[James0805]

I have major depression. There is a spiritual organization, I won't give the name, that endorses service. The only things I have ever been proud of in my life is the few times I have volunteered.

I think I am being called to service, and I regularly feel bad for not having done much of it at 42 in my life. At the same time, I am reluctant to. I don't know how to balance a life of service with take care of myself. I can barely do the latter. I wouldn't know what people to help: children, elderly, homeless, or what.

Plus the mere thought of facing people in bad circumstances I think would be too depressing of itself. I don't know how to handle that.

Any suggestions would be wonderful. Thanks.

[DDIke]

James, doing what you can handle with whom you are comfortable with is my suggestion.

[Thunder Bow]

If you don't take care of yourself, then you can't take care of others. Go with what you feel comfortable with. Volunteering is not right for everyone. There are other ways you benefit and help others.

I think you should go ahead and try it and see what happens. If it's too much for you then you can stop. By trying you will at least know. It may turn out great or at least be rewarding. You won't know if you don't try though. Don't sell yourself short

[BeeKeeper]

James- I would definitely encourage you to give it a try. Whatever feels right to you.
Personally, I've always been drawn to environmental causes and the animal shelter, since I'm not totally comfortable working with people- my social anxiety is too strong for me to be helpful at a soup kitchen or nursing home.
Try asking around your friends or faith community to potentially volunteer with someone you already know- it can make the process of getting started a lot easier.

[bebop]

I can't get into religion here but if you feel a calling then do it. I swore I would not work with teens but I got called to it. It is very rewarding and sure does help you feel better!

[avlady]

I think George had a good idea about working with animals, since you are not comfortable with people. Also, I used to volunteer for the elderly at a hospital eldercare ward, and they're the nicest people in the world and if your volunteering you can quit if you don't want to continue on if you don't like it.