Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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More struggles than good times

Restful
Restful

I’ve come to the conclusion that the struggles in my life have far outweighed the brief moments of joy. This trend is ongoing, and I guess that’s what depresses me most. It’s hard knowing that life is mostly completely shitty and I have to endure it all just to get to the extremely sporadic peaceful times. If you think about time, most people spend at least  40 hours per week working at jobs that are not rewarding, with very little, if any, extra money left for pleasure. After figuring in approximately 8 hours of sleep per night, that only leaves us with maybe 50-60 hours for other things. Those other things are usually just trying to keep up with daily chores   and trying to recover from the 40+ hours of stress. I understand that’s a blanket statement, and some people have very different schedules and circumstances, but it definitely sums up my life. Nothing is ever easy or without problems attached. I don’t think was just born a pessimist; this is my reality. The majority of my life sucks, which always causes me to ask why the fuck was I even born. 

dreamliner
dreamliner
I have felt the same way for so many years. I am quite young in my early 40s and I think I've suffered from depression most of my life. It's not a blank statement, for many of us suffering from depression is very difficult to find joy in pretty much anything. The routine and the fast pace we live in drags us into constant stress. As an American I look towards other countries, especially in Europe and notice how much emphasis is given is the well being of people. Workers are treated so much better, where here in America our society just squeezes you of everything. Not enough vacation, not enough pay, too high expectations at work and society. I know it's not easy but I feel somehow I've managed to love so far with all my mental and health issues. Just one day at a time and we have to learn to celebrate the small things. Good luck my friend.
Solus
Solus
Those figures don’t lie Restful. I think you summarised it very well. I’ve been thinking the very same thing lately. For me it’s about balance. Unfortunately, for some of us, the balance is tipped too much in favour of the stressful, mundane stuff rather than the easy and pleasurable. I think if this balance is tipped for too ling, that when we’re vulnerable to depression. I don’t think you or I were born pessimists. Life has a way of wearing you down till you expect the worst. I hope your life is not completely shitty and that you have a least a few moments of joy. I hope the balance will shift for both you and I.
Restful
Restful
Thanks for the supportive responses. You’re right Solus, about life wearing you down. Patti posted a really good video about depression on my last journal post. It shows how depression is your mind and body trying to survive overwhelming stress.
Glad2Help
Glad2Help
“The struggles of life far outweigh the brief moments of joy,” is true for almost everyone. The trick is to enlarge these brief moments, maximize and enjoy it, and appreciate these little things while at the same time blurring the struggles. Some people have extreme issues on health, finances, and jobs. Many people cant even find work. Google Nick Vujicic and be amazed at this person. This is not to insult anybody here but just to offer something that might help adjust our perspective. I was floored when I learned about this guy. Amazing.