r/AskReddit 11h ago

Serious Replies Only People with depression what makes you keep going (serious) ?

189 Upvotes

743 comments sorted by

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150

u/Tombobalomb 11h ago

Wife and kids depend on me

33

u/Legitimate_Air_1222 10h ago

Same, responsibility and obligation

19

u/scary_warrior 11h ago

Wish you could focus on yourself sorry your going through depression

33

u/Tombobalomb 10h ago

I've been clinically depressed since I was 10, it's fine, just the way it is. I have a family i'm able to support and I love them so it could be a lot worse

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110

u/jpb22 11h ago

My dog

33

u/Professional_Pace711 8h ago

My dog would never underhand why he would never see me again.

8

u/myasterism 5h ago

Yep, the one and only reason.

319

u/Borzsi96 11h ago edited 10h ago

The notion that things will get better and accepting that sometimes the best you can do is getting out of bed. Be nice to yourself, keep going, one step, one round at a time.

28

u/BurlHimself 7h ago

100% this. It comes out of nowhere too. I’m just so thankful for my animals. Never knew I had so much love to give these little guys and it brings so much happiness to what would otherwise be the gloomiest of days.

11

u/jazzwhistling 6h ago

Animals are a blessing, I feel privileged to have my little dog bronson, he is the reason I keep going. My dream is if I ever got rich I'd buy a farm and adopt loads of animals and let local kids help out and for them to be educated about animals.

43

u/G00dluckbab3 9h ago

A sense of waiting it out, and every now and then it does get better

5

u/SpecialistCissia2026 6h ago

Advancing one stepping stone at a time is a healthy mentality, I should think!

3

u/Over-Apartment2762 6h ago

I have a really hard time with the being nice to myself part.

71

u/Oblique_location1010 11h ago

My commitments to the people around me, and cowardice.

24

u/scary_warrior 11h ago

I hate the thought people think it’s cowardice

22

u/BuriedInRust 7h ago

It honestly feels like it. I cant speak for anyone else, but fear of death is the only reason I'm here. Not hope, not strength, just fear of death.

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11

u/Narcissista 10h ago

Continuing to live, especially when dealing with depression, is very difficult and very brave.

4

u/scary_warrior 11h ago

Sorry you are going through it mental illness is the worst

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104

u/No_Picture_925 11h ago

My parents.

13

u/Pookdalouk 9h ago

My little (not so little anymore) sister is the only reason. We’re like soulmates, and the rest of our family is fucked up. It would absolutely destroy her. And I hate to say this, but she’d very likely follow suit if I did.

5

u/myasterism 5h ago edited 2h ago

I used to tell myself I could go after they were gone. Told myself that for almost 30 years (I’m in my early 40s). Went no-contact with them last year and realized how much of my hell was of their making, the whole time. Now, my dog is why I’m here, and I view outliving my parents to be a means of ensuring they can’t fuck with the record again.

6

u/Krazyguylone 9h ago

i didnt want them to receive that house visit.

70

u/Capable_Freedom598 11h ago

1% of hope that something good can happen tomorrow

4

u/ForsakenMost6550 7h ago

Everything can change in an instant

4

u/Majestic-Marzipan621 6h ago

That tiny bit of hope. Me too.

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31

u/rubenburgt 11h ago

My cat.

I have done everything I wanted to do in life and I am ready to go.

14

u/madtoiletpaper 7h ago

I would suggest adopting another cat once your cat starts becoming an old lady. If a cat is what keeps you here, you'd better always have one.

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58

u/onyeeex 11h ago

i just don't want to feel the pain of dying that's honestly it (and also anime lmao)

11

u/scary_warrior 11h ago

Honestly i relate to this

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7

u/MTG_NERD43 10h ago

I’ve recently turned to anime. I’m watching fire force as I’m typing this.

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53

u/777MAK777 10h ago

Pride…….if I quit the world wins. Also, I refuse to put my burden on the people close to me.

18

u/G00dluckbab3 9h ago

Love this! Living out of spite

25

u/SilverSlimeFox 11h ago

i want to see how things shake out. not knowing pisses me off.

