If you're an Atheist, what comforts you?

[Magilla]

I'm someone in transition who's pretty close to being an atheist, so I would not suggest that atheists have nothing to live for or some of the other ignorant ideas people have about atheists. Just wanted to get that out of the way. 

That said, I am having a lot of depression and anxiety that, back when I was a believer, I'd be coping with by praying. Now prayer is out, so I wanted to ask a general question: 

What brings you comfort when life is hard? I'm especially interested in any book recommendations or videos that I can turn to repeatedly when times are tough. They don't have to be by atheists or about atheism. Any secular source will do. 

thanks

For what it's worth, I comfort myself.

I comfort myself by being a "student" of reality. I learn over time. I try hard to get to know things; some from experience, some from what others report, verbally or in text etc. I have some understanding of the human condition. I know why we go through bad times, (mentally). I know there are techniques which can handle the bad times to get me through. I know that the bad times don't last ad infinitum, they can - and usually do - fall away. Knowing that, is comforting, in that just letting time pass, can be all that's needed to get to better times!!!

I am addressing the part where you talk of depression and anxiety. Physical problems like poor health, joblessness, isolation, or poverty etc., need a physical solution, in addition to taking care of the mental issues.

The better you know reality, (as far as anyone can), the better you are positioned to live within it, and to take care of your depressive or anxious feelings. This is a lifelong project, and it's fun to do, (ie. learn stuff - stuff that's actually useful and real). As a lifelong learner in that way, you never need to be bored. I am happy, that I know I can never know everything, and so will never run out of learning that I can do.

Best wishes, Dragonfly.
Magilla.