Existential Crisis

[HxH_]

I used to workout a lot, I guess you could've called that my purpose in life. But I had an existential crisis a few years ago and now I just don't see the point in anything. I have no idea what makes me happy anymore. I've tried college four times and its just not for me(wasnt the grades that made me dropout). I recently had to quit my job because of Social Anxiety. I feel lost. How do I find something I can be excited about?

[PenguinGirl89]

As someone who feeds off of others' happiness due to some trauma I had as a kid, I wish I knew what to tell you. I feel like I can only be happy when the people around me are happy. I'm definitely a people pleaser. I've been in and out of therapy. I'm currently back in, thankfully. I'm just trying to take things day by day.

Social anxiety sucks. I have it, and it's just getting worse. I had numerous call-ins to my old job because of my anxiety and depression. My current job isn't as bad, but it can still take a toll. I'm just doing what I can.

[irwmn2]

Something similar happened to me too. In high school, I was the top student. Getting all my work done was a priority for me, and I was very hardworking, disciplined, and determined. Now I have lost all the discipline I had. I recently started getting it back, but still struggling to keep up with everything. I have problems with even the most basic tasks. I am trying to keep in mind that if I had the discipline once, why wouldn't I have it again if I work hard?

[irwmn2 in reply to irwmn2]

Taking a break and returning to work is my recommendation. You may have been addicted to the gym, therefore you can still do that.. Just push a little more every day I am sure you are gonna get better 🙌

[DangLifeisHell in reply to irwmn2]

I totally get this! I was the same way from high school to college. Burnt myself out after 10 years of being way too passionate in my career and ended up in survival mode. I still think back, idk how I did it. Now I want to find a different path in my career but idk what.

[DangLifeisHell]

I am on the same boat with the lack of purpose in life. You’re not alone in the search to find something that brings excitement. I hope we find it.

[Adlon57]

I've given up as trying to find 'happiness' in life, I'm retired can't associate with the younger generation, I'm retired but listen to the TV and frightens me what they [the older generation over 40's forget about us] they rule the earth, what they say or believe🙄 is what goes! I am terminally ill, no specific date, but wake up in the morning "oh I'm alive!🙄" living on my own, listen to the news, no thing grabs my attention, never does, how can it, NEVER anything set over for the older generation! The forgotten generation!

[TailWags]

Guess lots of us are in the same boat. Depression and anxiety here. Single, no kids. Dont see much of a goal in my life. For a long time i wanted to help people. That took me quite a ways, but lately, just not as rewarding. A family posted that they were out of food. Ibwent shopping and brought them $100 worth of food. We were messaging thru the app to get to their address and all. They were happy when i arrived. The kids were excited. That was nice. But it kind of faded when i realized they didnt even message me back a thanks. I have a friend going thru horrible times. I try to help her with supplies, money, etc. But she doesnt reply to me much. I know she has a tough situation, and i know she is hurting and has a lot going on, but i find it frustrating and stressful when i dont know if things are working out for her or not. I know you help people will no expectations of anything in return, but it would help me to get a reply in a timely maner. Anyhow, i am planning to retire at some point. But still feel.like my life has minimal meaning. Best wishes to all of you. May you find meaning, joy and calm. I have been doing a meditation at night that focuses one feeling safe, satisfied, happy and calm.

[Zhangliqun]

I would say don't focus on what makes you happy, but instead on what your purpose is. It could be that God is preparing you to be a mentor to others with social anxiety.

Once you get your purpose, happiness will come. But make happiness the goal, good moods into an idol, and you will get neither.

[Catt02 in reply to Zhangliqun]

I think happiness is a requirement. There's no avoiding peace. And peace is our natural state. However our awareness of it can be obstructed by an illusion. That is where help is usually needed on some level. Life is an expression, not an assignment. Just my 2¢ worth -

[Zhangliqun in reply to Catt02]

The unhappiest people in the world are those with no sense of purpose. No trailer will ever pull a truck.

[SomersetNJ]

I can definitely relate to the feeling the pointlessness of things like working out and sometimes life in general. You had to quit your job because of social anxiety? Omg, that’s extreme unless you were a public speaker or stripper or something where you were totally exposed to the public. So many people on here talk about their extreme suffering but not many ever bring up professional help or medication to help alleviate the symptoms. It’s not a cure, don’t get me wrong, and many may see it as a way of covering up the problem but for me these types of extreme symptoms are due to a chemical imbalance in the brain and medications, even if temporary, can help steer one back on a healthy balanced path. Just my thoughts from 49 years on the planet. 👍