Re:Man down: why do so many suffer depression in silence?
by ambivalents on Sunday August 13, 2017 @02:50PM
(#15004296)
Always a kneejerk atheist and adamant introvert, I'm warming to this viewpoint. A welcoming, value-based community (religious or not) that you consistently show up to seems so valuable--I've seen how well it works for others. And I believe it will become increasingly so as we become increasingly individualistic and isolated.
I've followed the faithless, lone wolf way of life for some time now. But is that really working for me? I have my doubts. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Re:Man down: why do so many suffer depression in silence?
by SeeDave on Sunday August 13, 2017 @11:46PM
(#15006476)
Nothing wrong with being an atheist or an introvert, those are totally legitimate beliefs and personality types.
Faith totally worked for me, and might work for you or anyone else too. I didn't include my specific beliefs and community because it may not be for everyone, but if you can get similar benefits (community, hope, belonging, volunteering) from any other positive place then more power to you!
Life is an interesting journey, and I hope you can live it to its fullest :)
Not going to go into the exact specifics, to be respectful of everyone's personal religious/spiritual beliefs, but I found a great community, hope, sense of belonging, volunteer opportunities and more. This provided me a firm foundation to reduce my drinking, eat healthier, exercise more, and just be an overall kinder and better person with hope for the future.
I encourage people who suffer from milder forms of depression (situational, as opposed to the more serious forms of major depression) to maybe consider faith/religion/spirituality as a part of a balanced approach to handling it.