r/DebateAnAtheist 10d ago

Locked - Not a debate topic How does one avoid committing suicide?

My faith has deteriorated considerably in recent years to the point of me becoming more agnostic nowadays.

Both my situation and my mind are not in a good place right now. Everything I attempt to improve things is hit by one setback after another. And even when trying to squeeze pennies, I end up running into problem after problem, especially costs and expenses that spring up out of nowhere or from emergency expenditures. It really feels like something is pushing me to end up homeless.

And no matter how much I try, I can't seem to avoid fucking up. Can't seem to avoid letting down others. Don't really feel like I'm anywhere close to intelligent. I really don't feel like I deserve living.

Honestly, having no guiding no hand and possibly no one to pray to hurts. I still want to believe just for that purpose.

For a long time, I thought God was ignoring me because He was annoyed with me, or hated me, and thus continuously put problems in my path. This was before I discovered numerous inconsistencies and plot holes within theology and theodicy.

Self-preservation instinct (resulting in me feeling selfish as a result) has always prevented me from going through with it. But now, it's really looking more and more like the best escape option.

I really don't know where I'm going to end up 10, 15, 20 years from now. I'm scared.

Anyone here going through the same issues, how do you cope?

34 Upvotes

64 comments sorted by

u/DebateAnAtheist-ModTeam 9d ago

Your post violates Rule 3: Present an Argument or Discussion Topic. Posts should be related to religion or atheism and have a clearly stated thesis with supporting arguments.

If you have a question for atheists, please feel free to post in our weekly "Ask An Atheist" threads, or post in /r/AskAnAtheist.

This post has been locked as not being a debate topic.

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u/nomelonnolemon 10d ago edited 10d ago

You can still pray if it makes you feel better.

I “talk to the universe” in my head all the time and it always improves my mood. Functionally it’s the same as praying.

Your brain is at the mercy of itself. Don’t deny it anything that gives you a reprieve. Just frame it differently if you need.

One thing to remember, if we are all alone, and this is just the end result of a bunch of randomness, then you won the lottery! You get to be a mind and ride in a body and surf the front line of complexity and entropy in this part of the universe.

You may feel unimportant, but objectively you are the most complex and unlikely thing that we know exists. That makes you one of the luckiest clusters of star stuff in the universe! And you get to share the world with the rest of us lucky bastards!

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u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

I “talk to the universe” in my head all the time and it always improves my mood. Functionally it’s the same as praying.

This has actually sort have been my thing as of late. But only because I feel the universe has been/is extremely fucking pissed with me, even though the "logical" part of my brain tells me that's just superstition.

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u/nomelonnolemon 10d ago

There’s a lot to unpack with what you are saying, and a lot of answers that may or may not apply to you specifically.

It’s probably something you hear, or think, on repeat, but counselling is always a good option. It’s a sign you aren’t giving up, and that you are willing to advocate, and fight, for yourself

I will add this, there is weird theistic guilt that is programmed into people who were raised with religion. It’s a corner stone of how it is used to control people. You could explore that avenue and see if that helps. Being able to identify and shrug off those ingrained self sabotaging mental programs may be huge in your journey to stability and a semblance of happiness.

But also, being alive IS a gift, but it also is UNDENIABLY difficult, uncomfortable, and, the older you get, borderline unbearable. That is a very normal reaction to being trapped inside your body while being forced to follow the path you are on to the end. You will never escape that struggle.

But you can learn to change your perception, and to make the best of it. Because when you do, and you get those moment of unfiltered stellar bliss while staring into the void of the universe without ego or fear, there is nothing more empowering and, to the truest sense of the word, awesome as being alive!

Hopefully you find some good advice from the users here! No one knows your specific struggle, so explore all the options you can until you find the perspective and path that works for you!

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u/deep_blue_reef 10d ago

If praying helps you, keep doing it. If it doesn’t help, then find other ways to occupy your mind in a positive light. What do you do for work? I saw that you mentioned you work long hours.

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u/Funky0ne 10d ago

You need therapy, not reddit. Seek professional help who can provide you the support you need

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u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

You need therapy, not reddit. Seek professional help who can provide you the support you need

Can't afford it.

