Dear Bubby,
On paper my life would seem to be perfect. I'm 21, I have great friends, a stable family, I go to a prestigious school, and have talents that will eventually land me a wonderful job.
The problem is I don't enjoy life anymore. There are many occasions where I think, "There must be something better" and "If it all is meaningless, what's the point in living?"
This distress is not related to depression. Believe me, I know how lucky I am for what I have, but I just can't stand living a life without purpose. I've heard people say religion can help this and although I have two parents who have firm beliefs, I find beliefs too restricting. I also find everything I surround myself with now to be more and more unappealing. I don't have strong feelings of love for anyone I know, only the hope that one day I will.
I know you don't have the secrets to life but, I need to know some things. I've wanted to ask these questions to someone who has seen so much of the world. So, my questions are: Does life get any better? And if it does, Will I find real meaning in life as I get older?
Thank you,
Hope
Dear Hope,
I think that you have a lot of good things that will be coming your way. You say you go to a prestigious school. Are you taking courses which you are interested in and will help you decide what you want to do after you graduate? That is important. If the answer is NO then I think you should have a talk with your counselor at the school or perhaps with your religious person. You will certainly learn something about yourself.
Right now you are in the middle of the road and you must get guidance. Have you spoken to your parents? If they can't help you, I would suggest you go into therapy with a good psychiatrist.
Good luck.
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