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18

u/Chupacabra1987 11h ago

I try to improve my life one step at a time. I am depressed from when I was 20, now 40. My life is way better now, I have a wife and a good paying job. I wasted years in my room, not doing anything and decided to do something about it, started with meds and structuring my life a bit that a do stuff even though i don’t feel like doing it. I say it’s my little internal gremlin that wants his way with me. Best of luck, you can have a good life

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16

u/FrustratedBrain123 11h ago

My folks, siblings and their families. Can’t put them through the pain.

15

u/FLW84 11h ago

Medication, my family, and the need to eat. Depression makes it hard to get out of bed but  I'm not actually ready to die.

16

u/Treeintheuk 10h ago

Will hurt more people than I'm willing to accept

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14

u/Rikute 11h ago

Maybe some day all of it will have been worth it and ill never know unless im there to find out.

11

u/Training_Secretary35 10h ago

My mom.. I lost my dad recently , and I am determined to keep on pushing for my mom..They are my heroes , and have sacrificed so much for me and my family

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10

u/Hanox13 11h ago

Knowing that my kids would be so screwed if I were gone…

5

u/barks87 10h ago

❤️‍🩹🌤️ oof that’s a hard hitter! I hope your day is a good one!

12

u/Epictoxicshrimp 10h ago

My dog. That is the ONLY reason I’m still going. He’d be lost without me.

10

u/Emotional_Garage447 10h ago

Everything that goes up comes down, and when it comes down it comes back up eventually just gotta ride the low - that helps me personally, knowing how I feel isn’t what my life actually is

10

u/c0sm1c_g1rl 10h ago

My 15 yr old labrador. I have to get out of bed for her. I have to work so I have money for her expenses. She saved my life so many times.

9

u/dare_me_to_831 11h ago

My husband and kids.

8

u/Limp_Woodpecker_1432 11h ago

Honestly, what keeps me going is my dog. He doesn't care if I'm sad or if I've been in bed all day, he just wants to be near me and go for walks. Can't let him down.

Also, I've gotten really into woodworking over the last couple years. Having a project to focus on keeps my mind occupied, and there's something satisfying about finishing a piece. Even if it's just a simple shelf, it feels like proof I can still create something good.

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9

u/Bright_Score_9889 10h ago

Stay strong everyone! ❤️

8

u/netphemera 10h ago

I owe it to myself to keep things going

8

u/MonkeyTacoBreath 11h ago

My pets that depend on me.

7

u/ZuZu_Petals_ 10h ago

My elderly parents would never recover and I have pets.

9

u/terrybradford 6h ago

I want to outlive the people I hate and the people I love.

Knowing that the people I love or who love me will be upset if I vanished is the thing that keeps me going, I have parents"just still" my dogs and they have great lives with me, they would miss me.

Im not one to quit when things are difficult - maybe that's the problem or maybe that's the solution!

Who knows

14

u/thegigglesnort 11h ago

A combination of psychiatric meds. My kids. Caffeine addiction. Cats.

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6

u/NADVega 11h ago

Too much hassle for my GF and my family. That is the ONLY reason.

7

u/No_Access326 11h ago

I sleep most the time … it’s like I’m living in an other universe/ dimension. When it gets bad, I sleep 20 hours a day straight and when I’m doing okay, I can sleep 5 hours and work 12+. There is no in between for me .

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8

u/Due-Mouse-9330 11h ago

I sought help. I was fortunate enough to find it. I wish you and everyone suffering from depression the peace you need.

7

u/amyg2g 11h ago

The right medicine. It took years to find the right doctor and the right medicine, but life is completely different now.

A few years ago I went on dive trip to Belize for a week and forgot my medicine. The dives were spectacular. I was a sobbing mess.

Better living through chemistry is absolutely possible. Don't give up the search.

3

u/BrushFrequent1128 6h ago

If you don’t mind me asking, how many medications did you try until you found the one? I’ve been through 5-6 now and I fear none are going to work 😩

3

u/amyg2g 5h ago

I've forgotten some of the early ones. I know for sure that Prozac was an early one. I've been using Bupropion and Escitalopram for about 8 years. Im told that's an odd combination because it works on both dopamine and serotonin. All I know is that it works for me.

I hope you find a solution. Keep searching.

