. I'm so broken...

But nobody rides free. — Valentinus

What do you mean?

Not everything is curable. — Bitter Crank

That's what I'm afraid of. Uncurable depression. Unremitting, unipolar, non-responsive depression.

Oh dear, I'm digging the hole deeper, aren't I?

Hmm, I think this is sound advice. But, I'm a finicky guy so some people need to feel that they are in control over what's happening in my life, when they assume that God-awful responsibility.

Ehh...

A good mind, but not a "positive" one. Do only what means to you. In my case, when nothings makes more sense, I know it is the time to go to sleep. And I wake up always so much better! All makes sense again. — Gilliatt

What do you mean?

Your therapist was putting a lot on you as the master of your fate precisely when you didn't feel in control.
I would shop around for other resources. — Valentinus

But, he was correct, no? I mean, you can't really sugar coat it, can you?

Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of doctor shopping. They all cost so much! I guess you gotta make all those laborious years at college count somehow...

So, what is the appropriate way to deal with this issue? I'm trying to cope with it however I can.

Then, how do you cope with the depression then? My life is crummy but not unbearable. Does it have to get worse to get better?

Yes, I already see a therapist and he asked me the fundamental question as to whether I am committed to getting better or stay the same. I told him that I am content with my crummy life as it currently is, and haven't spoken to him since. Does that mean that I can just learn to cope with it?

Maybe I've got it all wrong. Maybe depression is here to stay and all I can do is cope with it. Is that the only state of affairs that I am left with? To cope?

How do you cope with depression, then?

I just wish it would go away. I am so sad at the moment. Can anyone help me? I don't know how to help myself. Is this learned helplessness expressing itself?

Here's a question for you. How would it affect philosophy if our primary access to the world was through the ear? [It's my understanding that we are dominantly visual creatures.] — macrosoft

I don't know honestly. Do androids dream of electric sheep? What is it like to be a butterfly? What exactly is a 'qualia'? Does the computer in the Chinese room understand what it is processing?

Still here. But, with nothing to say.

And wallowing.

Oh man, that would be horrible. I remember the Northridge earthquake.

Cool that your nearby me. Maybe one day we can grab a beer or something.

Cheers.

Posty, how are you doing with what happened at the Borderline Bar and Grill? Aren't you near Thousand Oaks? :eyes: — ArguingWAristotleTiff

I live in Westlake Village, very near Thousand Oaks. So, it kinda affected me. But, we just yesterday had a brushfire. So, God must be mad. He sent the crazies, now a fire, soon who knows what?

But, did you enjoy the video? I hope it engendered some peace and tranquillity in yourself.

I just wanted to share a quality meme and in response I get posters telling me that it's immoral to not get worked up over the injustices of the world. This is ridiculous.

Multiplying a normal life time by any exponent you want won't change your essential nature. — Bitter Crank

What does this mean?

It's just a seal spinning in the water, trying to cool itself off in the least expensive way. I didn't mean to suggest that the seal IS the point of life, just that it's illustrative of taking the path of least resistance in life.

Which wasn't the point Πετροκότσυφας was making. — Benkei

If his point was to get a reaction, I already delivered on that, and I recognized the inherent stupidity (almost) all humans can and will display.

Which wasn't the point Πετροκότσυφας was making. He's quite clear that your idea of the meaning of life "sit back and don't be upset" is monstrous and illustrated it by posting something he thinks we should obviously be upset about (eg. animal cruelty). — Benkei

What is this, try and get Posty worked up time?

There's a near infinitude of things that one can get worked up over. Why should I care about the Chinese eating dogs or the Japanese killing whales? Not my cup of tea, and even then if I did care, then what could I possibly do about it?

Why start a thread here if you're not willing to discuss the merits of the OP? — Benkei

What are they, then? I already made my statement about what the video means to me. Your view might differ. I just don't see the point into turning this thread into an animals rights one.

If the Stoic's goal is just to maintain his "calmness and tranquility" in the face of injustice, barbarity and stupidity, then, yes, the Stoic is a monster. But I doubt this caricature does justice to the Stoic, so I'm a little upset. — Πετροκότσυφας

As I said. Whatever floats your boat.

No, the point was to persuade you how idiotic and mean the meme "no need to be upset" is. And how barbarous as a goal not "to get upset over anything". If that's your only goal in this world, you're a monster. Not an animal (human or otherwise), a monster. — Πετροκότσυφας

So, the Stoics were monsters? Whatever floats your boat dude.

Want to get worked up over everything in life? Be my guest.

I don't see the point of you posting this in a thread that encourages calmness and tranquillity. If your goal was to persuade me how idiotic and mean people can be, then congratulations. I have been moved to further dislike people and their pointless desire for more things, like a coat made of seal fur or their meat if anyone is so barbaric to indulge in such an extravagance.