How can I maintain the will to live in the face of existential depression?

The will to live is built in to us; we need to discover ways ways of freeing or unencumbering it, I think. That's important to remember because life wants us to succeed. Existential thought, although compelling and inarguable, is just that, thought. It is another product of life extending itself in as many creative directions as it can. It is not the end of thought nor even a dead-end of thought; it is one line of thinking amongst many that can coexist within any of us. I guess I believe that we can give our attention to only one creative product of our minds or develop an appreciation of many. I think that the latter gives us the ability to delight in existentialism and its many complementary and contradictory sibling thoughts. That ability to delight in many possibilities frees up our natural will to live, removes the saddle of one the thought for the freedom of the human creative potential.

life is too short..if you have been in depression for too long i think you need to see the other side of life ..happiness..its only fair if all the things are experienced...

Keep pushing. It's okay if you have to take things day by day right now--wake up each morning and focus only on making it through this day and making something good happen over the course of it. Figure out your reasons for staying alive--write them down. You are so incredible strong and brave to keep fighting this every single day and I can't tell you how much I admire you for it!

I know existential depression is very difficult to face. Life can seem inherently meaningless and lacking of purpose and it's very pointless to live through the tremendous amount of pain only to have to die one day. Even though living may seem the harder or pointless option, dying isn't any more the better one. We're all doomed and destined to die, that much is certain. And somebody said that life is only about as meaningful as we make it. An existential thought can be very powerful, even negatively so when we are depressed. But we have to remember that the answers to these question are not subjective ones and it's up to us to find them, or much rather, create them. So remember your dreams and the various possibilities in which life can prove to be beautiful. It's not easy, I know, but life needs a chance to really unravel before you. Take care. :))

By talking to somebody. It is a good thing that you are on this page! People will listen to you. And after a long talk the depression might have deprived.

This is a struggle I have been going through recently. When you start to ask the big questions, what you do in your daily life becomes very hard. I try to focus on the present. I know we can be tired of hearing the word 'mindfulness' but it is something important. If we keep questioning existence and what that means for our future, we're going to drive ourselves crazy. That's why it's important to focus on the present, and what you can do in the moment. Focus on the present, and not the endless possibilities of what could, potentially happen.

It sounds counter intuitive, but learning to live without a reason and just taking what comes with as much acceptance as you can muster is a big part of maintaining that will to live. Very often, you won't know your reason to live until you've tried a number of different things in life. For myself, I know that just living to be better than others doesn't motivate me much, but wanting to help others and feeling good about helping others does. My motivation comes from wanting to help others get out of depression, especially knowing that some people who have faced serious life challenges have helped me before. I also live to create art, and to see beautiful things; enjoy the sunshine, and read books that completely expand my way of thinking. Reading is such a helpful thing for depression - self-help books can transform the way you approach life issues (e.g. unemployment, broken relationships) and restore hope to situations where there was none previously.

I think you definitely can. It might help to keep a journal or a mood chart and to document what you are feeling and the thoughts you are having and then try to reform them. If you say to yourself "What's the point of my life" maybe you could journal and create a list of all the things you are good at.

You must remember that your existence is meaningful and that you are able to do anything that justifies its inherent suffering. Friedrich Nietzsche once quoted something along the lines: "Life can be meaningful enough to justify its suffering"

Remember this to shall pass. Know you are strong person who is capable of anything and know you already made one step closer to help by taking the first step coming to 7cups for listeners

The hope of a better tomorrow, the longing of the next hug, that text that i havent received yet, or the words i havent said yet

Remember that there is always something to live for and there is always someone who wants you alive and well physically and mentally. They do not have to be blood relatibes or even someone you know. We as a world have many people who are willing to help you with the emotional things you are going through or feeling. Many people understand that it is not your fault and have all been there in some points of our lives. You are NEVER alone and we all want you to be well..

keep yourself busy, take up guitar or go start running. break routines and adopt a positive outlook. State of mind can be everything. Just keep your head up and take it a day at a time.

First of all stop seeing the people and knowing about them who are better than you at present. Start seeing who are in Bad situations and yet happy despite there problems. It helps to feel you are better than them and brings some hope in you on life.

Take a grip on what you care the most, and really important, understand that there are people who loves and cares of you, and this is not always just your own decision. Is it for love? Take a grip on that then, even you've been hurt for it, she/he left you, whatever the case it is, be there, keep fighting for it. If you really love them that you can't live with that person, think of it like being there for the day that person needs you.

Know that it gets better. I have depression and I've had it for almost 7 years now. Although I am still having issues, It got alot better! I am able to cope with it. You will be able to cope as well!

Do nice things for yourself and make yourself a priority every single day. Write down all of your good points and look at those things you have listed (maybe stick them on your fridge) on a bad day.

We must not think about the problem and just being a viewer you must judge your situation correctly

No matter how badly you feel, think of your friends and family. Think of the people you love, and how much they love you. Think of the activities you love doing and want to do one day. Think of the places you want to visit. Think of all the wonderful adventures you can have! These are the things you live for.

Know that your family and friends care for you. They care about your well being and health. There is a beautiful future ahead of you to look forward to.

Motivate yourself.Choose a goal in mind,something you really want to go towards too.Work to achieve that goal,look forward,seek help,talk with someone,speak your mind!