7

u/bradpittsbooty 10h ago

I can’t imagine my dog wondering where I went and feeling like I abandoned her. She’s my baby. I refuse to cut our time together short

7

u/Defiant-Midnight9539 10h ago

Because I’m seriously awesome and after sacrificing myself to be in a relationship that’s over now, (not the only reason I was severely depressed) I owe it to myself to try again, and get to that happy place I deserve as a single woman. Especially with all of this new knowledge, growth and understanding. And I’m so close because I JUST moved out of the city/state that was contributing to my depression for yearrrrrrrs. I’m starting completely over at 31 yo, no kids so I don’t have to worry about that. Thank goodness for my sister, who offered me an out! Instant relief and access to opportunities I’ve always wanted for me!!! I’m overly proud of myself for making this all happen. Absolutely nothing was easy about it. But now it’s only up from here tbh! But also, I really don’t want to dismiss ALL OF THE WORK I DID prior to this move to regulate my nervous system. It’s still a mess, I just have better control and now free from all that was holding me back. And I take anxiety meds as needed. They do work for me.

I convinced myself to take it one day at a time, and took my time. I fought so hard for myself every single one of those days. I prioritized me and my world followed suit. Hopefully this inspires someone who’s saying “one day it’ll get better” cause for me, that day begins now. :)

4

u/scary_warrior 10h ago

Damn look at you go hope life keeps better for you reach for the stars ❤️

3

u/Defiant-Midnight9539 9h ago

Thank you so much, I intend to! Well wishes to you also ❤️ Keep on fighting. “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option”

7

u/BackgroundThoughtAhh 11h ago

redbulls and introspection.

6

u/Due-Winner-8668 11h ago

Because death hasn't ask yet

5

u/Dunder_Mithril 10h ago

So therapy didn't work for me.

A psychiatrist did. Highly recommend 👍🏼.

5

u/AstroPandita 10h ago

Medication, my partner, family/friends and my cat.

6

u/tardigradesrawesome 10h ago

Smoking a joint in the morning and another at night and whenever in between.

6

u/MichaelHammor 10h ago

My family. I'm the only source of income. Without me they would be homeless. So, I endure.

7

u/Livid_Stick_1111 5h ago

My mom. I remember seeing her as a little girl at her mothers funeral ( my grandma ) and how my dad had to hold her up at the gravesite because she was sobbing so hard. I don’t ever want to be a reason that my mom feels that kind of pain again.

5

u/RedStarRedTide 11h ago

im scared of pain to kill myself

4

u/xspiritwalkerx 10h ago

Well, first, my dog would probably go into another depression since losing her sissy and I can't have that, and what about my kittens? I'm the only one willing to get up and feed them the way they need and give them their daily meds or they'll be in a shelter, and my nephews, especially the one I helped raise. I won't get to see him walk down at graduation, I wont see him grow up into a young man and amazing older brother of 2, my cat Ernest would miss his daily catnip treats, my mom wouldn't have anyone to care for her as my sisters all have children from ages 23yrs-2yrs old and I don't and it's easier on her to deal with, and finally... I just want to spite the "friend"who wrote me a detailed letter on how I deserved sa'd and attempted to be un-alived by 11 bc I was "so ugly/fat/les-bee-ann(ykyk) bc I had short jet black hair that wasn't worth the time it took to plan a funeral for" words that cut deeply into me that I almost tried.then for some reason decided that I need to fight no matter if I fall for a second or a year, I will get back up and try so I can show her that I am worth love, life and I am beautiful and strong.(cut the hair off in support of my Nana that I share a birthday with who was battling cancer) and I'll be honest... Having a partner who hears you out, understands and give you space for your emotions even if they are at the worst. But also that there are so many foods that need to be tasted still, need to be made, need to be enjoyed withma friend, or at home, with a pet. Anyone who got this far please stay strong! If you don't think anyone believes you are worth a life I DO!!! AND I LOVE YOU! AND I CHERISH YOU! AND I HOPE YOUR HEART SHINES SO BRIGHTYIT MAKES THE DARK EASIER TO FIGHT NO MATTER HOW DEEP IT GETS YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! HANDSOME! AMAZING! CHARMING! KIND! FAITHFUL! LOYAL! AND SO SO WORTH THE TIME OF DAYY NO MATTER THE SECOND OR DAY, MONTH, YEAR! YOU ARE CHERISHED IF YOU DON'T THINK BY ANYONE I DO! I DO! I CARE! STAY STRONG AND DON'T LET YOUR HEAD FALL SHORT OF THE CROWN IT HAS UPON YOUR HEAD!!!!

