Make bot comments illegal. Any comment containing dialogue beyond stating provable facts or meta content should be illegal. Fine whoever hosts the bot heavily.
I remember being lonely, emotionally starved, and deeply depressed and dreaming of having someone to share my life with. Now my wife is sleeping next to me with my kids in their bedrooms. In a moment I'll put my phone down and roll over and snuggle in next to her and grab her boobs.
The only advice that I can give is to force yourself to try. I'm a naturally introverted person but I pushed myself get outside my comfort zone again and again. When I asked my future wife out on a date, I didn't think I could do it in person, so I asked her out over email. I figured she was out of my league (and she was)... but I told myself "it's better to ask and get a 'no' than never ask and get a 'no' by default." Be ready for the pain of rejection, but force yourself to do it anyway.
However I don't know you and the mountains you face. They are likely different from mine and require a different path. Good luck finding your path and getting to the second part of the comment.
for me the ones that come to mind: able to walk (and run), not stuck under strict bed rest for days, not in excruciating pain, able to sleep at night, not so fatigued I don't want to get out of bed, not wanting to die, not having PTSD nightmares
there are many others - while it really seems like a stupid exercise, when I was really suffering mentally, I found contemplating times when I was in much worse pain or stress and focusing in what ways I was not currently in pain or stressed really did help me feel a kind of happiness and gratitude that improved my overall mood.
usually I just ignore the way I feel when I'm not in pain, but if I actually sit and think about what it feels like to be content and have ease with my body in contrast with how my body feels when I'm sick or injured, I can actually connect with a pleasurable feeling of contentedness that I can then better recognize and enjoy more frequently.
I would do this for like 30 minutes once a day, usually in the morning before I got out of bed - just trying to really pay attention to the comfort, bodily ease, happiness, etc. that I felt in that moment, or remembering moments when I felt those ways, and then once I sort of connected with those feelings enough that I was really feeling them in a sustained way, then I would re-iterate my intention to cultivate those feelings in my life in the future, and that I desire this kind of stuff for everyone - everyone deserves to be healthy, happy, content, etc. Sometimes I had to imagine myself as a stranger to do this - I find it easier to feel good-will towards strangers than myself, but a future me is admittedly a stranger to me - and just as deserving of happiness.
All this said, I don't want to imply happiness is always a choice, but I have been surprised at how well "thinking" as a tool has worked at providing some relief (even if it's ultimately a bandaid until you can get through the hard times and hopefully find ourself in better circumstances).
Ten years ago I spent a few days twitching with dystonia on the floor of a state psychiatric hospital and thought to myself that it couldn't be that hard to do that job properly. I went back and worked there for two years, went back to school and became a nurse and I've been my current hospital's crisis deescalation and physical skills instructor and emergency behavioral response nurse to the medical units for two years now. 🎉
i do remember crying under my blanket in the late dark in my car behind a 7-11 parking lot hoping that the cars coming weren't cops and wanting to poo but being scared to get out the groover. And that over and over and over again trying to find where to put my waste and how to find some place to be and feel accepted and not broken and hated.
fortunately some of it has changed. but not that much.
I do remember wanting what I currently have and, now I have it, I'm a pretty happy guy.
I remember living in a squat in Nottingham with a bunch of people I didn't really like. I had no relationship, no money, no job, not much hope. I remember, with laser-focussed clarity, one night in particular when I wasn't feeling well. Everyone else was out partying and the only thing that stopped me ransacking the whole house and taking every single pill (or other drug) I could find was pure depressive apathy. I couldn't even be bothered to kill myself.
Now, many years later, I'm married, have kids and a goofball puppy (now I work from home), I own a great house, and I am at the unwinding stage of my career. I've recently gone freelance and am currently working about three days per week for almost as much money as I was on before. Obviously work could dry up which would be a pain but my wife's income is stable and I'm also developing a couple of additional side hustles to help mitigate that risk. My plan is to gradually reduce my workload and slide gracefully into a comfortable retirement over the next five to ten years.
To anyone starting out on their adult life's path, it's worth saying that I've never had a plan, either for a career or pretty much anything else. I've always just gone with the flow and said 'yes' to whatever opportunities came along (always, always, always keep your eyes open for opportunities). That, and I've always worked hard and treated people well. Sometimes that's all it takes. Almost every job I've ever had came from people who had worked with me before and wanted to again.
And to anyone else who's living with depression, all I can say is that 'this too shall pass', and better times will come.
This goes right back to thinking that you're going to be a different person in the future.
