genuine question for all those who consider life worth living

First, I want to admire you for reaching out over this. These are all questions I’ve always wondered peoples opinions over.

Everyone has their own unique way of things and I truly hope you’re able to find the ways that help you.

I’m interested in seeing if others reply because you can learn so much from others thoughts and opinions.

I really had to think over these questions so I appreciate you making my brain work a little.

What makes me happy?

I’ve always felt happiness is a state of mind and that it’s okay to not be happy all the time.

For me I have always had to be proactive and be very open minded with everything happening around me. Allowing myself to accept negative emotions with open arms and process them, feel them, and know that it’s okay to feel negative instead of questioning myself why I’m not happy like others.

I take notice in all the little things that happen. The silver linings. Whether it’s a coworker confiding in me or just some dumb joke that makes me smile.

I can’t say any particular thing just makes me happy all around.

It’s more of what I make of things. I have control to find the positives in life I guess.

How do I get through tough times?

Allowing myself to feel it. To face the negatives but search for the positives in each situation.

Learning patience. Being calm. Accepting change. Focusing on what you can control and not what you can’t control. Then just continuing on.

What are some of my healthy coping skills?

It’s not too healthy but I am a workaholic. It actually helps me be productive while I’m processing things. Sometimes it’s a good distraction. Plus, I make money doing it.

I go on hikes often. This is technically exercise which can help regulate some peoples moods plus being in tune with nature is always nice.

I also take a lot of pictures of just everything that I find beauty in. Whether it be nature or some random aesthetically pleasing object.

I also read a lot which isn’t for everyone either.

I also play quite a few video games.

And honestly, letting myself have a nap. It’s a good reset for my brain.

(sorry for the lengthy post)

after going through life altering trauma a few years ago, I’ve found that focusing on the tiniest things help me get through. I can’t expect myself to feel great or not depressed or functional all the time, so I have very low expectations for what makes a good day in my book. Even when I’ve been struggling with flashbacks or couldn’t get out of bed most of the day, if I found a funny animal video that I liked or heard a good joke on my comedy podcast, I count that as a good day. It’s not even like those really artificial gratitude things that therapists tell you to do, where I genuinely feel happy because of a tiny thing and somehow that changes everything. Usually I’m still feeling really depressed and just frame it as “wow I’m having a terrible time today, and the cute video I found obviously didn’t fix anything, but at least I found it”

@herebefore18

What makes me happy is my cat animals and people who truly care about me and love/like me for who I am. It's difficult to get through the tough times but I try to cope with it by using some of my coping skills. Also if needed calling a specific hotline because not all help me. But usually I write my feelings, ground, breathing excercises, read a book or try anything to distract myself from those very intrusive dark thoughts. As I stated above some healthy coping skills. You can also search some up if you would like. I don't know how I do it. I'm also diagnosed with major depressive disorder. So I can relate to how you feel. I want you to know that you're not alone and whatver you are feeling is valid.

thank you so much everyone! I honestly didn't expect people to reply, so I'm grateful that people did! You guys really help me not feel alone, and that makes today (as one commenter would consider) a great day! Thank you 🤗 💕