This is for those who were believers and then moved to the logical side.
Did you have depression and/or anxiety in your life when you believed?
Do you think the overall level of depression and/or anxiety is more or less, since you've become an atheist or agnostic?
I was flying high until November of last year.
For me, it happened when Bernie Sanders lost the primary.
I am starting to look at other countries to possibly move to. Depends on how bad Trump fucks everything up. Of course we have been heading in a downward spiral since Regan started the whole "trickle down" con. However, Trump is putting us into overdrive down the spiral..
I still suffer from depression. It's not as bad as it used to be 2 years ago. I'm still sad I'm alone. I found out yesterday, my aunt's stage 4 Melanoma cancer has now spread throughout her head. It's rapidly spreading. I think the radiation isn't helping. Soon it will reach her brain. My mom died of cancer too. (My aunt's sister) My aunt is the only family member in CO that cares about me. My uncle might move to AZ if she dies. I'm depressed. I won't move to AZ.
I’ve got cancer throughout my family. Many family members have died from it. I will most likely get it again. I’m a cervical cancer survivor.
I did palliative and hospice nursing for 19 years.
My Pop died at home in 2005 from cancer. My Mom is going through chemo right now.
If it helps, cancer in the brain is the best to have, imho. While it’s still hard on the family, the person it’s affecting goes quicker and seem to suffer less (because the mind goes before the body).
I’m a member of a support group on FB. It’s for family members only, not for the people with cancer.
There are a few to choose from.
Thank you.
I think my depression/anxiety will always be there.
I am just thankful when it is ebb tide rather than storm tides rolling in.
My life, like anyone else, has its ups and downs. The downs, even the lowest ones, could not be described as depression and have always been of rather short duration. My ups have never been enough to be considered manic, and those too are fleeting. I'm just a boring example of our species.
In the past year more depressed. Mostly situational i believe from the loss of my son.
I am sorry for your loss, I am one of those that believe a Parent should Never bury their Children. Stay Strong.
Interesting question. I have always been a non believer so can't relate personally. But as a mental health nurse who often see the effects of grief and loss I t seems plausible losing your faith could cause depression and anxiety especially if the person doesn't feel they have gained something meaningful by adopting a non believer position. Many might feel freed and joyful for the change in life view... just a few thoughts
I had depression and anger issues as a Christian and still have them now as an atheist. The difference being I don't have to deal with the stress of being pressured to be active in church anymore on top of all my other responsibilities.
I can also say now I have allot more true friends that help get me through it regardless of my beliefs in God.
All in all I'd say becoming atheist did help reduce my stress level however the issues I have to deal with as someone who suffers from depression and anger are still there. I'm just not around so many triggers.
Atleast not depressed n anxious due to a religion
Nope, I struggled with depression/anxiety while I was a believer, and as an enlightened non believer I still struggle with depression/anxiety from time to time. When I was a believer I was also angry with god that I had to struggle. I was told there was a lesson "god" wanted me to learn through my struggle. FTS. As a non believer I know it is brain chemistry and situational, and eventually it will pass.
I was always unsure if i was really a believer or not, or just trying to please my family. I feel a lot better knowing that i don’t need to have an answer to everything. My anxiety definitely went away when i came to my senses that there probably isn’t even a God, so why worry? Live life
Bit of an impossible question really, esp as it involves time, to a degree. Things happen in individuals lives at different times. Depression certainly is linked to age. And yes I think if I was totally wrapped up in a shared religious thing I might be more happy ( ignorance is bliss springs to mind), but Im not about to go join a happy church to improve my mental health. I guess if it works for you (one) then great.
I am reminded by the anecdotal story that Driving insurance can be lower for women because of the statistics. Which is what insurers deal with. But also that the statistically worst section of societies drivers are actually nuns . . . . . . Draw your own conclusions there. ciao4now Andy
I don't think one has anything to do with the other, personally.
Yes, a lot less depressed and anxious. When you are raised to be religious and do everything they tell you to do to gain a beliefs and it never comes, they then tell you you re nto doing it right. It is a great relief and feeling of peace to discover or come to the conclusion, that it is not you that is wrong, but religion itself and you are actually more "normal" and sane than religious persons after all, and that failing to believe is a sign of rationality and sanity.
I have struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life. I have been an atheist for 3 years now but I have been financially dependent on my family through this time. My anxiety has not changed, it has worsened. Depression also. I finally have a job that I can make enough money to move away from them. Damnit I hope it works out because being the only atheist in a fundamentalist christian household is hard as shit. I feel my anxiety and depression will ease up when I move out but there's no way to know for sure. Anxiety sucks so much, I hate it!
Been here in this side of the river for so long... maybe half a century. All diagnosis been on this side and maybe I handled everything better because of it.