September 23, 2014
Not having a sense of purpose is a common denominator among those who experience clinical depression. However, how can we experience a sense of purpose? You can do that by working towards a greater good. This means that if you engage in selfish activities you might experience a sense of satisfaction but not a sense of purpose. For example, if you work hard to buy a luxury car, for yourself, you will experience satisfaction. However, there is no greater good on that and, thus, there is no sense of purpose. On the other hand, if you work to buy a vehicle for an organization that helps the homeless, you will experience not only a sense of satisfaction but also a sense of purpose. Essentially, when you pursue activities that affect other people’s lives, for the better, you can experience a sense of purpose.
In my book, I discuss the importance of finding a sense of purpose, through volunteering, because it is what helped me overcome clinical depression. Through volunteering, I realized that even when you think that there is nothing to live for, there are plenty of things to die for.
Having a sense of purpose doesn’t just help you overcome clinical depression. Studies from the University of Rochester Medical Center have shown that having a sense of purpose can significantly lower the mortality risk of those who have it as compared to those who don’t. It is no secret that those who have that sense of purpose look forward to live another day while those who don’t, don’t always do.
If you feel depressed or desponded; give yourself a chance and find a sense of purpose.