Depression as a self-destruct mechanism
Sometimes I think that depression is our body's own way of disposing itself once we are not useful to the wold anymore. LIke if you are a worthless waste of space that doesn't contribute anything of value to this world you get into a state of depression untill you eventually commit suicide. That way you will no longer waste the world's resources.
@exuberantPeach6704
I don't believe that's the case because many people become depressed long before they've stopped making valuable contributions. I've seen this personally in both my friends and myself. I used to feel suicidal and it did get better. I help people daily and things can improve.
If you are currently feeling suicidal please consider reaching out to one of the suicide crisis lines for help. Things can only get better if you stay alive (and find/accept the help that is there). https://www.suicide.org/
@CoinFountain It's a good thing that you are helping people. You are a valuable person. I don't think I am or ever will be helpful to anyone in this world. I just feel like a stain upon this world.
@exuberantPeach6704
A lot of people with depression like a stain upon the world at times, myself included. It only takes caring, wanting to cause positive things to happen even in the darkness when all you can think about is negative and destruction, just wanting it to change is a big step toward making that happen. There's probably a lot of things other people notice about you that get overlooked by you because depression makes brains less able to see a person's own goodness. I'm glad you've found your way to 7cups. It's a sign of wanting something different and a place to recharge that positivity.
Part of what helped me regain ability to enjoy any of life was medication. The SSRIs helped me not want to die and gave an energy boost so I could self-care well enough to recover faster. Cognitive behaviroal therapy CBT is also helpful (not implying that simply thinking differently will solve everything but it's one aspect that can contribute to overall improvement). I've also talked to some good psychologists. I know not all of them are top notch quality and not all of them understand depression fully themselves but if you have a chance to speak to them I highly recommend trying to find one that's compatible with your personality.
@exuberantPeach6704 Oh that must be so hard to feel that way about depression. Its such a hard thing to go through. But I will tell you as a therapist that its a physical illness- just like cancer or asthma or diabetes. And while it can feel in the moment that you are no longer able to give I have found that not to be true. There are so many wonderful listeners and members here who have this illlness who still have so much to give and I bet you really do too. I've had depression since my teens and at times its bad but I've always felt that as a mental health therapist I can help others and show them that depression doesn't have to be an end point. And like Coin said- please reach out to a professional or hotline if you feel you can't stay safe.
@AnnaKateMillerLCSW I guess that most people can be useful even with depression, but I don't know if it's the case for me. I don't think I've ever done anything valuable for myself or anyone else my entire life. That makes me wonder do I actually deserve to live when my existence brings nothing to this world. I think about suicide often, but I don't think I can go through with it.
Oh dear... the things you just said look like serious symptoms of depression. Believe me when I say this, It's depression that's making you think this way. You've most likely done more than you give yourself credit for, but depression is clouding your judgement. You are not wasting world's resources! You deserve to live and be happy just like everyone else. Please get some help! You are more valuable than you could ever imagine.