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The question was submitted Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Subject: purpose of life

hello depnet team,
i really struggle with the whole purpose of existence and the concept of being and doing. how do i know if i am liked/loved for who i am or for what i can do? what is the value of someones life if they are so incapacitated that they are unable to do anything for themselves? we live in an ongoing civilisation that has always treated human life with contempt - wars, slavery, rape, murder etc - yet i am supposed to believe that my life has value and worth. according to who!!!
as long as i am 'here' for my partner and my children then they are happy but i'm not. i could go join a club, do a course, learn a new skill but for what purpose??
for a race that is born, lives then dies there doesn't seem to be much value in the living bit.

and at 47 i have felt this way for a very long time.

whitewave

Answer from DepNet

Dear Whitewave

I think questions of purpose and self value are relevant to all of us at some stage in our lives. As we get older it is natural to question the path we have traveled, the choices we have made and the misfortunes we've encountered. If you are suffering from depression, negative thoughts will tend to prevail and you may find it hard to focus on the positive aspects of your life and yourself as an individual.

The question you have asked, although very relevant to life is far too complex to respond to in a forum such as this. It encompasess issues including your mental and physical health, your social circumstances, your spiritual beliefs.....and much more.

Perhaps you can explore these issues with a therapist or counselor. Even joining a support group may be useful. Please do ask your doctor to suggest the most appropriate way to explore these important questions.

We wish you well.

The answer was published on DepNet Wednesday, 1 July 2009