Atheism and the midlife-crisis

[*Deidre*]

We all struggle with challenges in life. What led me away from the faith, OP...was that religion often served me as a crutch. I don't feel I ever really 'knew' myself, outside of religion, and who I thought God wanted me to be. On the surface, it seemed like I was happy, and there were times when I felt very happy ''serving a god.'' But, having moved away from it all, it seems that life is finally unfolding as it should. We are taught somewhere along the way, maybe as kids? that life should have all of these expectations, and levels, and goals, and fulfilled 'dreams.' No, life is really just waking up and sometimes...seeing where the day may take you. I just wanted to give you something to think about, because it could be why you suffer from depression and anxiety and don't feel fulfilled. Life has a lot of twists and turns, and maybe it isn't meant to be 'orderly.'

[LastPoet]

As FNM said, if you are an atheist you must learn to embrace the void, as I did while under the sway of atheism. Even Christians deal with biological depression. I do. Depression and belief/disbelief are unrelated issues. Embracing Jesus will not change your physiology...just your destination ;-)

I felt the need to quote you, if only to showcase your idiocy.

[pocaracas]

Mid-life crisis everywhere!!...
Anyhoo... welcome to the forum and enjoy your stay.

[LastPoet]

What is that? I've been on a crisis all my life!

[freedomfromforum]

I am currently in roughly year two of severe depression and anxiety due to the recognition and acknowledgement of my failures as a human within the tiny expanse of my pathetic and insignificant existence as a spec of dust in the incomprehensible vastness of the universe(s).

WoW

With a mantra like that I can see why you are depressed.

I say try a thought revision...
something like...

"I am currently in year forty-two of a magnificent
and glorious existence due to the recognition and
acknowledgement of my successes as a father,
husband and human within the tiny expanse of
my sphere of influence as part of a society of gifted
beings that is contained within the incomprehensible
vastness of the universe(s)."

Try it on for a week or two - keep it if you like it.
If not, feel free to revise as needed.

[xpastor]

... I fear death because I don't believe in God and am terrified at the idea of nothingness. I envy those who have found God as I long for security in the choices I make, I long for faith in something. I always want more and when satiated, I destroy then move on past the rubble. I’m a cliché and I know/perpetuate it.

The latheist
<link removed>

my emphasis

Do not envy those who have "found God." They are just as subject to depression as all the rest of us, but it's even worse because they can't admit it. For a fundamentalist Christian to admit to depression would be to admit that he lacks faith. Trust me. I speak from experience. I am 30 years older than you, and about 30 years ago I went through a mid-life crisis and profound depression which eventually led to my resigning from the ministry after a very short stint of 2 years and it also resulted in the breakdown of my first marriage after 22 years together. I am much happier now.