What Are Some Ways To Help Others or Have Basic Purpose?

[Here Then Gone]

A lifeline was taken from me recently and I'm struggling at the moment to find purpose, even if it's just basic purpose temporarily to get me away from suicidal action. Some of you maybe use this website for your purpose. I've struggled with this in the past having social interactions, because if I hear something I don't like I tend to lash out (from being in pain). I've learned to control myself more over the years, and now usually if I hear something I don't agree with, I try not to make an angry response or just don't respond at all.

I've decided a while ago that if I was ever going to have a purpose in this life, it would be to help others while and if I can. I'm not a one size fits all person, and I can't understand every perspective but that doesn't mean I still can't be useful. What are some ways to do this maybe on this website or IRL, how do you find purpose or what keeps you going?

 

[LumberJack]

Is there any cause that inspires you such that it would be good to volunteer with?

If not, you could do what I did - try different things and you might find where you can be of the most service after you try it. In my case, I did a few things until I tried the Equine Assisted Services facility 15 minutes' drive from my apartment. I am super happy there, because I love horses, and all the staff and other volunteers at least have that in common. It's a great culture there, too, and I get a little lift for about 12-24 hrs after I leave my shift.

If you're like me, though, any form of trying to help another person will at the very least get me out of my own head. Without being able to do that, I'd have given up a long time ago. With this in mind, sometimes just random acts of kindness, like letting someone in while traveling in heavy traffic, will result in feeling more positive about myself.

 

[Here Then Gone]

will at the very least get me out of my own head

Yes this is what I need right now. Thanks for replying LumberJack, and I'm glad you have the horses that make you happy and get your mind off things.

Is there any cause that inspires you such that it would be good to volunteer with?

Well, helping people struggling with suicide/depression. Even though I'm a mess right now, I still have a lot of knowledge and tested advice I could give others who could use it. BUT, I have to be careful with this, and need to be in a good place first before I can do that.

I don't think my area I live in has any suicide/depression groups or support. I haven't searched in a while, so maybe I'll check again. Another IRL voice who I could talk to who understands would be great right now if I could find one.

 

[may71]

You can definitely do a lot to help people just by posting on SF. Is there something about posting on SF that you want to know about?

 

[Lane]

I think just listening to people here and in general is helpful. Sometimes people need someone to talk to.

I find purpose in my routine of waking up early, taking a walk or going to the gym doing the best I can at work, (im in health insurance and read the letters from people begging to be able to stay on and their ailments). I set aside (probably too much time to relax) by watching a show, reading, straightening up my house. I seek out things to do that make my inner child happy, like see a dance performance, meet with a friend, go to a flea market...that kind of thing.

What keeps me going is the need to stay out of depression and suicidal thoughts, ill always have to manage it and not take anything for granted. My cat needs me and is always by my side, so she keeps me going. Seeing the outcome of my life and that if my children's keep me going too

 

[Here Then Gone]

Is there something about posting on SF that you want to know about?

No, not at the moment. Thank you for asking.

 

[Here Then Gone]

I think just listening to people here and in general is helpful. Sometimes people need someone to talk to.

Thanks for the advice. I'm glad you have those things in your life to help you.