A serious question for Atheists. How do you cope with the crises in your lives?

Question

Things like the passing of someone you love, serious illness or other tragedy or trauma? I've often wondered about this, having been through some tough times myself. I have my faith in God, but what does someone do who doesn't believe in God? I'm not being condescending or patronising--I really want to know. Thanks.

Thank you all for your honesty.

Jello2: It's not a game & backbone is something I have no shortage of.

Answer 1

You rise to the occassion. My best friend died two years ago it devastated me at first but I used the sadness to motivate me and turn my life up a notch.

Answer 2

Not an athiest, but I don't believe in a personal God.

Things just happen. People get sick because of genetic problems, they get a virus, etc. They are in an accident because somebody was careless, etc. God didn't do them, they did them to themselves or someone did them to them (either intentionally or unintentionally). How do I cope with it? I just do. I take care of myself just fine. Everyone handles things differently.

I had a co-worker killed on the job; I was with him shortly before it happend. It was truly tragic, but I got through it just fine. A lot of people were worried about me, but I dealt with it. Some people go to others, others do not. As for God; I don't really want to hear that they are in a "better place" or "God had plans for them". I don't know that that is true, and I don't believe there is anything after this life.

Answer 3

My cousin died a few years ago, and I was inconsolable for days. However, after a while, I realized this one simple thing: Life goes on. The sun rises and sets, the rain falls, the grass grows, children play: the world continues. From that realization, I realized just how much more I had to live for. I just remembered that there is no tragedy, no matter how large, that will truly ruin the world, or me.

Answer 4

A fantastic part about having independent thought is the development of inner strength. Otherwise friends, family and other people that I trust.

A flesh and blood human beats an insubstantial father-figure 99 times out of 100.

Answer 5

When my brother passed away, I thought of the wonderful joy he brought to me and all those he touched while he was alive.

I often find myself speaking with the memory of him.

I also he has attained a measure of immortality through the good deeds he did and the friends he made. He lives on in their memories. He also has a fountain dedicated to him in a local mall.

I cried when he died. Time has helped me.

I used my own inner strength and the love of friends and family to help me.

Through other tough times I rely on myself and friends and family as well. I try to right my own ship. I don't pray for help, I try to do what needs to be done. Also by accepting bad times for what they are, I find myself ready for the outcomes. I don't look for miracles, but I do hope for the best and I set out to help the best to happen.

Answer 6

We deal with it rationally, as well as emotionally.

Typically, I have seen more believers crippled by devastating hardships than non-believers. Some Christians seem to think that they weren't subject to the same laws as the rest of the universe, or that God was going to protect them like their parents did when they were Children, and bad things only happened to those nasty kids that lived outsude of their pristine little bubble.

I fail to see any more benefit from praying to a god that from praying to a tree or a squirrel. Most of the universe is as oblivious to my existence as I am of it.

Neither have anything to do coping during tough times.

Answer 7

We just do. Life is beautiful and it's sad when people pass on or we get ill but it happens.

I've been chronically ill for over a year and recently had surgery which will hopefully correct the problem. I understand it's a medical condition that I'm genetically predisposed to and, we;;. stuff just happens.

The thought of getting back to normal and seeing what the world has to offer keep me going. I guess I would call it self reliance.

Answer 8

That's what family is for! I do not need a false god to make me feel better in a crisis or troubling moment in my life.

Fortunately for me i have not had to deal with very many things like that in my life, but any time i have my family has been there, my fiancee is always supportive & i am capable of helping myself as well. I do not need a belief in an invisible deity to help me through my rough spots in life.

Answer 9

If it's something I can help, I analyse the causes and evaluate possible solutions.

If not, I mourn the person who died, or visit the sick person in the hospital, and sometimes just write in my journal and have a good cry.

Basically the same thing theists do, except for praying.

Answer 10

I rely on my friends and family for support. I allow myself time to grieve, then I deal with my emotional issues through art and talking about the problem with the people I love.