It’s a good day. You’ve done your chores on time, you got a good review at work, and now you’re enjoying a peaceful sunset from your balcony. With so many thoughts swirling around in your head, there’s one that stands out,
“What’s the point in life?” “What’s my purpose in life?”
I have had those moments where I questioned my purpose in life and even, at one time, the point of living. And believe me, it’s normal to wonder about the purpose of life, however, when you begin to wonder about the point of life or the point of living, then there can be grave reasons behind such thinking.
Such thoughts can often be accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, sadness, helplessness, anhedonia, and even depression.
The meaning of life can be different for you than it is for me or your loved ones. For some, it’s about enjoying life to the fullest, and for some, it’s about achieving a specific goal. Finding the meaning of life can be different and challenging too.
But when you’re struggling with low mood or mental distress, then your challenges can make you question the point of life.
Here, let’s learn what this feeling that life is pointless may look like, the reasons you might be feeling this way, and how you can rediscover life’s meaning and the point of living.
Life Is Pointless: This Is What It Looks Like
Many signs say that you’re struggling with understanding the point of life or the meaning of life, in general. Here are some common signs that you’re beginning to feel life is pointless:
You feel that what you do does not matter
You have stopped caring about the results of your hard work
What brought you joy once now does not
You feel empty and hollow
You are feeling hopeless
You feel that none of your efforts are worth it
Why Do You Feel This Way?
There are many reasons you may begin to feel that life is pointless. We all think about the point of life during our lowest times and it’s OK. Feeling lost is OK. Being uncertain about who you are is also OK. However, letting those feelings take over your mind and peace – that’s not OK.
Here are some reasons you feel this way:
You are going through difficult times that are making you question your beliefs and values
You feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied with your academic performance, work productivity, relationships, interests, etc.
You feel underappreciated and feel that your achievements don’t matter or have a strong impact
You are uncertain about your goals and aspirations
You are stuck on how or what steps you need to take now
You are not sure what you want in life or the future
You have recently been diagnosed or a struggling with a mood disorder, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, or bipolar disorder
People with depression experience this kind of thinking more frequently than others. Some struggling with severe depression may even begin to believe that everything is pointless and doesn’t hold meaning anymore. Most of the time, it’s their depression that makes them lose the ability to see their purpose in life.
As you begin to lose the point of life, you may begin to experience symptoms such as low energy levels, less physical activity, low mood, and persistent feelings of sadness. Other symptoms that may show can also include:
Irritability
Feelings of emptiness
Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
Increased fatigue
Trouble concentrating
Sleep issues
Changes in appetite
Poor weight management
Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
If you’re thinking about suicide or you believe someone you know is at risk, then please immediately reach out to your local helpline number.
You can also contact one of these helpline numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
TrevorLifeline: 866-488-7386
iCall: +91-9152-987-821
AASRA: +91-9820-466-726
Vandrevala Foundation: +91-9999-666-555
Rediscovering The Meaning Of Life
*TW: Mention of suicide: Life is beautiful. It took a long time for me to discover the meaning of life. When I first thought of ending my life, I was filled with thoughts and kept questioning the point of living. I was slowly losing the will to live. I had lost my sense of purpose and could find no way to rediscover the meaning of life either.
What many people don’t realize is that there is no one meaning in life. What gives your life meaning can be way different than mine. For some, it’s the relationship with their loved ones that gives their life meaning and for others, it’s about giving back to the community that fulfills their meaning of life.
What matters here is what you believe makes you happy or what is important to you. Whatever seems to help you rediscover happiness is what gives your life meaning.
Think about these questions if you’re struggling to find life’s meaning:
What matters most to me?
What are my beliefs and values?
What do I enjoy doing the most?
What makes me feel happy and fulfilled?
What Else Can Help?
Rediscovering the meaning of life to escape the thought, “What is the point of life?” doesn’t stop here. We have additional steps and strategies to help you escape this thought and find the meaning of life, once again.
1. Help Others
Did you know that helping others help you? Volunteering and helping others out can help you regain your purpose in life. Try volunteering for a cause you care about, donate, or offer a stranger help. Do something that makes you feel that you’ve made a difference?
2. Focus On Relationships
Spend time with your friends and family. The more healthy relationships you have, the more your mental and physical health will improve. Having healthy and positive relationships can also help you lower depressive symptoms, lower stress, and decrease the risk of physical ailments.
3. Follow Your Interest
Follow your hobbies and interests while enjoying every moment of it. When you focus on things you like or enjoy doing, you develop creativity and find a new way to express yourself. Try dancing, singing, painting, cooking, sculpting, or anything else you enjoy doing.
4. Create Awareness
Try to learn how to be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. When you’re questioning yourself and the point of life, then creating self-awareness can be a good way to answer those questions. Self-reflect and see what makes you happy at the moment. Stop worrying about the past and future for a moment.
5. Be Grateful
Express your thanks and gratitude towards the Universe. Thank It for the things in life you’ve experienced so far as they have been a significant life lesson. Expressing gratitude is also a good way to strengthen your relationships, increase happiness and boost overall well-being.
When Help Is Needed…
Ask for it! If you’re struggling with finding the point of life or the point of living, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional counselor for guidance. If you can’t talk to a family member, friend, or coworker, then a counselor, therapist, religious, or spiritual guide can help.
It’s OK to ponder the point of life and ask yourself, “What is the point of life?” Remember, the answer to this question is neither right nor wrong. It’s all up to what matters the most to you and what you believe is significant to you. It’s all about you!
I hope this blog helped you understand the reasons why you think life is pointless and how to rediscover the meaning of life. For more, you can write to us at info@calmsage.com or DM us on social media. You can also share your thoughts in the comments below.
Take Care!
The post “What Is The Point Of Life?” Reasons You Feel This Way (And How To Cope) appeared first on Calm Sage – Your Guide to Mental and Emotional Well-being.