Let me just start off saying that I'm not at all religious: I don't really believe in one god, and beyond that I'm not really sure what I believe. I've been exploring other cultures and religions and ideas, and I often feel like there's something more to what I am than just a physical shell that will die and be recycled...because if that's all I am, why do I go on living? What's the point?

The last two years have been a nightmare for me. I watched my parents go through a horrible divorce, which still isn't over (don't get me started on my daddy issues), I started college, I'm doing badly in college, I've had ups and downs with my boyfriend, and all the while I've been dealing with some pretty intense mental illness. I've had bipolar the whole time and didn't get diagnosed until a few weeks ago. On top of that, my family doesn't "believe" in mental illness, so I have no support from them. They think I'm just weak and angry. I'm tired and frustrated and all I want is some inner peace. I want to understand myself and have some kind of spiritual connection. Because right now I feel very earth bound and dirty, and I don't like it at all.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I've been doing yoga and keeping a journal, trying to center myself a bit. A lot of people have suggested prayer, but, to whom? I don't mean this in any negative way, but I'm not a Christian. I turned away from that and I need space from it right now. I mean that in the most respectful way possible, I know this isn't the place for argument. I'd like to learn about other beliefs and spiritual practices. I'm not sure if this is the place to look for that? I'm new here.