[wonderluster]

Life is very hard for everyone. It is pointless to compare ourselves with others. Everyone on the planet goes through Hell. We all need to focus on being here for others instead of wallowing in our own heads.

That being said, I encourage you to live for a cause greater than yourself. ANYONE who is just concerned with what is going on with themselves will want to give up and end it.

[Skeezyks]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, wonderluster...

[Sunflower123]

You're right. Thank you for reminding me.

[-Astral-]

thank you for this

[Fuzzybear]

[Crazy Hitch]

Totally agree.

[Icare dixit]

I try to do the opposite. Doing things that are good for me, just me. Pursuing anything greater than myself is too much like mania, right now. You shouldn't have to rely on it to feel better. It should be a choice to do good, not one to forget about yourself.

But you're right that suicide is far less likely if you focus on something greater than yourself. But it doesn't necessarily make you a better person. Just one who does some good.

Many focus very much on themselves and don't want to end it. Not everyone is in the same kind of hell. But going through hell is also rewarding, so there's no reason to complain. And there's every reason to compare to make everyone's life better.

You have to first and foremost look after your own health. If you are to care for someone else you can't do it if you are sick. We all need "me" time, some more than others.
It is not self-centred to look out for No.1. But I know I have criticised my parents for being selfish as I was growing up but that was a little different. I think everyone gives up something for their kids or makes sacrifices, like crazy nights out but it is just part and parcel of growing up. Staying in a loveless marriage is not right for anyone though to use an example.
I think even being on here and reaching out to others, saps a lot of brain power and energy.
I would like to give back someday to those who have helped. I got caught up trying to write a memoir and it drove me nuts. But I have had jobs where I have made a difference - teaching and caring. But getting ill, changed my fate.

[HarryKovert]

When chronically depressed it's virtually impossible to focus outwards. It doesn't mean I feel like ending it all. Having been here before I know it gets better.

I do find the original poster's words a tad insulting.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by wonderluster

Life is very hard for everyone. It is pointless to compare ourselves with others. Everyone on the planet goes through Hell. We all need to focus on being here for others instead of wallowing in our own heads.

That being said, I encourage you to live for a cause greater than yourself. ANYONE who is just concerned with what is going on with themselves will want to give up and end it.

Not just "ANYONE who is just concerned with what is going on with themselves will want to give up and end it."

Many people use outer focus upon others as a means of avoiding themselves and not attending to their own needs. Not healthy.

For some, intensive self-focus enables recovery.
Some others simply thrive with self-focus.

I don't think a huge generalization is accurate.

Many who give, give, and give also struggle with depression, suicidal ideation/urges.

It may be that a balance of interest in self and outer interest in others is helpful to people, at times.

People have different needs at different times of their lives.
Self-focus can be very healthy.


WC