wpot posted... Yes, it's a constant battle. I do OK when I force myself into getting involved with vacations/activities/etc...even though I would truly rather not be doing most of them if I'm being honest. I also do OK when I have a fun 'gaming project' going on. If none of the above is happening, though...my mind drifts to pointlessness and my mood suffers. It's not really depression (I've asked - it's more of a 'dysphoria/dysthymia') and there's no anxiety to it, but it sucks.
I assume more people are having this problem these days given the changes to American society:
* Lack of true societal pride/expectations (problematic, but provided a purpose)
* Lack of religion (same thing: problematic, but provided a purpose)
* Lack of family/gender roles (even more problematic than the above, but - again - they did provide some direction to life)
It's correct that no-one should be able to tell others how to live, however, if there are no agreed upon pathways or goals to work towards as a society...we're unfortunately blundering around for no reason.
Trumpians are currently happier and more energetic than others (I've seen studies in the NY Times) because their clique has a (sad) purpose: owning the libs and opposing any changes to the traditional life purposes listed above. They are morally wrong to do this in the way they do, but this is the core reason why they have been rising and "Make America Great Again" works as their slogan: it comes with a purpose to life.
There's little energy in defending norms for liberals (and probably especially for moderates) and they are largely left to watch the decline of society. There is some energy in "let people do as they will and celebrate them for it", but the celebration of disunity can only unify people to a certain point. :)
So there you go: here's hoping you enjoyed that encouraging (and unexpectedly political) pick-me-up. I'd be happy for someone to convince you (and me) I'm wrong. :)
Wait one of the symptoms of depression is anxiety? Does that mean I'm not depressed? I have loads of anxiety (all centered around work and not messing my day to day up.), but not at all related to actually doing things for fun. If I actually had interesting things to do I would do them. I usually describe it with apathy.
Otherwise this is the best post I've read in a while. Really paints a different side to the story and I can relate to what you are saying.