It's Always So Much

[nonscripta]

Hiya. Sorry if this ends up a long or confusing read. I'm kind of all over the place.

I've been feeling really hopeless. I'm in my last years of school. Was diagnosed with anxiety in mid-late primary and depression in early secondary. I've been seeing a psychologist for a long time. But is there anything new for her to tell me? I have lots of little health issues; rarely serious but always stressful. As much as I do as my psych advises, I can't help how hopeless I feel about the state of the world. The climate is rising, covid won't be the last pandemic I see, world leaders are at each other's throats. It's all out of my hands.

Advice is always the same. I know that's because it's the best advice that can be given. But after so many years, it starts to hurt. And I never got to live the years everyone calls their best. So what's left? Working for things I'll never be able to afford?

It feels like there's so little to live for. Is all the emptiness worth the moments of happiness? I don't want to die. I'm not going to kill myself. But if I'm going to die anyway, I want it to be on my own terms, you know?

I'm not sure what I want from this, honestly. Maybe just to vent. If you happen to have advice, or just a kind word, I'll be glad to hear it, though.

Thanks for your time.

[Sophie_M]

Welcome nonscripta,

Thanks for reaching out to our friendly online community. We're so sorry to hear that you've been feeling that there's little to live for. This sounds like an overwhelming feeling. We understand that this is a really tough time for many. Please know that things will move and change and the future has not been decided yet - things can always improve, and the best years of your life are different for everyone. In the meantime, please remember that we will all get through this together and that there is support available to you.

It's good to hear that you are seeing a psychologist. Have you spoken about these thoughts and deelings with your psychologist? When you're needing support between sessions, we would urge that you get in touch with Kids Help Line. They are a confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 25 and under.

You also may find it useful to reach out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. You can also call our dedicated support line, staffed by mental health professionals, which is available 24/7 at the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service on 1800 512 348.

There is also a Reach Out page on "Facing uncertainty" - https://au.reachout.com/collections/facing-uncertainty?utm_source=website&utm_campaign=BB_C19&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=content-tile

Please feel free to reach out here on your thread and keep us updated on what you're feeling and experiencing whenever you feel up to it.

 

[Izzieste]

Hi Nonscripta,

I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I also often feel like society is in a very bad state and that everything is pointless. I don't understand how other people can be happy, enjoy life, have relationships, kids and say that life is amazing when there are so many major issues.

I discuss similar feelings with my psychologist and, as frustrating as it is, we can't change the state of the world. I understand it is difficult and I struggle as well, but I think we have to somehow find a way to enjoy the little things in life and focus on that instead of the bigger picture.

I notice when talking to other people, they never even think about half the stuff I mention. So I guess there is some value in focusing on the little things in your life that make you feel good.

Be kind to yourself...we are only little people in a huge universe and we do not need to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. I hope I don't sound patronising. It's an ongoing battle for me too do you're definitely not alone.

Take care

[Gonetroppo]

Hi Nonscripta,

I'm sorry that things are not well with you.

I think it is all too easy when we are going through a depression to focus on what we are feeling now and what we are seeing in this world. There is also the tendency to focus on the bad things and project into the future. I feel bad now, bad things are happening in the world and things will only get worse. It's like looking at the world through mud-coloured glasses.

I find that challenging my perceptions during these times helps. For instance, COVID-19 won't be the last pandemic I see. However, the current pandemic has taught epidemiologists, scientists and politicians a lot about managing and preparing for pandemics. The next pandemic may not have such a profound impact because of that.

I hope things look brighter for you soon.