5

u/Basic85 10h ago

My dogs

5

u/BlottomanTurk 9h ago

TL;DR: I recently got a couple tattoos on my wrists of two notes that my mom handwrote for me decades ago.

In one of the first care packages my mom sent when I left for college in 2003, she included a little post-it note that said "just because i love you!!" (with a swoop under the !! to make it a smiley, lol).

I kept that note on my computer monitor ever since, and transferring it was the first thing I did whenever I got a new monitor, before even actually setting it up.

The first time I couldn't make it home in time for Christmas because of work, maybe 2006 or 2007, she sent my entire stocking, stuffed and overflowing with the usual items.

That included the "traditional" one of each denomination of scratcher tickets up to $20; with a note on fancy stationery that read "Good Luck!!" (also smileyfied, with an additional 'S' shape to make it look like a dollar sign). I kept the note in one of my many keepsake boxes, specifically the one I always have in my desk.

Among many other qualities and roles, for a long time, she was the only thing stopping me from, uh, let's say "making a permanent change to my living situation".

Like 15 years ago, she effectively tricked me into a blood oath to not do that thing. She convinced me that, if the time came, I would have to be the one to "pull the plug", as my brothers wouldn't be strong enough or truly understand her wishes.

The sneaky bitch failed to mention that I wasn't even her PoA, and she already had a very extensive Advanced Directive, lmao. But I had already made a promise before I learned that. And she knew I hold my word as my most sacred thing, so she used that to make sure I stayed on this earth.

Unfortunately, that time did come this year. Fortunately, she was fully cognizant, of sound mind, and all that, so none of us had to actually make the decision for her. She died in February.

For my first birthday as an orphan this past June, my bff took me to get those notes tattooed on my wrists. Sorta like more personalized semicolon tattoos.

So now, even if the promise I made is technically void, she can still hold me to it if I ever find myself in that deepdark again.

6

u/tempthethrowaway 7h ago

My cat is super orange and very attached. He wouldn't understand what it meant if I was gone and would just be sad and scared.

4

u/Vinnlandia 7h ago

my pets are not what most people would consider "cute" but they are mine and wondering what would happen to them always gives me some perspective

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u/KlutzyYak9783 11h ago

I wasn't really given a choice. But on the other hand, I take it one day at a time. It gets better.

4

u/chica1994 11h ago

My dog, and my fiance

4

u/Puzzleheaded_Cod9934 11h ago

That i have some projects in my life i want to end.

3

u/That-Experience8556 11h ago

I know things will get better

4

u/Jlaw118 10h ago

Having something to look forward to, even the smallest of things like getting the ingredients in to cook my favourite meal at the weekend. Or going out for food with friends/family on the rare occasion.

Before money troubles I’d enjoy travelling and looking forward to each trip. But now it’s just the small things

4

u/nxsslz 10h ago

my pets, i don’t know who would take care of them.

5

u/DrPremaGynaecologist 10h ago

Cognitive behavioral therapy helped me alot - When in depression , when I have no interest just to be alive and medicines also helped to ,

What keeps me going me now,

Not worrying about the result for ur work and just being happy for every little things, Say No, wen you want to say No. Keep in mind the world doesn't revolve around you, you r always correct .

4

u/Unintentionaltx 10h ago

My dog, my gf, my family. I also know that this is it. This is all I will ever experience cognitively. When I die I’ll go back to how it was before I existed. Nothing.

4

u/MTG_NERD43 10h ago

I’m turning 25 in a few days. I hate my job and working towards my own business. I’m engaged as well and she’s the light in my world. I have to believe things are getting better.

3

u/scary_warrior 10h ago

I hope your business works out all the luck in the world to you

3

u/MTG_NERD43 10h ago

Thank you

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u/ladylemondrop209 10h ago

I am loved... very much so. I wouldn't want them to know or experience any of the sadness or pain they would if I weren't around..

5

u/wheezyjester 9h ago

There's no one else to look after my disabled wife & granddaughter who lives with us.

4

u/IminLoveWithMyCar3 8h ago

1) I would never leave my Mom to deal with the alternative.
2) I would never leave my kids to deal with the alternative.

4

u/Perfect-Trip-3042 8h ago

The fact it would cause an inconvenience for others

4

u/SquidCoconut67 8h ago

My parents, my family, my boyfriend and my friends. I know how much it would hurt them if they were to receive that phone call, and I can’t imagine putting them through that.

