New atheist here, gotta say, not loving it

[possibletarian]

So, I've been denying my atheism for years, but man, I just can't do it anymore. That said, there's a reason I've been avoiding it. I'm terrified right now. I don't get how anyone's supposed to be happy like this.

I feel like...all I can do is cope with life now. I don't see what there is to look forward to, or to take reassurance in. Everything just seems empty.

(Why yes, I'm on meds and seeing a counselor. Doesn't help much.)

It can be hard, I came from being a Christian of many years to being an atheist. The process of de-tangling yourself from religion is a long and painful one sometimes, after all you are undoing many years of indoctrination but it really is worth it.

The greatest joy I found as an atheist was that now I can ask questions about the world around me without having to filter the answers through some kind of religious belief, it really is freedom and very satisfying.  Things certainly do get better insofar as unbelief is concerned take a deep breath and look at a wonderful world again, the world now is full of more purpose than it ever has been.  I help out at various charities secure in the knowledge that I'm doing it simply because it's satisfying, rather than trying to fulfil some kind of spiritual duty.

However it is important to stress that if you are suffering depression or anxiety I doubt that many on this forum can help other than befriend and support you insofar as they understand your walk from theism to atheism. Please keep taking advice from qualified professionals so that your stay with us can be more relaxing