When I am old enough to drive
When I am an adult
When I get that dream job
When I get that cool car
When I get that dope house
When I find the perfect partner
When I get married
When I have a beautiful family
When I can finally retire
You're still gonna be the same person. There's no dividing line. You are always going to be the entity that you are right this second. Tomorrow you will be the same human being, just with 1 less day to live. In 20 years from now you'll still be the same human being. But with 20 years less to live. Did you use those 20 years wisely?
If you don't love yourself now, you won't love yourself in the future. Work on yourself. Learn to love all the good things about yourself, right now. If there are things you can improve about yourself, then work on those things.
I suffer from depression, so reminding myself of how fortunate I am is pretty important. I know objectively that, even with my struggles, there are billions of people who'd switch places with me if they could, and my life is pretty okay.
My solution has been getting incredibly high on cannabis. Does it help? Well, with the nausea and insomnia and most things. Does it make it easier to bear through the bullshit? Definitely.
I think the only thing I don't still want that I remember I wanted is the Quest 3. I barely use it anymore, because Meta has made it nigh unusable with some of the updates over the last year or so.
Nope. I had more 15 years ago. Now I'm in worse shape, older, more health issues. No kids, make good money but it goes nowhere because inflation is up and I don't even have my own house unlike 15 years ago.
Divorced, renting an apartment for three times what my mortgage used to be, chronically ill, unable to work and no hope of a decent pension? Can't remember wanting that.
I do remember. Almost every day. Wife, kids, house. Got everything, and it has lived up to every expectation.
So far I don't have any new wants, lifestyle inflation or anything like that. I was a bit afraid as colleagues get into very expensive hobbies and stuff. Playing hide and seek with the kids, or watching some fun videos on the TV is enough for me.
Yeah. I do. And I got almost all of it minus a family.
But I say this and people tell me what an asshole I am. HOW DARE YOU BE GRATEFUL AND HAPPY.
I'm no longer allowed to be happy, because I'm awful and undeserving of the things I achieved, apparently.
I have turned to social isolation because when I'm alone I'm allowed to be happy. When I socialize I am not. I mostly just get lectured how I'm the embodiment of all that is wrong with the world.
60 Comments
nialv7@lemmy.world · 63 pts · 159d
i have crippling depression
dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 14 pts · 159d
yeah, but at least you can breathe through your nose!
trashcroissant@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 157d
I can't right now :(
I've been sick for over a week and am at the sinus-y, asthma-ridden end of it.
Let me come back to this thread next week when I have my health back.
Neps@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 1 pts · 158d
Nurse_Robot@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 159d
snooggums@piefed.world · 17 pts · 159d
Crippling depression.
Nurse_Robot@lemmy.world · -1 pts · 159d
otter@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 4 pts · 158d
Says the empathyless bot. 😏
Nurse_Robot@lemmy.world · -1 pts · 158d
otter@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 4 pts · 158d
Would you care?
TheparishofChigwell@sh.itjust.works · -4 pts · 158d
Make bot comments illegal. Any comment containing dialogue beyond stating provable facts or meta content should be illegal. Fine whoever hosts the bot heavily.
Nurse_Robot@lemmy.world · -1 pts · 158d
Stache_@lemmy.ml · 4 pts · 158d
“i have osteoporosis”
I’m hoping you were going for an old iDubbz reference
TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 158d
You can have depression and CH₃NO
blady_blah@lemmy.world · 52 pts · 158d
I remember being lonely, emotionally starved, and deeply depressed and dreaming of having someone to share my life with. Now my wife is sleeping next to me with my kids in their bedrooms. In a moment I'll put my phone down and roll over and snuggle in next to her and grab her boobs.
This is and has been better than I ever dreamed.
yum@lemmy.eco.br · 15 pts · 158d
I'm still on the first part of your comment
blady_blah@lemmy.world · 13 pts · 158d
The only advice that I can give is to force yourself to try. I'm a naturally introverted person but I pushed myself get outside my comfort zone again and again. When I asked my future wife out on a date, I didn't think I could do it in person, so I asked her out over email. I figured she was out of my league (and she was)... but I told myself "it's better to ask and get a 'no' than never ask and get a 'no' by default." Be ready for the pain of rejection, but force yourself to do it anyway.
However I don't know you and the mountains you face. They are likely different from mine and require a different path. Good luck finding your path and getting to the second part of the comment.
Tja@programming.dev · 6 pts · 158d
Same, but we have colds so I'm sleeping on the sofa tonight to avoid disturbing each other. Boobs are neat, tho.