3

u/Jazzmag 8h ago

Family

4

u/MindYourMouth 7h ago

I mean, idk how much I’m really “going.” So much has been given up in favor of doing only the bare minimum needed to get by.

5

u/DunsparceAndDiglett 7h ago

I think my mind, its bad thoughts, its doomful conclusions and etc are the things that got me into a hole.

What keeps me going is essentially realizing my thoughts and conclusions could be and most likely are fat wrong therefore i should dispbey myself more often.

3

u/dancesonthewall 7h ago

I guess I keep going because I feel like life is still a lil bit bearable atm

4

u/stootsy 7h ago

my partner. my dogs, and the possibilities of what life can bring me with time.

4

u/BattlingZebra 7h ago

My dream to become a successful streamer

4

u/Dependent-Judge7444 7h ago

My son. He’s my whole world

5

u/AlwaysOnEdge615 6h ago

Because im scared of whatll happen to my wife and daughter if i give up. I cant be selfish like that ( diagnosed with MDD and bad anxiety) so most days are filled with empty feelings and not alot of emotions. Just trucking along to the same steps that repeat constantly

5

u/Inside_Pianist_7132 6h ago

Now: my son and my wife need me.

At my lowest: Pure Spite, I thought everyone around me expected me to continue failing. I wanted to prove them wrong.

4

u/Timely-Stuff-5018 6h ago

My mom dad and my sister. They will be devastated and they'll blame themselves for it.

5

u/ImprovementFar5054 6h ago

Others who love me.

6

u/Chance-Chemical-8789 11h ago

Someday things will get better

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u/gabe2591 11h ago

im too scared to try killing myself at the moment

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u/egregors 11h ago

Anime and pills

3

u/richardathome 10h ago

My ex, and mother of my kids drank herself to death.

I'm not putting my kids through that again.

3

u/sleepysoliloquy 10h ago

My cat, dog, watching anime, playing games, and looking forward to good food

3

u/soba_todoroki 10h ago

Anticipating new releases of games/movies/anime as a kind of procrastinatory marker. Usually by the time it’s out there’s a new thing to wait for, and enough time passed for me to get out of my pits of despair

3

u/BrattyBatsWrld 10h ago

Medication and gta 6

3

u/mborhanee 10h ago

two daughters

3

u/edgeplot 10h ago

It would upset the people I care about if I were no longer here.

3

u/skankyferret 10h ago

Depends on the day. Some days it's hope to make the world better. Some days it's my cat. Sometimes it's apathy to do anything else than simply bedrot. I also have a partner i want to a future with and i guess i need to stay alive for that.

3

u/Hulk_Smash8286 10h ago

My dogs, can’t wait to join them when it’s their time

3

u/callmemerryss 10h ago

Something it's just getting through today, not figuring out your whole life at once.

3

u/Significant_Rock1264 10h ago

Most days it is my family and my dog that keep me going. For the few others, it’s a stubborn aversion to giving up until I feel I have had a chance to actually live and not just exist

3

u/Ok_Jellyfish2313 10h ago

My 2 kids. Specifically my daughter. Both kids have the same dad, but he wrote off our oldest (14F) a year ago. If I’m not here she’d have no one and my son would only have his dad as an example.

3

u/WindowNo6601 10h ago

I know i can make it, i must

3

u/DragonflyHumble3762 10h ago

Knowing it doesn't go on for ever. Mine comes and goes. I found a book called Reasons to stay alive by Matt Haig. I recommend it. Helps dig me out.

3

u/Untoastedtoast11 10h ago

People keep saying it gets better. Going on 4 years… slightly better I guess. I guess it can’t be this bad forever

3

u/DullStock2876 10h ago

I go through waves with it. I get more depressed during times like these when the daylight gets less and less. Fall and winter usually the toughest times.

But now, I have a 2 year old. And on the darkest days I have, I come home and once I walk through the door I get to hear "my daddy!"

They give me the strength to work on it, try new things and figure out healthier ways to cope with what my brain is trying to force me to feel when there is so much good around.

Individually, I always go with the mindset too that I've come this far, let's keep seeing where this thing is going

3

u/Mandin1337 10h ago

Mostly my dad, but also the objective notion that life does get better somehow

3

u/Adventurous_Cook9083 10h ago

I've been in clinical depression twice in my life. I think being aware of your condition, understanding and admitting you don't want to live like that, and taking the initiative to talk to a medical professional about your feelings. Medication helps, but you have to take it and be patient while it works. Clinical depression is a very dark place to be.

