3 Things I Do When Existence Feels Like A Burden

Some days, existence feels like a chore, and admitting that can be tough. I know our brains are inconsistent and illogical, which can make life challenging. But acknowledging these feelings doesn't mean giving up.

Living with depression or anxiety adds layers of complexity to self-care. I've learned strategies to make existence more tolerable, especially during tough times.

I'm sharing three crucial rules that have helped me navigate the darkest moments. I think you'll find them helpful as well.

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Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a replacement for receiving treatment. It is purely educational in nature. My relationship with you is that of presenter and audience, not therapist and client.

But I do care.

[trudibarraclough]

I'm 66. Every morning I wake up with this. So, I force myself to get up early and sit outside, drink water and journal while I listen to 1 min shorts that are uplifting. Then I dance to a 3 minute song. Its gone by about 30 mins. I always have a great day because I have decided to be happy. It still feels impossible every. Single. Morning.

[LoneWolf-syht]

Yeah, this feels like me most days. Everything feels overwhelming and feels like a chore.

[kimhandley]

I feel as humans we were programmed to get up and do what we want at our own pace, we was not meant to get up and go to work 9-5 and that is why so many people are depressed including me. ❤

[idontknowyetwhoiam]

I have to convince myself every morning to brush my teeth. Force myself to eat breakfast. It all feels like a huge, unending chore.

[pamelyn]

Reading these comments and shocked others feel the same way I feel. I can live in my bed and that’s not good

[lesliedefilippis]

I cancelled my dentist appointment just now. And I NEED some dental work. It feels as though just GOING to the dentist is as hard as going across the country in a covered wagon! Fact is. The dentist is close to where I live. But taking a shower, and getting dressed feels like too much work?!!

[entropyvortex]

I feel like I’m just killing time until I die. My body is breaking down bit by bit. Nerve pain keeps me from basic walking any kind of distance. I was doing paperwork for a charity but now my eyesight is going. Can’t even comfortably read a book any more. Luckily there are countless quality movies and tv series I can watch on tv. The cats alone keep me at a baseline functionally.

[drewintampa]

I told my sister a couple of days ago that I feel like a walking corpse most days. I wish people understood how hard it is for people (like me) who have struggled with depression and anxiety their whole lives. I'm REALLY happy I just found this channel. It's helping.

[itzasunnydayme]

I have had anhedonia since I can remember in childhood. I try to use two rules...."Fake it until you make it" and "This too shall pass."

[ripple_on_the_ocean]

"I wanted to, just, opt out of all the things" - SO FREAKING RELATABLE

[anadmirer]

Life itself feels like an impossible burden. Even basic necessities are too expensive. Work is overwhelming. Relationships are parasitic, manipulative, and dysfunctional. And the world just gets more crazy and stupid as time goes on. We’re now living in a real-life dystopia ruled by the scum of humanity. Why do we have to live like this? 😫

[visualapologetics]

Scott, I am in my 60s, and I can tell you without a doubt that a lot of people keep going only because of their kids. I can’t tell you how many times over many years they were the only reason I got out of bed in the morning. Not just depression, but I was very sick some of that time too. that is such a good observation that often we will do things for others that we would not do for ourselves.

[humanitarianly]

This caught my attention. I feel exhausted. Burned out. Empty. Even sleeping is exhausting.

[kellylucyglostott]

As far as studies about why living for others helps you keep going... I don't have a psychology background, but I worked in palliative care for 10 years and read a number of books about how to make life good for people with chronic illness and disabilities. One book described creating a community in which chronically ill people had a lot of independence and self-determination, but what really helped them do well was having something to care for - like a bird, or a plant. Even if they were physically unable to provide the care, but they were able to direct someone else to provide that care, they had better outcomes than those who didn't have a living being to care for.

[bigchief]

Modern life is far too stressful and many of us just aren't built for this crazy 9 to 5 work work work regime. It's an a absolute misery and utterly overwhelming. We are NOT made to live like this.

[tarajh]

Wow... I'm only 8 mins in and I've never related to anything more in my life. You just PERFECTLY articulated what my 'treatment resistant major depression disorder' feels like.

[celenafenner]

This has been me everyday for the past 5 years. Nothing and I mean absolutely nothing helps. Happiness so far off and everyday is so exhausting. If you would have known me before hand, I was the most outgoing happy person. A social butterfly to say the least. Now I am an introvert and even caring for myself is a chore.
I go to work just to keep a roof over my head and a car to get to work. 😢I cannot find happiness in anything anymore.

[bethhayes]

Getting out of bed is so hard many days.

[amyjones]

I have schizophrenia and most times I'm forcing myself to do basic things. Its so hard to get motivated but once I complete a task, it feels like an achievement.

[CrankieAntie]

I live with this constantly- not caring to exist is different than being suicidal and so many people don't understand.