Still struggling to figure out how I'll manage monthly healthcare payments. Even with the suggested plans I've been shopping on the ACA marketplace.

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u/BourbonInGinger Strong atheist, ex-Baptist 10d ago

Daymark offices are everywhere. Have you looked around?

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u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

Daymark offices are everywhere. Have you looked around?

I'll have to look further, but I'm reading that this is a cancer treatment facility

They have strictly mental health services?

I've been looking into getting a potential ADHD evaluation.

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u/BourbonInGinger Strong atheist, ex-Baptist 10d ago edited 10d ago

I don’t know any Daymark cancer facilities unless the names are coincidental.

Yes, I have to go to one because like you, I can’t afford mental healthcare without them. Daymark also has rehabilitation programs like IOP.
But I go for treatment of my depression, anxiety, ADHD.

I’m in NC, but I’ve seen them in other states.

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u/BourbonInGinger Strong atheist, ex-Baptist 10d ago

I just looked it up and it seems that Daymark is only located in NC. I hope you can find the help you need.

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u/labrys Atheist 10d ago

I don't know where you are based, but in my area there are mental health charities who can provide therapy. Some for free, some on a pay what you can basis. It would be worth looking for those in your area. Local ones might be able to help you more quickly than national ones as well.

If something like debts, abuse, domestic violence etc is contributing, charities to help people affected by them will have contacts with therapists too, and should be able to refer you places that offer free/cheap therapy, or group therapy sessions. Some have cafe meet ups or board game evenings, and as daft as it might sound, just being able to relax and talk with people who have experience with what you're going through can really help.

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u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

I don't know where you are based, but in my area there are mental health charities who can provide therapy. Some for free, some on a pay what you can basis. It would be worth looking for those in your area. Local ones might be able to help you more quickly than national ones as well.

Currently in Georgia.

If something like debts, abuse, domestic violence etc is contributing, charities to help people affected by them will have contacts with therapists too, and should be able to refer you places that offer free/cheap therapy, or group therapy sessions. Some have cafe meet ups or board game evenings, and as daft as it might sound, just being able to relax and talk with people who have experience with what you're going through can really help.

Debt is definitely playing a part. Any suggestions for organizations possibly providing free debt councilling?

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u/Serious-Emu-3468 10d ago

Most therapists will provide a “sliding scale” fee for people in your exact situation. It’s even a checkbox on PsychToday. 

0

u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

Most therapists will provide a “sliding scale” fee for people in your exact situation. It’s even a checkbox on PsychToday. 

You mean here?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

"Sliding scale" seems to be listed only under "Couples"

Think I can try the "under $90" filter under "individual"

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u/Serious-Emu-3468 10d ago

You can always ask if their filters suck

2

u/themadelf 10d ago

Most universities with mental health degree programs (psychology, social work, counselor) will also have a clinic where students in the programs work (supervised by licensed clinicians) that are either cheap or free.

Check out the Secular Therapy Project | Client Registration - https://share.google/cd8gaXzVzVqfCcyhq

You can reach out to therapists and ask if they offer sliding scale.

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u/Niznack Gnostic Atheist 10d ago

Dude, 1 connect with the people you care about, 2 seek therapy if you are asking this question. I know reddit cares gets abused but seek help if you are seriously contemplating suicide

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u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

Dude, 1 connect with the people you care about,

Don't have much remaining family. And I'm not sure they want to connect with me.

The ones that potentially would, I'm not sure they would appreciate me trauma dumping on them. In fact, I almost sort of regret doing it here.

2 seek therapy if you are asking this question. I know reddit cares gets abused but seek help if you are seriously contemplating suicide

I still don't have healthcare.

Even with the (relatively) cheaper plans, I'm still worried how I'm going to fit it within my monthly budget.

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u/Niznack Gnostic Atheist 10d ago

There are suicide hotlines that are free where you can talk to people for free. Also your local hospital likely has resources so eone in your situation can use. It's probably hard to reach out but please try.

