What is it that keeps you going? Especially for people who are depressed...what keeps you alive week after week?

I'm sorted feeling stumped on this issue.

Thanks. em

[(JD)]

My T.

((((em)))))

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

not much....my T and that is ending and well one can draw their own conclusions to how that will end

[Wants2Fly]

Sadly, it isn't. I'm too much of a coward to do anything about it. I live life with resignation, rather than joy. If the bird flu starts claiming half of us, as predicted, I don't see why it shouldn't be me.

What keeps me going is the need to pay the bills, buy food, keep the car running so I don't have to live under a bridge. An occasional fun novel, prayer, conversations with friends and family -- few those these are -- my students, my online friends, my prayer community and, of course, TV and chocolate.

Sure wish I could have dogs again someday.

[jennie]

whenever i'm depressed, i keep trying stuff to see if it makes the depression go away, so that i could say "i tried everything" . . . "trying stuff" seems to work for me.

things i've tried:
* therapy
* more therapy
* psych drugs
* marriage
* more psych drugs
* partial hospitalization
* locked in psych ward
* quit psych drugs completely
* less therapy
* school
* pregnancy

(+) therapy & pregnancy have been the biggest helpers in reducing my depression

(-) psych drugs have been the biggest faciliator to my depression

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((((((((((((em))))))))))))))))))))))

truthfully? sometimes it's no more than pride. I picture "them" having the satisfaction of my state, and get better to spite "them".

actually, it's different things at different times...sometimes it's my kids and little man. sometimes i actually believe that i'm worth being happy. t is starting to work.

i'm here if you need to talk. don't hesitate to pm.

kd

KD, WOW! You "were the lightbulb" for this issue for me. I had not realized that it is pride that keeps me going most of the time. Determination to put one foot in front of the other. Remembering what my parents went through and being determined to be able to do the same for my children. That old pioneer spirit, I guess.

Thanks for this thread, ems.

[gardenergirl]

I think it's all the relationships with folks I care about. It's also the possibility of new relationships and new interests, challenges, etc.

That's a tough question. For the most part, I've always had some degree of hope. When I didn't, I had family and friends who cared.

I'm lucky and grateful for that.

gg

[BlueFaith]

The things that keep me going are always different depending on how I feel exactly. Sometimes it's my kids, and other times it's my will to be stronger than people think I am. My parents tell me that I am too "independent" to need them much (because really and truly they can't handle me because of my mental illness). I'm learning to use their stupidity to my own advantage. I am telling myself that I AM independent, and that I can do these things no matter what. I can live through this. I know I can because I am me. I still have my bad days, but most of my days are good.

[darkeyes]

The love for my son, and my dogs. Being here on this earth, for them.
My regret in life is not living it enough. Getting to a therapist 5 years ago saved me.
Anyone depressed,etc. I can't stress enough that they should get professional help, it really can help.
Emily asks, "why is life important to you?"
Well, my last answer is, "cause, in spite of the ugly stuff I have seen and lived through, there is still so much beauty,even in the most simplest form and that is what is important to me." To be able to feel and see it once again, the power of a smile

Love to y'all,
DE

((((((((((((( emily4040 )))))))))))))))

[dexter]

Two things:

There is a part of me that remembers how much I used to enjoy life. It looks like a movie to me now, but it helps me remember that my life has value, for me. I don't rely on the feelings of anyone else for that right now, screw 'em all (not including present company).

But when things are really at their worst, this may sound strange, but it is my OCD that keeps me going day after day, "down in the trenches" so to speak. I need closure. Not to my life. I need to see next weeks episode of Lost. I need to see how they resolve the conflict between Adama and Kane on Battlestar Galactica. Of course Star Wars was a big one but those are over now.

I've always had that problem with TV. I''ll catch a tiny part of the stupidest show, and I have to stay tuned to see how it ends.

[Perzephone]

Life really isn't important to me. I don't believe that I have any purpose, and I feel like my even being here was a mistake, something SomeOne overlooked in the accounting somewhere.

But I have a deep fear of failing an attempt to end it, especially because I obviously wasn't too successful in the past...
Failing, to me, just seems like a big inconvenience, especially being sent to an institution against my will for doing something that the government says is wrong but I feel should be a personal choice - and then I have to walk around w/this socially unacceptable lable & everyone would talk in hushed tones behind my back about my 'condition' & their eyes would roll around nervously in my presence as though I was an emotional time-bomb.

1. the little family members that i love
2. the hope for the future
3. the eternity of death
4. my faith that God can turn things around

[Lou_Pilder]

perzephone,
You wrote,[...being {here} was a mistake...].
Are you meaning:
A. being on this forum was a mistake?
B. being born was a mistake?
C. something else?
Lou

good question.......why is life impotant? what keeps me going in spite of my depression???..my family first and foremost......now that i have an "empty nest" i am enjoying time alone with my husband...and my 3 kids are forever reaching new goals in their lives...and my 4 grandchildren....well every day with them brings something new and wonderful to live for........

[ozzie]

Life is important to me because I've always considered it a precious gift. Sometimes I would send my mom flowers on my birthday because of my feeling that life is a gift.

When I'm down, it's my four children who motivate me to pick myself up and stay in the game.

Not long ago my daughter gave me some funny advice. I was down due to a relative's mean remarks. My daughter Jennifer wrote to me and said, "Mom, just tell her to eat your shorts". I laughed so hard there was no way to stay down after that. All day I imagined myself saying that to her. lol

Did I say that my daughter helps make life a joy? She is the best!

[allthegirls6]

This is a BIG question isnt it?

What keeps me going?................................... lets see

My sister, she means the world to me

My T she gives me the courage to keep going when all looks bleak

all my girls - they have been hurt so much that I wouldnt/couldnt hurt them anymore

Audrey

[mrb020377]

my life is important because i have two wonderful kids that need me

[Fuzzybear]

1. My hubby

2. Pride.... (as in saying f******* em all ...)

That is all for now

(((((((((((((((em)))))))))))))))

[Wants2Fly]

As I read the things that other people and I wrote that keep us going -- including that "pioneer spirit" -- I realized that the things I named ARE enough! Perhaps it's only our high-speed, materialistic, culture -- so hard on people who don't make big bucks, may have trouble finding work, illness, etc. -- that makes it seem as if a few loving friends or family or dogs or a good book or music or enjoying the breeze or a blue sky or soft rain isn't enough.

[Peanuts]

I think you found something ... stuff is stuff. Family, friendship, enjoying nature etc is what keeps us going. It seemed like a light bulb went off for me when I read your post. Very insightful indeed.

[Lexicon78]

The things that keep me going are:

-my boyfriend
-my family
-my t
-my religious beliefs
-knowing my mom would not want me to give up and survive
-my strong will to keep going despite my obstacles
-my love for Earth and her many wonders
-my love for animals
-knowing that I would be damned in the afterlife

there's a few off the top of my head...hope this helps

This is why discussion of personal religious beliefs is not allowed here:

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
-knowing that I would be damned in the afterlife

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Let's just say that I SERIOUSLY disagree.

em

[SeptemberMorn]

Lexi, I'm assuming that your comment "being damned in the afterlife" is if you offed yourself, right? Just a point of clarification is all.

[SeptemberMorn]

Em, Lexi isn't "disussing" her religious beliefs. She expressed them, is all. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe we're allowed to do what Lexi did. I believe pretty much like she does. "Offing" yourself is not an option... if... (don't hit me!!! )... you're a ... Christian. There! I said it! IMO, it's just a statement of her beliefs, which I believe, too, although I wouldn't express it quite the same way.