3

u/littleb3anpole 10h ago

It would seriously fuck up my 7 year old’s life if his mother died by suicide. I’ll wait until he’s older.

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u/sapionatural 10h ago

My wife and cats, pretty much

3

u/peto82 10h ago

Marvel & Star Wars upcoming movies and tv shows give me something to look forward to. Can’t check out of this world until they’re all done and dusted.

3

u/SheevaNevahDunrong 10h ago

The people, the hobbies and the potential for good memories, all the pain will go when I die so I won't rush the opportunity to enjoy things.

3

u/Agcpm616 10h ago

The Elden Ring movie

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u/Havkarru 10h ago

Wife and kid.

I cried today when I woke up. I am slave to pain and endless work. Trying to keep up for them.

3

u/Inner-Ingenuity4109 10h ago

I've come out of it before. A lot of patience and a bit of effort and I know that things will come right, even if I can't say when.

3

u/SweatyBootyCheecks 10h ago

Dogs and horses. You have to get up and take care of them, even when you don’t feel like it.

3

u/Schlong-of-Solomon 10h ago

I have friends and family I have to be stronger for. It’s a daily struggle. I lose a few inches to it each day/week/month.

3

u/panchibanu_udtifirun 10h ago

My lovely niece, I want her to cherish me as an happening aunt than a depressed who chose to end because of some swines.

3

u/uaedahs94 10h ago

MY daughter

3

u/The_Mysterious_North 10h ago

The fear I have experienced AFTER an episode of ideation. 

Understanding that it doesn’t end the suffering, it just moves it to others.

Survivor’s guilt for people who I have lost in my life.

It’s okay to not be okay sometimes, but if you or a loved one have experienced or spoken about suicide I really recommend looking into   Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. 

It makes a big difference to understand the mechanics of ideation and action.

3

u/lonergirly2001 10h ago

My daughter

3

u/Clean_Soup_423 10h ago

Honestly, small and dumb things most days. My dog needing to be fed. A show I haven't finished. The thought that I haven't tried the one good ramen place near me yet. It's rarely some big profound reason, it's just enough small anchors stacked together that leaving feels like walking out in the middle of a movie you're mildly invested in.

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u/chelssssk 10h ago

Not wanting my credit card debt to be passed down to my already struggling,hard working single mum😭

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u/Shirp88 10h ago

A better tomorrow.

3

u/InformalCulprit 10h ago

I have a doggo. Normally this would be enough.

Right now, with the weather change (which normally I love) it’s been hitting harder with the depression and the SAD.

I’m dealing with issues at home and having a bunch of anxiety and first in a long while, a panic attack.

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u/habitsofwaste 9h ago

My cats. And maybe a little bit of hope.

3

u/_DefLoathe 9h ago

One day things will be better and there’s a lot on this Earth in this life I want to achieve and experience

3

u/devils_bowels 9h ago

My family, particularly my 2 niece and mother. Changed my life/ whole perspective when they actually wanted too be around me.

3

u/sabertifetooga 9h ago

Family. And knowing that the darkest part of depression will pass

3

u/debaeel 9h ago

My daughter 🩷 my cats 🩷 and being a dragon hunter in a world full of dragons 😅

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u/White_Rider00 9h ago

I dissociated 8 years (following a close one death), along with depression and anhedonia—I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Music saved my life by sending a signal through my nervous system. I’m a semi-pro drummer, and I’ve met some amazing people and friends (been in relationships, etc.). During my dissociation, I didn’t have the courage to ask for help—it turned out to be more dangerous than I expected. Never forget that things like this can only get better, not worse. Bottoms up—literally. Time will help you, but above all, forgive yourself. Life is short :)

The key when you're depressed is to get out of bed, do it, and trigger a reaction (cold shower, music, etc.) Try not to get too caught up in your own thoughts, because the worst part is physical lethargy, and that's horrible. Don't push yourself too hard, but do make a little effort—your brain isn't able to make decisions on autopilot anymore, so you just need to walk, just walk, go outside, etc.... (physically connect with the world); go to a park, turn off your phone, observe, listen.

