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Why keep living, what's the use?

308 Answers
Last Updated: 11/15/2022 at 2:22pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Greece
Moderated by

Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am inspired when working with clients, who are facing challenging life experiences, to be able to help them to develop the needed skills to live their best possible life!

Top Rated Answers
TheresaMorris26
April 24th, 2020 3:33pm
This is a tough question. The meaning of life has been asked since the beginning of thought. I don't know the answer, but I do know what keeps me living. My husband, parents, siblings and friends. I stay living for other people. I keeps me moving in life knowing that no matter how insignificant I think it might be for me to stay alive it is significant for everyone that I am living, not just alive. If I shut down or give up even if I am still breathing it will affect 100s of people that I am in contact with. People are what keep us going, that is the use.
mysteriousFruit05
May 10th, 2020 4:38pm
There are multiple reasons to why one should keep living, sometimes when people go through a mentally unhealthy phase, all those negative feelings overpower their positive moments or experiences. The world has so much to offer the pretty sky, the humid weather right before rains, the beautiful nature, people's smile, a rainbow, hanging out with your loved ones or hanging out with yourself, etc. There's so much of beauty and happiness only if you change the perspective to see things/experiences in a different manner. When something bad happens in your life you can count it as an experience rather than blaming yourself and be prepared to face it in future if you ever happen to come across such thing again! Everyone has a role in their life, and they take part in the events to fulfill them, by roles i dont specifically point out a profession or anything- your role could be anything and you'll figure it out soon, I'm just saying whoever seeks the answer to this question, YOU MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR EXISTENCE. :) stay healthy and be positive... i hope it gets better you see the beauty around you! i wish for your happiness and good health :)
Anonymous
May 13th, 2020 1:16am
There is so much to learn and to love. I must not have encountered it all yet, so the journey of life must keep on. I try to keep finding those things every day. I live with the hopes that everything I does matters. Hope is a big key. Giving other people hope is another. It will get hard and tiring at times but that is what makes the relief at the end of the journey so worthy. Keep discovering what you love, and talk to people and ask what they love and never stop talking about the passions you found along the way.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2020 2:30am
Obviously I don't know you, I don't really know what you're going through, I don't really know what is happening in your life. But I can sort of predict why you feel this way. Just know that there aren't any logical reasons for you or anybody to kill themselves. People don't feel like killing themselves because it is the "best option", they feel like it is the only option, and if there is one thing I know about anything, it's that there is never only one option. I know it feels like the only way to fix everything, and it is fair to think that way when things aren't going well, but the truth is that there is always something else, no matter what. If those reasons aren't good enough for you, well then just logically speaking, killing yourself would suck. I've tried and it just never goes well. You get escorted to the hospital by police, and then the hospital will usually take custody over you meaning you can't leave and even your parents can't take you, and then you may have to spend a little bit of time in the psyche ward. Just isn't worth it. I really hope you end up good. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
CriesFromSmiles123
June 13th, 2020 12:53pm
Keep living to respect your parents. Your mom kept you in her womb for nine months, nourished your body and soul in her warm embrace for multiple years. Ending your life is disrespectful to the care shown. Keep living to respect God. God doesn't create worthless, and he crafted humans with a lot of effort. You are his creation, his child; and he wants you to walk gracefully on your feet. Ending your life is disrespectful to his expectations. And lastly, keep living to love yourself. You are beautiful the way you are, and any, I repeat ANY problem doesn't change that. You live for YOURSELF and the people who really love YOU. Ending your life is a sort of self-murder. Keep living, not to mention happily. :)
Sweetheart444
June 20th, 2020 3:05pm
I don't know if we get to go to a better place when we die, or are we getting sent to hell. Do we just disappear or are we turning into turtles and cows? All I know is that there is not a single reason to rush, we're going there anyway. Sometimes life seems unbearable, we see no ray of sunshine, we feel tired and living seems absolutely pointless. If you feel like you're never going to be happy again, if you hate yourself or feel overwhelmed- ask yourself: Is there a single person who loves you? Is there something you can do to help others? Could you make a stranger smile by showing them a little kindness? Could you close your eyes and give a little kindness to yourself? After all you are just human like us all. You don't need to be perfect, you don't need to be anything. If you can't manage your emotions by yourself, it's ok to seek help. Another sunset is yet to come, another sunrise. Stay strong. There is a day ahead when you will thank yourself for you are still here.