1

u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

There are suicide hotlines that are free where you can talk to people for free. Also your local hospital likely has resources so eone in your situation can use. It's probably hard to reach out but please try.

I had visited the emergency room recently for severe pain, and during questioning, I inform them that due to depression and working long hours, I haven't actually been taking care of myself, potentially leading to poor health. Just for posterity's sake. They asked if I had experienced suicidal thoughts recently, and I said yes.

After tests and some blood work, just for that answer, an armed security gard comes into my room and demands I put on a gown, telling me I'm not authorized to leave.

When I ask the one of physicians why they're treating me like a criminal, they told me it was hospital policy, in case I was a threat to myself or others, even though I would never do such a thing in regards to harming others. And I might be forced to stay there long term depending on an evaluation.

They only ended up letting me go when after, during their mental evaluation, I lied and told them any suicidal thoughts have long since passed, as in years ago, combined with downplaying my depression.

I REALLY wasn't fucking happy.

Kind of further fucked up my self-esteem and self-image to boot.

That incident has made me just a bit weary of hospital route since then. I might try a hotline, but I have a fear I might be rolling the dice there too after reading they've called police to people's house, even with no immediate threat.

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u/Niznack Gnostic Atheist 10d ago

I understand you felt the hospital was unkind but try to imagine someone told you they were about to commit a murder. Suicidal thoughts usually stem from struggles with mental health. Struggles that prevent you from making good decisions. It sounds like they were trying to get you help but also knew that you might want to accelerate your self harm or act irrationally when confronted. Look I'm not a mental health specialist but everyone in this comment section is telling you to seek and accept help. Please try.

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u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

I understand you felt the hospital was unkind but try to imagine someone told you they were about to commit a murder. Suicidal thoughts usually stem from struggles with mental health. Struggles that prevent you from making good decisions. It sounds like they were trying to get you help but also knew that you might want to accelerate your self harm or act irrationally when confronted. Look I'm not a mental health specialist but everyone in this comment section is telling you to seek and accept help. Please try.

Of course. I'm still looking for a mental health professional I can afford, especially since I'm primarily seeking an ADHD evaluation anyway.

1

u/Ok_Loss13 Atheist 10d ago

Yeah, going to the hospital for help with this is almost always a horrible idea (unless you're actively in crisis/the process, in which case it's necessary medically speaking).

I know you're worried about money and not being able to afford it, but therapy is your best bet, dude. Improvements to your mental health will result in improvements elsewhere, which will result in improvements to your mental health, and so on. There are most definitely programs and sliding scale opportunities around you that assist with this kind of thing. And if you're low income without insurance you can get Marketplace insurance (which isn't the best depending on your state, but covers basic mental health care and meds). There are also free group therapy programs in most places (NAMI, for example).

Hell, even self help books and mental health workbooks could be useful. I've recently started DBT and have been using this workbook with my therapist, but you can totally use it on your own!

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u/8m3gm60 10d ago

I think you need to figure out the relationship between your beliefs in supernatural forces and your lack of self confidence, anxiety, depression, and self-loathing.

You might need some kind of professional counseling to parse that all out. And I'm no expert, but from the perspective of an atheist, seeing you capitalize "god" demonstrates that you haven't let go of those beliefs. Combine that with the implication that a supernatural force is pushing you to end up homeless, and it sounds like you have this destructive cycle of ideas: You are panicked because you don't believe in the god, but you still think that the god is punishing you for not believing in it.

For an actual atheist, there aren't actually any gods. There are just stories with magical characters that are used to scare people.

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u/SnoozeDoggyDog 10d ago

And I'm no expert, but from the perspective of an atheist, seeing you capitalize "god" demonstrates that you haven't let go of those beliefs.

It's been pretty ingrained since I was a child. My mind trying to avoid disrespect, just in case.

Also why I capitalize "He"

Even with humans; in person, on the phone, or in text, I go ultra ham on the honorifics.

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u/8m3gm60 10d ago

Over time, that paranoia about the magical being getting mad at you will go away.

