Feeling a bit down.

[Francesco]

Hi Guys,

Lately I feel really down. When I am alone I feel so lonely, not in a way where I crave people but more in a way that I feel so disconnected from the world and myself. Its so hard to find meaning. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same and has some advice?

Thank you.

[Narniakid]

Hey Francesco!

I think I get what you're saying - you're kinda wondering what's the point? What am I doing with my life? Who even am I? You're going through an identity crisis. I've recently been through a similar experience.

What I did to overcome this was cull out any negative people in my life that were dragging me down. I then made a mood board - as somebody who believes one's environment impacts greatly on one's emotion, I had a look on Pinterest and I made one and covered it in inspirational quotes, photos of ones I love, pictures of places I'd like to travel to one day, and anything else that lifted my spirits and reminded me of who I was, the things I like, and what I'm working towards. I've got it hanging next to my work space so I can see it frequently throughout the day. Consider making something like that.

The other thing I suggest you do is to try everything - literally, anything that sparks your interest, just go for it. You're feeling disconnected from yourself, which is a sign the things you are doing or the hobbies you do may not be bringing the joy or satisfaction they once had - and that's okay, it just means it's time to try something new.

I hope I've been somewhat helpful, and I hope you're feeling better soon!

Crystal

[Jacko777]

Hi Francesco,

I think I have experienced something like what you are talking about Francesco. Of course the cause could be entirely different and if you feel really low for more than a couple of weeks you should seek professional support.

I have certainly felt at times that I lacked purpose, didn't understand or appreciate my value I guess. Over time I have thought about what I am passionate about, what gets me going, i have written these things down. There are the priorities and there are long term goals. For example, first for me is my family and friends, then health, home, career, then some personal ambitions and desires like music, playing guitar and drums, nature, I volunteer much time to conservation groups, I love travelling and camping and 4WDing, I also care about people, I care that you are okay Francesco and I know you can feel better, so I am here, it's very important to me.

So imagine I have all these parts of my life down on paper, with 'ME' in the middle. Now I can see where I need to spend my time, I make goals in each part, develop strategies to reach my goals, working it back to the small steps I can take today. Taking steps isn't always easy for me, but it's always satisfying to know that I am on track to achieve my goals.

Jack

[Jacko777]

And I should add, a feeling of disconnection can be a symptom of a condition. You say you have been feeling really down, do you reckon it might be worth a visit to a GP for a check up?

Jack

[Francesco]

Hey!

Thank you so much, everything you just wrote was like a trigger for me to understand what I was feeling better and to find creative solutions.

I actually already have a wall with some quotes that mean a lot to me. I guess, I never realised how they symbolise who I am, so thank you for that.

My counsellor has also been encouraging me to pursue the unknown and go for it.

[Francesco]

Hi Jacko777,

Thank you for those very kind and supportive words.

You really hit the spot when you mentioned that it is hard to appreciate your value as that is what I am feeling. I have been seeing a counsellor for the last couple of years and lately that is the focus of our sessions. I guess, it just gets difficult because I feel I am at a road block, like the solution to this issue seems harder to find.

That type of planning and goal setting seems really useful and much better than the type I have been using where I expect myself to have achieved everything I need to already.

[Jacko777]

Thanks for your replies Francesco, I am glad you are seeing a counsellor. It does take time to know your self better, some times it might feel like a road block, however you only came to the road block because you travelled down the road, you stayed on your journey, you have done really well mate. Some times we take satisfaction from knowing that we are on the journey, even though we cannot see where it leads.

It helps me to be aware of my choices at all times, there is always a choice, so maybe it is not a road block but more a fork in the road. If you develop your sense of self you will come to know what is important to you and it will make it easier to decide which path to take. Being passionate about something for me doesn't always mean that the subject makes me feel happy, some of the things I am passionate about are indeed problems that need fixing. My love for Nature for instance is combined with concern, so I act in the best way I can to help conserve the environment and from that I find satisfaction, I tried, I did my best. Problems can be viewed as opportunities.

All the best with this mate, you are on track, keep taking steps and you will feel better about this I am sure. Talk any time.

Jack

[Francesco]

Thank you.What you wrote in that first paragraph is really going to help change my perspective.

That is a very good way to look at things. I guess I always look for the right things but I have to remember it is has to be things that feel right to me.

Thank you for your help, same goes.

Francesco.