sleepysproutling
June 24th, 2020 9:37pm
This emotion is common with my everyday life, but there are tools to help you!!! I understand how it can feel frightening to live out your daily life- especially if you get into loops of that thought process linked to existentialism and nihilists properties!! Living can be hard, and to overcome that the focus has to shift to of all the reasons we should keep living!! Every day there is new reason and you know yourself the most to know what your hidden admirations are about this life!! Personally, I love to romanticize every aspect of life at large- to a trip to the grocery store, to the walk in the park!! Shifting your point of view to the minuscule details we might miss in the midst of busy schedules and hum drum complacency! The drop of water on a leaf outside of your school, or the breeze on your daily bike ride. To see the world as if you are the main character of your favorite novel or movie series!! There is so much more to life then meets the eye. All you have to do is look, and life will greet you kindly.
sillysoups11
July 2nd, 2020 10:35pm
life has so much value than you think it does. you are here for a reason. you're going to die anyways, so why wouldn't you want to do everything you can before you die? why cut your life short when the outcome is going to be the same anyways? live your life becuase not everyone is as fortunate as you. youre feelings are temporary. when you were younger, you were hapy weren't you? you didn't have a care in the world. but now, youre anxious, depressed, scared for the future. that just proves my exact point. all feelings are temporary feelings of happiness and feelings of sadness. it will all be gone soon.
KevOut
July 8th, 2020 6:43am
I would constantly ask myself this when I was going through my depressive phase-- why am I alive? Each time, I would have no idea. But, as I asked myself that same question more and more, I started to realize that the little things that I did showed me what I truly enjoyed. I found that my purpose to be alive was helping other people and bringing joy into their lives in whatever way it was. So, I want you to ask yourself that question more and more, and also start reflecting on the parts of your life that you do enjoy living. Whether it be eating foods from different places, music, the arts, math, school, sports, try to find something that you enjoy and from there try to find what you want to live for, whatever it may be.
lightandmermaids
July 9th, 2020 10:49pm
Life is a beautiful gift, as disorienting and disheartening as it may be at certain points in time. It is never linear, that much is for sure -- but just as there are downs, there are always ups. Everyone has a purpose, it is my firm belief -- I like to think that we're all here to contribute in one way or another to a "collective" life. Perhaps, your purpose might not yet be known to you, but you will find it eventually and when you do, I'm sure that you will be proud of yourself for coming this far.
Lightnessindark3010
July 15th, 2020 10:02am
Everything in life happens for a reason. All of us who are here right now have a purpose in life. I know it’s difficult to comprehend that when you’re going through a rough phase in life, when you just don’t feel like continuing and I can totally understand how extremely difficult that phase is but you have to believe in yourself that you’ll get through it, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Remember everyday we get a second chance at life, everyday someone else doesn’t get a chance to live but we do and until you’re living you can change anything if you’re willing to work for it. And in the end everything just falls in place by itself you just have to not give up and keep finding your purpose
Tesslovesbooks
July 15th, 2020 8:19pm
Our lives are part of a huge interconnected web in which we live with others. You are not alone, although it may currently feel that way. Life is worth living because there are opportunities each day for healing and encountering good in the world. Amidst this painful journey, there are moments with others and realizations with the self that show you why life is worth living. These moments are different for each person, but I promise they are there. There is so much to life, and once we accept the idea that we can change and our circumstances can change, we open ourselves up to a more hopeful experience.
dorisaelisa
July 24th, 2020 7:48pm
There's so many reasons to stay alive. You belong here. You were put here for a reason. Think about some things you'll miss when you're no longer here. I'll name them for you! For example, your favorite dish, your pet, your loving friends, long hugs, movie nights, I could keep going forever. You're loved. We need you here. It may feel like there's no use in trying, but in the end it's going to be the best thing you've ever done. You're going to be so extremely proud of yourself when you think back to the hardest point in your life, and you think: "Wow. I made it through that." You deserve the world and far, far, more.