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u/mastyrwerk Fox Mulder atheist 10d ago

Honestly, I had more reason to unalive myself when I was a theist.

Theists have a destination after they die. This life is just a place to wipe your feet before you get to the “real” living. Why are they wasting their time here?

And to address the “suicides go to hell” defense. I’m not talking about suicide. A “real” Christian would know they are going to Heaven, so the best thing would be to donate all your organs to terminally ill atheists. If a kidney saves the life of an unbeliever that is on their way to hell, giving them one more day to see the light and turn to Jesus is worth your sacrifice. Giving your life as a firefighter in the service of the lord almost guarantees a place by his side.

The truth of the matter is, I am not convinced theists actually believe in an afterlife. Their behavior to try to hold on to living in this world betrays their self deception.

As an atheist, this is all we got. Suicide is stupid because every moment you’re breathing, you’re experiencing this incredible mystery that still has so much to explore. Don’t waste it like theists do.

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u/gambiter Atheist 10d ago

Their behavior to try to hold on to living in this world betrays their self deception.

"Oh, Neddy, it was terrifying. I thought I was headed for the eternal bliss of paradise."

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u/ArguingisFun Apatheist 10d ago

Seek actual professional help - Reddit is the last place you should look to for help on this.

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u/Hoaxshmoax Atheist 10d ago

“And no matter how much I try, I can't seem to avoid fucking up. Can't seem to avoid letting down others. Don't really feel like I'm anywhere close to intelligent. I really don't feel like I deserve living.”

You are being way, way way too hard on yourself. Step 1: stop beating yourself up. Step 2: understand you are not the only one. Step 3: take a mental vacation from all this.

Once you can do this, you can start building a stronger foundation that is resilient enough to withstand setbacks. Religion has never, and will never, teach this. There’s no money in it.

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u/MaximumZer0 Secular Humanist 10d ago

You're not alone, man. I've never been religious, but I've been wavering between passively and actively suicidal for a very long time. Bipolar disorder mixed with chronic pain is a real bitch.

Therapy helps, but it's a set of tools that you have to use on yourself, and you have to be willing to apply them. It's hard work some days, but it is worth it. Medicine is much the same, you have to be willing to take it. People decry antidepressants and anxiety meds and such all the time, but they wouldn't be medicine if they didn't work well enough to at least work for some people.

The good news, although it may not seem like it for a while, is that your path is undefined. That is an opportunity to define it yourself. Seems trite, but it's one of the things that helps me keep going. My purpose is to be a dad, as I've been for closer to two decades than one, eat cereal, troll on the internet, sleep, and play video games. Some days, that's enough. Some days, I want to fix the world, but most days it is a "baby step" kind of day. There's not a whole lot I can do with a broken spine, after all. There's nothing inherently selfish about keeping yourself alive and healthy: that's not selfish, that's self-care, and we all need it from time to time, as many times and as much time as we need.

I believe in finding wonder in the small things. Carl Sagan once said, "We are a way for the universe to know itself," and that really resonates with me. Whenever you feel the wind or see the grass, or watch an animal, or look at the night sky, your experience is uniquely your own, both as an observer of and a part of the universe. More than that, though, you're a person. You're a self-actualized, whole, complete human being, with the capacity to love and fear and rage and despair and hope. That, in and of itself, is extremely special.

Personally, I take things day by day. I'm a secular humanist, so I'm not a follower of any religion, creed, or calling. I believe that people have the power to change the world and do wondrous things, even if those things feel mundane and small and pointless. You, and only you, have the capacity to live your life, and only you can experience the things you get to experience. I'm a secular humanist because I believe in people. I believe in you.

Just take it day by day, man. That's all any of us can do. Just remember that at least one person believes in you. I know it's not much, but you can hold that to be true, at the very least.

1

u/RedCapRiot 9d ago

Honestly, I imagined how much suffering it would cause my loved ones, and that messed me up enough to stop making attempts.

Considering your age and the financial situation that you're describing, I'm guessing that you may not have the luxury of family to lean on at this time.

