Singles.... when you are feeling depressed, where do you draw your strength from to continue on?

Question

I am curious how other people deal with something like depression when they do not have someone close to turn to. I know many of you will say friends, but I need you to think deeper than that. How do you regain your strength from within?
I have always pulled that strength from myself, but have felt recently that the resevoir is empty.

Answer 1

Well, you said it: "drawing from oneself", although oneself isn't a self-sustaining container; it requires external supply to bear on. In my case it's always been my belief in something I know, lies ahead in the near future; something I aspire to achieve; become.
Music has always played a large part in building my spiritual forte, and endeavors I've embarked on have given me the strengh of looking forward and overcoming my downs and depressions.
Faith is one of the strongest sustainers against life's misgivings, of which are no doubt the feelings of loneliness and lack of love (friendly; romantic; spousely; parental, etc.), that we often feel we cannot do without.
conclusion: you got to find what suits you and what you aspire to be, as an independent individual (within morally acceptable limits of course). You never know where luck smiles; and love and companionship, just like any other thing in life: are often just around the corner.

Answer 2

It is very hard to energize yourself because other people do act as motivators to pull you out of the pit when there are no ropes around. If you have some sort of faith or spiritual belief system, I would suggest that you draw on that strength right now. There are many passages in the Bible that allude to the need to encourage yourself in the Lord and count it all joy when you pass through these sorts of temptations, tests, and trials. Read the Christmas story and gain hope from the birth of Jesus Christ. Another thing to do would be to get out of the house. This time of the year the malls and shopping centers are beautifully decorated and sometimes simply by viewing the sights and sounds, you will find your mood elevated. God bless.

Answer 3

I draw my strength from the fact that i don't need a man to make me happy. I've seen allot of my friends go through this. You don't need someone to make you happy. i'm a single mom and have been raising my son alone for 2 1/2 years. I've been down and out, but I know that I don't have to deal with the drama that comes along with relationships. Now is the time to do things for you. Do some soul searching. If you aren't religious, do some research. Find what which one seems best for you. Finding happiness in yourself will make you stronger in the long run.
If your depression persists, call your Dr. Maybe you need some med's to help you along the way.

Answer 4

I just remember that I'm not that old and I haven't been trying that hard to get into the dating world. I'm 21, in college, living at home (a place that's too much of a mess for me to invite anyone over), and I don't drive either. How on earth can I date anyone seriously in my situation? And if I don't date, it stands to reason that I probably will not meet anyone suitable to be my gf. I'll be out of college in about two years more. By then I should be getting out more and meeting women who will date me. Being alone hurts a lot sometimes though.

I don't know how hard you've been trying to meet someone, but remember that you're better off alone than in the wrong relationship. Have a nice day!

Answer 5

Always remember the grass is greener on the other side. I remember times I would die to be single, to not have to answer to anyone, do what you want, when, and with whom. Always remember that things happen for a reason, absolutely everything and when that right person comes along, it will all be worth the wait. You need to take up a hobby, get involved in a cause, or focus on the positive aspects of your life. You'll realize you can be a lot fuller and have so much to offer someone else. That confidence will attract people to you and before you know it, you'll be fighting them with a stick! Goodluck.

Answer 6

Drawing will get your mind off you feeling this way. I would have to say I would go and make something really good and feel good about yourself.When you feel this way get something on your mind but not that feeling and it will help. I am feeling SO miserable so I am playing Yahoo Answers to get my mind off of it but I kinda just got it back so I will try again.Try sleeping or relaxing all your body.Maybe take a hot bath or something.Listen to the radio or something. Watch some TV or something. Maybe write something to show your feelings. Take a walk down the street. Clean your house. Buy a new pet. I am not saying you have to do all of these, just 1 or 2 or the ones you want to do.

Answer 7

I've buried myself in work, then the more work I do, the more I feel like I'm getting something done right, out of the many things I'm doing wrong. Working hard when I'm depressed really boosts my confidence and morale. I also drink a bit to relax my mind, but not too much. I remember how good of a catch I am and no one is like me. My friends play a part in never letting me go too far into a pity party, and they constantly remind me that good sex is an anti-depressant.

Answer 8

I get busy doing other things that make me happy. Sometimes I have to literally force myself, but I do. Exercise is always a mood lifter, so I take dance lessons. I am very much into self-hypnosis, so I can fill my mind with positive affirmations. I volunteer, so I can stop focusing on myself for a while. I think the best thing to do is to divert your attention off your negative feelings before feeling miserable becomes a habit.

Answer 9

You are demonstrating many symptoms of depression. I am not exactly sure what your support network is like (family, friends, church, etc), but it would likely prove beneficial to seek counseling. Medical intervention, often through medication, may also foster un upswing in general mood. The best outcomes when dealing with issues of depression come through strong support network, professional counseling, and medical intervention as needed. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Depression affects well over 50% of Americans at one point in their lives.

Answer 10

You have to dig deep and look for the good things going on in your life. It's not the big things like money and men that bring you out of depression. It's the appreciation of the small things as well. Like waking up to a beautiful sunset or a nice walk on the beach with the breaze in your hair. Really take the time to appreciate things like that and you'll realize that things are not as bad as they seem.