Daniela27
August 13th, 2020 8:56pm
Let's be honest, I think everyone has felt the same way at least once in our lives. We go through trials, impossible situations, headaches, anxiety, or other issues that make us feel like we cannot continue anymore. Everyone has problems that feel unbearable. Even I do, which consists of loneliness, anxiety, and family issues. So why keep living? Think about it, we all have issues we want to solve. We all suffer and receive scars from past moments. So I think the reason we live is to help each other go through our problems. We are all human beings, and the most important thing we need is support, communication, trust, loyalty, health, happiness, and love. We live to grow stronger. We live to grow in wisdom and help others overcome their worries and fears.
Anonymous
August 20th, 2020 11:28am
Cause people are amazing, every one. There is so much to do and learn in life, so many people to meet and friends to make. Cause there is always someone who loves you and cares about you a lot. Things will get better, this is just one chapter of your life. Good things take time. Don't worry, it'll get better I promise.
Anonymous
August 22nd, 2020 6:04am
There are a lot of hokey answers to this question or at least ones I've always heard and thought.. yeah yeah. I don't think there is a single answer, but I will share my experience of why I think it's useful and maybe that will somehow help despite there being so many answers. I've been suicidal for a very long time, and only recently have been less so. I've experienced a lot of hopelessness, pain loneliness, and feeling like nothing will ever change no matter what I do. For years I felt like I was dead already and just waiting for my body to catch up. But I continued to live and through that experience, this is what I consider the use. It isn't that one day your life will magically change into what you want, and it isn't that one day your problems will be gone. That might happen for you or someone but didn't for me. It is that all things change, all things experiences, emotions, realities, situations, are temporary. Even who we are in any given moment is temporary if we give up on living we commit ourselves to end at that one moment in which we felt like life would go on forever that way because it has seemed to and we forfeit clarity, and possibility and things we can't even imagine. To me being able to see my life change into something I couldn't even think possible is worth going on for. I hate the idea of stopping stuck because I am tired and have no hope. Life has kicked the bumpkiss out of me taken all my energy and forced me into helish situations. I deserve to see the change, and even if I don't deserve it I want to see it. I want to spit in the face of giving up and endure until that endurance gives my troubles troubles. All things change, and there is no predicting it. We only know that if we stay alive we will see everything change. To me that is the use.
Anonymous
August 28th, 2020 9:42pm
Life is given as a gift , use the gift , love the gift , make it your own! It will have its ups and downs but that is what will make each and everyone one of us unique. Make your own path , obstacles are apart of that path. Sometimes we feel weak and just like giving up but, there is always a reason to live , no matter how small it may seem. It is in these obstacles , in the sad moments , in the pain we inured , that we will find our strength. We will find who we are and who we want to be. That is when true happiness will exist and make life amazing.
gentleSun78
August 30th, 2020 6:44am
It is so awesome to live on this planet. Many interesting events are going on which are worthy to attend. Nature is so beautiful and it is so awesome to watch it every day. Every season has its own awesome characteristics. I love warm sun and sea in the summer and snow in the winter. There are also so awesome people. People are very different and during your lifetime you will meet all sorts of different people with very different interests, hobbies, professions, families, etc. It is nonexhausting source for chats and conversations and things you can do together. It is so awesome. You can also prosper in your career, have nice family, children who will like you and you will like them, many material things, hobbies and so on which can all bring you joy and you can be proud of them.
elizabethunter
September 5th, 2020 3:51pm
It may seem rught now that life is a dark place and that you need to get out and escape. It is a struggle and I understand that. Life has some bright situations and some dark ones too. But, bright one cant exsist if there arent any dark ones. There is a long path which is hard and exhausting. You will see going through this path is worth it after you see the beautiful parts of your life. Family, friends, traveling, kids, animals and many other things can make you smile and tell you that living a life is great! Do good things and smile, just smile! Take care!
