[x123]

I'm 48 and I've been chronically depressed since I was a teenager. I was walking yesterday to try to improve my mood, but it just made it worse by giving me time to think. I can't think of any possible way to make myself a person I can like or make my life something I care about. My mother and brother depend on me continuing with my life as it is, and I draw a blank when thinking of alternatives.

So it seems that I need to find a way of accepting myself and my life instead of changing it. I don't know much about Buddhism, but I think part of it is about accepting things.

Any thoughts?

[Lexi232]

I dont really know much about buddhism, but ive heard another person tell me that having that religion has helped them in "self acceptance, and understanding life".

Have you ever gone through DBT before? that may be another option to combat all the punitive dialogues that may still be affecting the self esteem, self worth, and help the thoughts/thinking.

[x123]

Originally Posted by Lexi232

I dont really know much about buddhism, but ive heard another person tell me that having that religion has helped them in "self acceptance, and understanding life".

Have you ever gone through DBT before? that may be another option to combat all the punitive dialogues that may still be affecting the self esteem, self worth, and help the thoughts/thinking.

Thanks I have not tried DBT, but it looks interesting, because it includes Buddhist mindfulness, etc. I can't find a therapist who lists DBT, but maybe they neglected to list. I will have to call them and ask. This is good, because I need help learning to meditate and so forth. Hopefully a therapist could do that as part of DBT.

Hi, I've recently joined a group which teaches the Purpose of Life, Buddhism. So far I've been attending for a few weeks now and it has helped me in my life in so many ways. Now I'm doing just great and look forward to the weekly get together's.

The basis of Buddhism is the Law of Cause and Effect.

[x123]

Originally Posted by GT2015

Hi, I've recently joined a group which teaches the Purpose of Life, Buddhism. So far I've been attending for a few weeks now and it has helped me in my life in so many ways. Now I'm doing just great and look forward to the weekly get together's.

The basis of Buddhism is the Law of Cause and Effect.

Thanks, that is what I am hoping might work. I feel like I've already lost the game of life when evaluated by society's metrics, and I have no realistic hope of changing that. I am hoping Buddhism might give me a new way of measuring things where it doesn't seem so bleak.

[*Laurie*]

One of the tenets of Buddhist practice is "how to come joyfully into suffering." I have studied Buddhism quite extensively for some decades. I strongly suggest that you take a read of some books on Buddhism, x123. Also, you could look for someone who would be a guide or teacher to help you with your practice.

I have found Pema Chodron's writings especially helpful. She has a straightforward, matter of fact way of teaching; which is nice because I don't feel like I have to be in a lofty place to approach it.

Originally Posted by x123

I'm 48 and I've been chronically depressed since I was a teenager. I was walking yesterday to try to improve my mood, but it just made it worse by giving me time to think. I can't think of any possible way to make myself a person I can like or make my life something I care about. My mother and brother depend on me continuing with my life as it is, and I draw a blank when thinking of alternatives.

So it seems that I need to find a way of accepting myself and my life instead of changing it. I don't know much about Buddhism, but I think part of it is about accepting things.

Any thoughts?

What kind of problems do you have with life? I have found that Buddhism and mindfulness helps with anxiety and depression, and have the option of going to a nearby Buddhist meditation group. Once again I have decided not to go, so maybe next week.

Tell me about yourself and where you think you have failed.

[mountain human]

Originally Posted by x123

I'm 48 and I've been chronically depressed since I was a teenager. I was walking yesterday to try to improve my mood, but it just made it worse by giving me time to think. I can't think of any possible way to make myself a person I can like or make my life something I care about. My mother and brother depend on me continuing with my life as it is, and I draw a blank when thinking of alternatives.

So it seems that I need to find a way of accepting myself and my life instead of changing it. I don't know much about Buddhism, but I think part of it is about accepting things.

Any thoughts?

x123, "having time to think" is also known as rumination, just about the worst thing for us depressive types. I've also studied Buddhism as a way to calm my mind. Here is a link to a very helpful site that teaches Buddhist meditation:
Meditation and depression | Wildmind Buddhist Meditation. Although it's true that Buddhism focuses on acceptance, it's also ok with trying to change a bad situation. Therapy and/or medication for a chemical imbalance should be considered. Untreated long-term depression is terribly damaging to our mental health--and physical health too.