ChaoAmber@feddit.uk · 28 pts · 159d
I am so fortunate to have a roof over my head. Hot water. Food in my pantry. Gas in my car.
dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 16 pts · 159d
for me the ones that come to mind: able to walk (and run), not stuck under strict bed rest for days, not in excruciating pain, able to sleep at night, not so fatigued I don't want to get out of bed, not wanting to die, not having PTSD nightmares
there are many others - while it really seems like a stupid exercise, when I was really suffering mentally, I found contemplating times when I was in much worse pain or stress and focusing in what ways I was not currently in pain or stressed really did help me feel a kind of happiness and gratitude that improved my overall mood.
usually I just ignore the way I feel when I'm not in pain, but if I actually sit and think about what it feels like to be content and have ease with my body in contrast with how my body feels when I'm sick or injured, I can actually connect with a pleasurable feeling of contentedness that I can then better recognize and enjoy more frequently.
I would do this for like 30 minutes once a day, usually in the morning before I got out of bed - just trying to really pay attention to the comfort, bodily ease, happiness, etc. that I felt in that moment, or remembering moments when I felt those ways, and then once I sort of connected with those feelings enough that I was really feeling them in a sustained way, then I would re-iterate my intention to cultivate those feelings in my life in the future, and that I desire this kind of stuff for everyone - everyone deserves to be healthy, happy, content, etc. Sometimes I had to imagine myself as a stranger to do this - I find it easier to feel good-will towards strangers than myself, but a future me is admittedly a stranger to me - and just as deserving of happiness.
All this said, I don't want to imply happiness is always a choice, but I have been surprised at how well "thinking" as a tool has worked at providing some relief (even if it's ultimately a bandaid until you can get through the hard times and hopefully find ourself in better circumstances).
Apytele@sh.itjust.works · 16 pts · 158d
Ten years ago I spent a few days twitching with dystonia on the floor of a state psychiatric hospital and thought to myself that it couldn't be that hard to do that job properly. I went back and worked there for two years, went back to school and became a nurse and I've been my current hospital's crisis deescalation and physical skills instructor and emergency behavioral response nurse to the medical units for two years now. 🎉
Treczoks@lemmy.world · 15 pts · 158d
Having a full belly is a nice thing to have, thank you.
TheReturnOfPEB@reddthat.com · 12 pts · 159d
i do remember crying under my blanket in the late dark in my car behind a 7-11 parking lot hoping that the cars coming weren't cops and wanting to poo but being scared to get out the groover. And that over and over and over again trying to find where to put my waste and how to find some place to be and feel accepted and not broken and hated.
fortunately some of it has changed. but not that much.
Hossenfeffer@feddit.uk · 11 pts · 158d
I do remember wanting what I currently have and, now I have it, I'm a pretty happy guy.
I remember living in a squat in Nottingham with a bunch of people I didn't really like. I had no relationship, no money, no job, not much hope. I remember, with laser-focussed clarity, one night in particular when I wasn't feeling well. Everyone else was out partying and the only thing that stopped me ransacking the whole house and taking every single pill (or other drug) I could find was pure depressive apathy. I couldn't even be bothered to kill myself.
Now, many years later, I'm married, have kids and a goofball puppy (now I work from home), I own a great house, and I am at the unwinding stage of my career. I've recently gone freelance and am currently working about three days per week for almost as much money as I was on before. Obviously work could dry up which would be a pain but my wife's income is stable and I'm also developing a couple of additional side hustles to help mitigate that risk. My plan is to gradually reduce my workload and slide gracefully into a comfortable retirement over the next five to ten years.
To anyone starting out on their adult life's path, it's worth saying that I've never had a plan, either for a career or pretty much anything else. I've always just gone with the flow and said 'yes' to whatever opportunities came along (always, always, always keep your eyes open for opportunities). That, and I've always worked hard and treated people well. Sometimes that's all it takes. Almost every job I've ever had came from people who had worked with me before and wanted to again.
And to anyone else who's living with depression, all I can say is that 'this too shall pass', and better times will come.
CoffeeTails@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 158d
Thank you for sharing.
I live well but struggle a lot to find job and I'm in an almost constant fear of losing everything.
DarrinBrunner@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 158d
I still want what I currently have, but I never wanted ONLY what I currently have.
But, I got old and tired, and have settled for what I've been able to get, because fuck it.
None of this means I'm not happy, but like Calvin said, "Things could be a whole lot better, too!"
Tudsamfa@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 157d
I remember an hour ago when I wanted to be at home, and now I am.
Blackmist@feddit.uk · 6 pts · 158d
I'm content to be content.
captainlezbian@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 158d
Fine, I'll go tell my wife I love her again, but I do that enough that it has to be a bit annoying
Ain't showing gratitude for my job though
DJKJuicy@sh.itjust.works · 6 pts · 158d
This goes right back to thinking that you're going to be a different person in the future.