Innerpeace2u
September 24th, 2020 5:41am
I had depression before, I asked this question too, really resonating, thanks for posting this. I did 2 things to FEEL HAPPIER now. 1st, I start a religion quest for 6 years, I'm happy that I chosen what to believe and how to see the world. 2nd, my answer to that question now is 'There's none, no purpose nor use to being alive', further explaination would be if I think I have to be useful or full of purpose to keep alive, I will be very painful. So spare myself, I set mini goals and earn happiness easily, for example 'eat delicious food makes me feel worthy alive', 'talking to friends online make me happy', 'still have money to spend is good hehe'......afterward is easy to feel happy cuz for me happiness is a habit not a reason or static status quo. Thanks for posting this, it's my time to enjoy meal, bye!
CheeryPotato
October 2nd, 2020 6:33pm
Living is a gift you must cherish and not end quickly. Kind of like a mug of tea I take small sips so the warm feeling stays around. Life was given to everyone and each person has a different mission in life once you complete it you go home. Think about it you were born to do something in this world and we each have our own parts to do. If you had no mission to complete you would not have been born to complete it. It is okay to feel scared about it. If you want to I can refer you to the self-harm hotline. Hope I could help.
Anonymous
October 3rd, 2020 4:26pm
Now, that is a great question that a lot of us find ourselves asking both our own selves and those around us. What is the point of it all, right? Well, you were born, weren't you? So maybe there is a reason behind it, maybe you are meant to do something that changes the world, that shakes the ground from under people's feet. Who knows? Agreed, you did not ask to be born, nor do you care what happens to this planet. Just think about something good you did, that little kitten on the street that you fed, that crying kid who gave your candy to, it felt good after you saw that shine in their eyes, didn't it? All I am saying is that we all have a purpose, all of us have a bit of a hero in ourselves, we all want to be a savior to at least one person. And it is completely okay if that person is you yourself, save yourself. You are a gem, we all need you. Too good for the planet? Yeah, you are, but you'll be a great asset to Team Earth and we'd love it if you stayed.
Jlaulove
October 28th, 2020 4:42pm
The meaning of life can vary from person to person therefore the reason to live it is not always the same for everyone... Life is full of good things and those are the ones that we need to focus on. We can give use to our life in a thousand different ways and when these uses are rewarded with gratitude from others, it is then when we understand why life its precious, why it is so worth it living it and how we can use it to change maybe not the world but one person at a time. Focusing everyday on all the positive aspects of family, work, friends, kids and animals can help see all for what we need to keep living for. When we see change in others because of our own positive attitude towards life, we understand that we all as humans require of love and support from people around us to give meaning and value to life. All of that makes life worth living.
NightOfSight
November 1st, 2020 8:39am
I believe anyone can chose what they live for. Each live has it's own, very special story. The story is a path we live, we can follow, we can lead and we can stray from it. It's always one of a kind, it's always unique and it is in some way beautiful. I myself don't have much goals in mine, although I was born in fire - to be smelt into a being of great empathy. I've gone through hell to rise from the ashes like a phoenix and I have chosen. My life's utmost matter is life. Not mine though - other life, life around me. I feel little myself, but when I look in people's eyes... I see their stories. I feel what they feel, see what they see, hear what they hear. To me - those empathicly induced emotions are much stronger than mine. So I decided that this is what I will care more than my own life. Lives of others. I didn't succeed in my quest yet and I didn't go far. But at least I've found what is the most important thing in my life. I with to live for someone and I believe... even a broken shield might save someone's life one day.