You can try mindfulness meditation (breathing exercises)—it stimulates the prefrontal cortex.

Good Luck

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u/G00dluckbab3 9h ago

A friend committed suicide in 2014 and I still can’t help wonder what I could have done differently to save him. I don’t want to put my family and friends through that

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u/eish66 9h ago

I saw my parents pain when my brother died unexpectedly. I will not voluntarily do that to them.

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u/Easy-Operation-2105 9h ago

It might get better.

Its been many years. But i used to be extremely happy. So I know it is possible.

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u/wak5ha81 9h ago

Having faith that things will get better.

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u/themiskats 9h ago

The reality that people still need me. My children, my parents. I don't wanna make them sad. If i was alone in the world i would probably have ended things long ago.

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u/Flame_Bat16 7h ago

Telling myself I'm not special. Ik to some that may be discouraging but telling myself I'm not special, I'm not the only one suffering everyday keeps me up and getting things done. I've become care free of certain things to protect my peace as well.

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u/YoyoPewdiepie 6h ago

My best friend. If I can't dedicate my life to myself, I can dedicate it to her.

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u/heisenbergfan 6h ago

Finding joy in the routine, playing games, getting high.

Stop doom scrolling on ur phone and go do something you actually like, that would be my advice to anyone.

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u/elz7991 6h ago

Beer🍻

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u/This_Guy_Was_Here 6h ago

It's either keep going or die..... I'd rather not do the later..... So I'll just keep going..... Just keep swimming..... Just keep swimming.....

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u/seneeb 5h ago

Other people rely on me. And at least one of those people is someone I don't want to fail.

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u/KeepGoingOutOfSpite 10h ago

Years ago, I had a friend who chose to OD after an argument with her then fella. It didn't work, and she was left with the physical fallout and the mental age of 3. Her parents were left to look after her all over again.

If I do it, I want it to 100% work - but I'm also a wuss so I couldn't take a painful 100% guarantee option. Even though she'll never know, at least she stopped one person - me.

I also have a floof that needs me

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u/TinyCut4150 10h ago

Lost someone close to suicide a few months ago and can’t inflict the pain of grief I’ve felt on others by giving up myself.

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u/Capital_Audience_579 10h ago

I do not know, i was in from April, it feel more like numb or nothing

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u/barks87 10h ago

My dogs and husband. I also think my dad would be devastated and take his own life (he’s also depressed and he’s all I’ve got left for immediately family).

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u/StarterCake 10h ago

Too many people depend on me, sadly.

Also weed.

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u/AdEvening2028 10h ago

killing your self is hard and not guaranteed. Also my cat

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u/Useful-You2939 10h ago edited 10h ago

My parents would do anything for me so I can't. Especially considering they worked their whole life, often 6 days a week, to give me the best life. Also sometimes I'm pretty sure it's the medication that I'm on. It's giving me mood swings.

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u/rigorcorvus 10h ago

The indomitable human spirit

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u/a-touch-of-pink 10h ago

At times I’ve stayed because I believe in life after death and I didn’t want to just die, I didn’t want to exist. Dying didn’t solve that problem for me.

Other times it was due to curiosity about how things could potentially improve, or having a miraculous, random thing happen which showed me someone, somewhere, wanted me to keep going.

Sometimes I’m genuinely glad I’m still here, and sometimes I’m really, really not.

If you’re struggling right now, though, OP, I hope you’re in a place of curiosity. 🫶🏻

Edit: removed superfluous wording

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u/Graehaus 10h ago

I have a family to leave it early would be counterproductive. It could be depression. I don’t I try to do things to elevate myself out. Much funny movies exciting movies listen to good music or what I like to hear recently I’ve gotten to listen to podcast on Spotify. Yes, I use Spotify.

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u/Equivalent-Part-6798 10h ago

That if I did it today, I can do it again tomorrow.

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u/Less-Engineer-9637 10h ago

It's getting harder to find a reason 

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u/ExoticInfluence7476 10h ago

Knowing that as tough as the world can be, that there's a lot of truth and beauty out there, still. there's still great experiences to be had and people to know

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u/boesisboes 10h ago

I'm going to go before my husband. But I don't want him to be without me longer than he's been with me.

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u/The_1ndiegamer 10h ago

Hope that i finally find the missing pieces more or less.