You're still gonna be the same person. There's no dividing line. You are always going to be the entity that you are right this second. Tomorrow you will be the same human being, just with 1 less day to live. In 20 years from now you'll still be the same human being. But with 20 years less to live. Did you use those 20 years wisely?
If you don't love yourself now, you won't love yourself in the future. Work on yourself. Learn to love all the good things about yourself, right now. If there are things you can improve about yourself, then work on those things.
captainlezbian@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 158d
But also you will be different if you choose to grow and change
phoenixz@lemmy.ca · 5 pts · 158d
Now I want what I currently remember
FlashMobOfOne@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 158d
100%
I suffer from depression, so reminding myself of how fortunate I am is pretty important. I know objectively that, even with my struggles, there are billions of people who'd switch places with me if they could, and my life is pretty okay.
ShrimpCurler@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 4 pts · 157d
I remember having what I currently want
sunbrrnslapper@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 158d
Pepridge Farm remembers
einlander@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 158d
I never wanted to work.
PrimeMinisterKeyes@leminal.space · 3 pts · 158d
Credit: Sidney Harris
vantablack@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 158d
living a life i could've only dreamed about all those years ago during my early transition <3
Jerkface@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 158d
I mean, no? What the fuck is that like?
HubertManne@piefed.social · 3 pts · 158d
No as I did expect more.
Tonava@sopuli.xyz · 3 pts · 157d
Dasus@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 157d
My solution has been getting incredibly high on cannabis. Does it help? Well, with the nausea and insomnia and most things. Does it make it easier to bear through the bullshit? Definitely.
Korhaka@sopuli.xyz · 3 pts · 158d
I don't, my expectations were so low that stable minimum wage employment and not having to worry about money was more than I could even dream of.
Cattail@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 158d
Yeah I remember when I wanted immortality
Burninator05@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 158d
How are you dealing with the snail issue?
Cattail@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 158d
Oh I have it a harem of snails and cocaine, turns out snail will detour through a bunch pun on its way to me
Kolanaki@pawb.social · 3 pts · 158d
I think the only thing I don't still want that I remember I wanted is the Quest 3. I barely use it anymore, because Meta has made it nigh unusable with some of the updates over the last year or so.
Now I want a Steam Frame.
Thedogdrinkscoffee@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 158d
I still do, but I used to too.
olbaidiablo@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 158d
Nope. I had more 15 years ago. Now I'm in worse shape, older, more health issues. No kids, make good money but it goes nowhere because inflation is up and I don't even have my own house unlike 15 years ago.
Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 159d
Yes I was young and stupid.
Now I’m old enough to know that wanting things is dumb.
S_H_K@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 158d
I have some of what I have but not in the way I wanted. Is kinda monkey's paw.
Underwaterbob@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 158d
But I've had it for so long!
hedge_lord@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 157d
Me when I am sniffing every flower I pass, greeting every cat I see, and cherishing the transient crown of health.
Zozano@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 158d
Remember when I don't want what I currently have?
(Oh God, what have I done?!)
starlinguk@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 158d
Divorced, renting an apartment for three times what my mortgage used to be, chronically ill, unable to work and no hope of a decent pension? Can't remember wanting that.
Jaysyn@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 157d
I don't want any of this bullshit.
Tja@programming.dev · 2 pts · 158d
I do remember. Almost every day. Wife, kids, house. Got everything, and it has lived up to every expectation.
So far I don't have any new wants, lifestyle inflation or anything like that. I was a bit afraid as colleagues get into very expensive hobbies and stuff. Playing hide and seek with the kids, or watching some fun videos on the TV is enough for me.
nothingworked@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 158d
I remember something else.
ripcord@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 158d
I remember at least 4 something elses. Maybe even 5 or more.
YeahIgotskills2@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 157d
I have a hangover...
h4lf8yte@lemmy.ml · 1 pts · 157d
W
HeyThisIsntTheYMCA@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 158d
This specifically? Nope. My dreams are far bigger. I had dune buggies
rumschlumpel@feddit.org · 1 pts · 159d
My live used to be much better back then ... I don't think the two are particularly related for me, though.
kryptonianCodeMonkey@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 158d
I have he things I wanted. I just don't have the time to truly enjoy them
TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world · -1 pts · 157d
Yeah. I do. And I got almost all of it minus a family.
But I say this and people tell me what an asshole I am. HOW DARE YOU BE GRATEFUL AND HAPPY.
I'm no longer allowed to be happy, because I'm awful and undeserving of the things I achieved, apparently.
I have turned to social isolation because when I'm alone I'm allowed to be happy. When I socialize I am not. I mostly just get lectured how I'm the embodiment of all that is wrong with the world.