Anonymous
November 4th, 2020 10:46am
Hello, I believe every person in this world has a purpose to fulfill. We often don't realize the positive impact we can leave on someone but that does not mean we do not have a life worth living. If you look around you, there are some incredibly amazing things worth living for. You can bring change to someone's life, help them have a better life. If you think about it there is a lot you can do in this life. For some time, try to focus on the positive side of life, ignore the negativity, and see you will see the reason behind it. Behind everything.
Anonymous
November 8th, 2020 2:30am
You matter, that's why you should keep living. I haven't gotten to know you, but I care about you. And I'm sure so many others care too. I want only the best for you and for me, that's for you to live. I was in your shoes for a while, I wanted to take my own life as well. Until I was told by my best friend that I mattered, that I was important, that people cared about me, and that I had so much to live for. And I didn't do it. Because I'm wanted and I am needed.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2020 11:00am
It sounds like you are in or close to crisis. When people get this depressed it is hard to provide adequate support or advice. Please call your local crisis line to start the ball rolling on getting some professional help. The Suicide Hotline in America is 800-273-8255. I realize you may be in another country but many countries have hotlines as well. There is help. There is hope. I'm proof of that I had a 4 or 5 year period where I was chronically suicidal and now i love being alive, well most of the time. Please believe me.. a short answer here is not going to fix your problem. A short (or long, or repeated) chat with a listener, is not going to fix your problem. A therapist would be a good start, but you need to reach out like you have here, but admit to a professional that you need help, which is scary because of all the things we are told about mental health and needing help and movies that portray nightmare scenarios which add to fear and stigma and that really aren't true. Everyone is unique and has their own gifts and talents, developed or undeveloped through practice. Everyone who leaves the world early, leave a hole and a rift in the space they occupied. If you don't know what your gifts and talents are, stay long enough to discover them. If you don't know who would miss you or misunderstand you leaving permanently. Stay long enough to find out. Get help. Find yourself. You are worth it.
Anonymous
November 13th, 2020 10:31pm
I used to have this feeling often, and I still do. For me, it is a difficult feeling to overcome, however as the year have gone by. I have found peace. I keep living because the things around me haven't changed but I have. I have learnt to become more in control of my emotions. I have learnt a great deal of self acceptance which has allowed me to love myself a bit more, but also others. In turn, you see a new side to life and people. I love my friends and some of my family so much, that I keep living because I cannot wait to go to my friends weddings, I cant wait to buy their children clothes, or be there. when they finally land the career they want. I cant wait for all the future adventures that we will go on. I cant wait to be there for them. Thats why for now I have kept living. So sometimes the use is outside of ourselves, but throughout all the experiences you have, one thing remains constant, yourself. Maybe your life may not be exactly what you wanted it to be, but there will be a time where youre walking home from somewhere and you see a bird, or a tree, or a baby taking their first steps and you'll get the use. You are uniquely you. You matter.
kindSummer9997
November 18th, 2020 10:42pm
Living will help you discover who you are, if you live you will make more friends, more relation ships and you will be able to discover the world as you get older. the more you live the more experience you will get with things, and you will know what to do in certain situations. If you keep living then you will discover more of what your passion is, you will get your dream job, and you will be able to have a wonderful life. The more you live the more you will fur fill. Having a life will be a once in a LIFETIME opportunity. Enjoy it while it lasts, and i know that you will.
Anonymous
November 20th, 2020 12:58am
Keep living because you'll fall in love, get a cute pet, get married, have kids, go to college, site see the world, kiss someone you truly love, be alive with people who want excitement in life. You'll see nature and waterfalls, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, eat honeycombs fresh from the bees themselves. You'll grow a garden in your backyard, ace that math quiz, create amazing friend groups. You'll be apart of a club or a swim team, you'll coach one of your own. You'll show the neighborhood kids where all the best trails are, what cool arcades to go to, and what video games are the best to play. The best part is, you'll be loved and cherished. Remembered and mourned. Cared and looked after.