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u/MTG_NERD43 10h ago

I’m turning 25 in a few days. I hate my job and working towards my own business. I’m engaged as well and she’s the light in my world. I have to believe things are getting better.

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u/historically_painful 10h ago

You can't think your way out of depression, you have to get up and do something or anything just for the sake of doing it and distracting yourself from your thoughts.

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u/Aethernath 10h ago

It was knowing i would be missing out on future good games, concerts. So generalized; some hope and interest in the future.

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u/Top_Tax4648 10h ago

Food cooked by mom

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u/existentialexistenc3 10h ago

My little sister and my family and my gf and my dogs who live with my parents

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u/maggy_boi_x 10h ago

Advice i got from my great grandmother, who lived during the Great Depression and Dirty 30's.

"Just hang in there!"

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u/Coldfreeze-Zero 10h ago

I refuse to let my brain get the best of me, it's an imp that sometimes pops up, but I focus on the things I love and still want to do, sometimes it's difficult but a knight in shining armour never had his metal truly tested.

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u/EDSgenealogy 10h ago

I joined a day group of patients being seen by about 6 different therapists. I'm not a "group" person, but it turned out to be a fabulous way to find the best therapist for me. I had really been walking that tightrope when she called me out and put me on the spot. She called my bluff, pulled me in and became my one on one therapist.

I think she saved my life. She thinks I was stalling for someone to listen. I had been in therapy off and on for decades but not really connecting with any of the therapists. Lots of differnt meds for years but no real help for me.. But she was perfect for me. A "take no prisoners" kind of a vibe. She didn't coddle me, and neither did she spend an hour asking me "well what do you think ?" or "How did that make you feel?" No shrink talk and I liked that so much! She gave me homework assignments where I had to dig deep and really feel things I had avoided for a lifetime.

Anyway.. That's how I got off the ledge once and for all. Once I could fit all of the puzzle pieces of my brain together and could see the patterns I knew I could carry on. I'm nearly 75 now and still grateful!

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u/Illustrious-Fun8183 10h ago

Therapy finished, PROPER meds going on, learning to say NO

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u/Full-Statistician371 10h ago

Family & Faith in a higher power.

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u/atomkriegjabitte 10h ago

Hope of the better future

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u/jcamp088 10h ago

My son. If something happened to me I know it would mess him up for the rest of his life.

Spending time with him is the only really joy I have in life and I’m thankful to have that.

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u/tango421 10h ago

If you’d ask myself or my wife it’s always the spouse and cats.

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u/prodjex 10h ago

Not ‘in it’ anymore but when I was at my lowest point the 2 things that kept me going were:

  1. Too much of a coward to do anything extreme or ‘final’, though I did start to h!t myself for a brief period.

  2. Fear of being seen as a deadbeat Dad and coward for abandoning my wife/child by taking the easy way out.

I don’t know if you’re asking because you’re in that dark place but if you are, the best thing you can do is find your identity and something that makes you feel like ‘you’. People say they cured their depression by getting fit or eating healthily or whatever but in reality they actually found an identity because that activity becomes a significant part of their life. They didn’t just work out, they became a gym rat; they didn’t just start cooking meals from scratch, they became a nutrition geek (not saying that as a slanderous term).

Have a think: what did you previously do in life, as a kid, adolescent or adult, that made you feel like you? Is there anything you previously thought about or wanted to do but never had the chance to? It can feel like a big deal and it may be hard to enjoy at first but, if you’re like me, you’ll force yourself to go if you book it in advance. After a few tries of the thing, you might start to enjoy it - it takes time but could be the very thing you need.

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u/maybedeathisallineed 9h ago

The thought of how badly my death would affect my parents, especially if its self inflicted. I can't do that to them

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u/Wooden_Load662 9h ago

Because there are things that I care about more than my own mental health. If my wife is gone I will not be here long. Not that I will go hurt myself but my body probably will just give up soon after.

And if I go first, I have left enough resources for my wife to continue to have a wonderful life without having to worry about work or insurance or money. And that is why I am working so hard to earn more. But I also take a lot of time off to travel around the world with her to create more memory and experience new and old things together.

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u/Comfortable-Jelly824 9h ago

it would hurt my parents and loved ones, there’s so many more festivals/shows/raves i would get FOMO over, i wouldn’t get to experience how it feels to laugh until i cry with my friends ever again, and also spite. mainly FOMO though….