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Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

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Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#91

Post by smachimo »

I am mostly an on-looker during these discussions, however I had somewhat of a similar situation myself awhile back. I've ran a company for several years now, and although I am still in my early 20s, I hit somewhat of a similar hurdle. At the time, nothing seemed to really interest me within my everyday life, but along came something that would change my entire life thereafter - KITESURFING.

One of the common quirks of a kitesurfer is their passion and "stoke" for the sport. And today, I would probably be that same kiter, setting up at the local spot grinning like an idiot just waiting to get out on the water or snow. My life took a complete 180 when it came to what I thought was important in life - going from always concerned about work and the future to just living in the moment and enjoying myself now. I literally plan my weeks around the wind forecast now, but as far as right now, I wouldn't want it any other way. I understand that my attitude might be a typical phase coming from a young guy, however, the fellow kiters that I've met over the years who are all 40+ usually share this same attitude and most of them couldn't be happier. Today, this entire experience has taught just to do things that I enjoy and not worry so much. Although somewhat hippyish, it does not mean you can't be successful and live like this - I still have strong ambitions to get my startups off the ground among other things - I just sneak out when the wind picks up :)

Kiting will never be the right sport for anyone and maybe not the answer to your situation. But if anything else, I would recommend you figure out your safe-zone, define it, and than, take a step outside it just to see what happens. And even if that first step doesn't change your situation, it will at least provide the grit to take another. I would recommend kitesurfing being your first step, but that might be a bit biased :P

And I guess that concludes my first post on HN. Hope it helped!

Dominic

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#92

Post by keeptrying »

yeeyay wrote: post #82

I am paraphrasing what a wise man has said, the best way to get into a depression is to constantly think about "me,me and me" AND the best way to snap out of it is to start thinking about others, how can I help others.

This may sound really shallow at first but seriously this does work. I would recommend taking baby steps in this regard. Start with opening doors for elderly people etc upto helping a co-worker on some work who isnt doing too well at work. Small measured goals which eventually change your thinking.

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#93

Post by keeptrying »

smachimo wrote: post #91

I am mostly an on-looker during these discussions, however I had somewhat of a similar situation myself awhile back. I've ran a company for several years now, and although I am still in my early 20s, I hit somewhat of a similar hurdle. At the time, nothing seemed to really interest me within my everyday life, but along came something that would change my entire life thereafter - KITESURFING. One of the common quirks…

I recommend kitesurfing too. ( But take lessons to start with. Dont try it on your own. I've written some articles on kitesurfing for beginners that you might find useful - especially the safety aspects: newkiter.com) Kiting is dangerous so please get lessons from a good school.

But yeah I think anything that gets you to physically exert effort, allows you to feel some sort of accomplishment and which allows you to progress slowly would be great. Even the gardening idea given by another poster is a good one.

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#94

Post by RevRal »

ddemchuk wrote: post #86
johnnyg wrote: post #67

I'm 28, own successful businesses and have plowed this ground. These aren't going to be standard answers, but its what has helped me. YMMV. 1. Get in a situation where you can balls out fight. I prefer jiu-jitsu but did TKD for a while too. We live in a controlled, over analyzed society. You talked about going to a shrink. That's valid but consider the alternative - you are so controlled and repressed that what you n…

For the love of god yes, everyone here, start a garden. When you find yourself pissed because ssh is taking too long, being able to go outside and water your plants that won't be flowering for another two months is a welcomed slap back into reality. I can't believe how much it keeps you grounded, it's crazy.

I have run many gardens, and if anyone is interested, here is the best deal on heirloom garden seeds I have ever come across: http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_FG%20S200_A_name_E_... . This canister of seeds is 10$ off this month.

The seeds germinate well, and you can save the produced seeds for next year. Saving seeds is a whole 'nother game, and is fun to learn to do well. Oh, and start a hydroponics garden.

But whatever you do, do not buy just any packet of seeds, unless you don't care about being able to save your seeds.

*I am not an affiliate of that website.

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#95

Post by Alex3917 »

natrius wrote: post #53
3eye wrote: post #47

Try Ayahuasca. Its legal 100%, you can get components on ebay.com. Motivation guaranteed. Watch The Blueprint by Real Social Dynamics - how to get girls. Listen to some good trance music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkITM2UIYoU Read Tim Ferris book "Four Hour Work Week"

WARNING: According to the Wikipedia article, this concoction contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Pretty much every commercial I've seen for an antidepressant says to be talk to your doctor if you're on any MAO inhibitors. Don't mess with this stuff if you're taking an antidepressant without doing further research.

Despite the fact that the parent comment is getting downvoted into oblivion, it's not completely off base. Dennis McKenna did some preliminary research which suggested that when done in a religious setting, long-term use of low-dosage ayahuasca may increase the density of serotonin receptors. And anecdotally there are stories about former meth addicts going down to South America and coming back all serene and mellow.

Now it's definitely not the best option, or even one of the top twenty best options, but I think there's enough there that it makes sense to keep it in the toolkit for future consideration. (But obviously don't go out and try it yourself without doing the research and without proper psychological/medical supervision, that's just a recipe for inducing permanent psychosis.)

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#96

Post by davidmurphy »

figured wrote: post #54

"I am going to make an appointment with a psychologist" Make the appointment tomorrow morning! The people here not advocating seeking professional help, are the same people who have never received help. Trust me, seeing a psychologist is the single best thing you can do. If you had a physical illness, this type of question would not even be asked, mental health problems are just as serious and should be treated that…

Go for it, but don't be shy about switching therapists if the first person is bad.

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#97

Post by davidmurphy »

rphlx wrote: post #46

Mid 20s extroverts appear to punt these kinds of concerns by drinking and sleeping around shamelessly. I'm still investigating if that really works.

IMHO, punting a problem down the line isn't dealing with it. Better to face things directly than escape into other stuff.

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#98

Post by luckystrike »

iambvk wrote: post #89

My situation was also something similar, but not quiet the same. I live in India with relatively simpler life style, and had a high paying job, but I always felt something was lacking in my life and was not happy (i don't think i felt depressed.) What I did was: I quit the job and went back to my college and asked my professor to let me stay in the college for some time. I had some savings that i can live by for an y…

  I don't know how long i could stay like this; 
  I don't know how far i can stay unmarried (remember, i am an Indian and 29).
I can relate to that .. :-). I think you are doing great, and am sure this would turn out really well for you.

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#99

Post by herdrick »

Sounds like a pretty typical case of depression. Take it seriously, it's not just "feeling down" or something, it's a serious problem. Luckily it's treatable with meds.

However, I'd try some of the other ideas seen here first. Especially intense exercise. That's a powerful antidepressent.

Good luck my fellow HNer!

Re: Ask HN: Are you happy, well-rounded? (dealing w/ depression/lack of motivation)

#100

Post by KevBurnsJr »

3eye wrote: post #47

Try Ayahuasca. Its legal 100%, you can get components on ebay.com. Motivation guaranteed. Watch The Blueprint by Real Social Dynamics - how to get girls. Listen to some good trance music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkITM2UIYoU Read Tim Ferris book "Four Hour Work Week"

Yes, Ayahuasca can have serious side effects (serotonin shock) when combined with other antidepressants (specifically SSRIs).

No, don't shut yourself in a closet listening to trance. If you're serious about using Ayahuasca to help heal your depression, I suggest you find a shaman.

Do some research before jumping into such a powerful medicine.

http://forums.ayahuasca.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7957

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