I disagree, I've had depression, this isn't at all how it feels.

by Anonymous 5 days ago

TIL I'm depressed because I kinda feel the same as OP. Except I'm a little further in life, have a job, house, wife and kid, and now I kinda feel like there is no "next step" anymore except for retirement. And that's still years away, so I'll just go live an unfulfilling routine until then. (Not that life will be better after that)

by nelliekassulke 5 days ago

It's pretty common for people to experience this sort of thing once they achieve all of their goals. I've heard that it happens to people like astronauts, Olympic athletes, etc. because they have spent their whole lives working towards this one goal, and feel directionless and without purpose after they have achieved it. You're in the same boat - you've checked off all the boxes, and now have nothing else to really aim towards. It doesn't mean you don't appreciate what you have, but it's a very human instinct to always have something to be working towards. I think this is part of why so many parents start living through their kids. This is where personal growth comes in. Can you think of a hobby you might want to start working on? Or some sort of self improvement goals that you can work on one at a time? Is there a position at work you can talk to your boss about, and find ways to start moving towards that?

by Anonymous 5 days ago

i don't think my life is unfulfilling, i enjoy it now, i know the difference because i have lived on the opposite side as well. it's just that the world pushes for people to be always running after something big or great, i don't feel the need to do that... which is mostly fine by me but not by my parents who rant at me about that stuff lol. i have gone thru depression and this isn't that, I have went thru nihilism because of depression as well...and then i stumbled upon absurdism...which is where I am at to an extent but my issue is i can't bring myself to be crazy abt something and push myself to hard work all the time. i want many things, but not with desperation.

by Anonymous 5 days ago

I think if you don't have ANY fear incentive, that's not being zen, that's dissociation. Being zen is feeling the fear, fully, accepting it and using it intentionally. It's controlling a reaction, not stifling a feeling. It's an outward calmness, but internally there is still all the same activity. In my belief it's also not about overcoming grief or panic, but accepting and welcoming those experiences as crappy as they are. There is no such thing as a wrong or bad emotion. Avoiding suffering results in what you are experiencing, a different form of suffering, because suffering is unavoidable. Being zen doesn't suck. Avoidance sucks. Embrace your fear, face your sorrow as a friend.

by Wilbertfranecki 5 days ago

I have done a lot of work and reflecting on myself. There was a time I felt exactly like this. And then I realized it was depression.

by Anonymous 5 days ago

i have experienced depression for years, but this doesn't feel like it. i can enjoy things and activities, have fun.... i just don't feel overly passionate or attached to anything.

by Anonymous 5 days ago

This isn't zen, it's depression. The inability to feel emotions, positive OR negative, is a classic symptom of being depressed. You need to go to a doctor. I hope you get this figured out. Best of luck to you

by Anonymous 5 days ago