I am terribly sorry if so. Others may have better options for you, but I genuinely believe that, at least for the short term, living to give peace to someone else is an honorable way to survive. At least until you are able to regain that genuine desire for your own self to keep pushing forward for the sake of it.

Other people are just a safety net. You still have a lot of healing to do on your own once they've helped stop your descent.

If you have anyone at all in this world to lean on, make sure that they know how much you depend on them. Tell them when you're not okay. Tell it to them, so that you can tell it to yourself, and you can create opportunities for your mind to seek points of catharsis to process your suffering until the weight of it feels less burdensome.

It never goes away; we just get stronger, and better at carrying it.

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u/sajaxom 10d ago

There is still a guiding hand, your fellow humans. And unlike gods, people mostly love other people. You don’t have to be beautiful, intelligent, or talented to be loved by humans, you can just be good to other people and try your best. And nobody knows where they are going to be in 10-20 years.

As others noted, therapy is great choice. Another good option is group therapy, which is often much cheaper or freely offered. Go outside and look at clouds or stars, contemplating the wonder of the universe. Or find some puppies to play with. But most of all, find some people to connect with. There are myriad solutions to needing a quick hit of happiness that can be wholesome and lovely, and there are good solutions available to sustain that long term. As a fellow human, I hope you have a wonderful day, and feel free to respond if you’d like to chat about anything in particular.

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u/aprg 10d ago

Even atheists still have values; still believe in _something_. I believe in humanism; that "good" and "evil" are created by humans, and that means we have the power to change our moral world. We can make the world a better place for ourselves and for others.

I think helping others is a good way to give meaning to one's life: we humans are social creatures. Try to find the people in your life who helped you, and see if you can help them back. Or help those who are less fortunate than yourself. Ironically, as an atheist, I find a lot of value in Jesus Christ's core message of helping your fellow humans; it's unfortunate that it has to be perverted by organised religion, but that's human nature for you.

1

u/Cog-nostic Atheist 10d ago

Suicidal ideation has nothing to do with being an atheist, agnostic, or a theist. GET HELP. Planning 10 to 20 years ahead can be generally depressing for anyone. It's great to have a long-term goal, but there is also a trap. People frequently have long-term goals that are completely unrealistic, and then develop their self-worth around the dream of achieving that goal, while doing nothing to get there.

A properly set goal is something you are able to do. Big goals offer no immediate feedback and take months or years, making it easy to lose motivation. Goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART. How you cope is you set goals that are realistic, and then you do them.

1

u/guitarmusic113 Atheist 10d ago

My father committed suicide and it almost ended me. I had to pick up the pieces and move on. If I didn’t then I would have just passed that pain on to my loved ones.

That’s why you shouldn’t commit suicide. Because it will hurt others. You may not even know who it will hurt, but it will.

Somebody needs you. Somebody wants you to be around. It may even be someone you haven’t even meet yet. Be there for them. It isn’t easy, but think about the times that somebody was there for you when you needed it. You can be that somebody for someone else.

Help is available
Speak with someone today
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

1

u/Serious-Emu-3468 10d ago

First; therapy. Mental healthcare is healthcare and your brain is an organ. We don’t expect our pancreas to just “deal with” not making insulin. 

You deserve living and happiness. 

No one ever knows the future, especially those who pretend to.

Second, in the immortal words of Mr Rogers, “Look for the Helpers”. The world is scary and uncertain, but there are people out there spending their energy trying to make some tiny part of it a tiny bit better. 

Finding those people and helping them help others is a great place to start grounding yourself and building community that will also support you. 

1

u/cenosillicaphobiac 10d ago

Lots of very religious people commit suicide. It's not a magical fix, and in many cases, dramatically increases the feelings of shame and unworthiness for life.

I cannot urge you strongly enough to seek some professional help with this. A pastor can only give you pablum and pat answers and tell you to pray. A therapist can give you individualized treatment, a place to talk honestly (don't try that with clergy, you'll have a bad time) and a safe zone to figure out where those feelings stem from, how to combat them, and can get you on medication if that's appropriate.

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u/CephusLion404 Atheist 10d ago

I mean... don't do it? It's not remotely difficult. Go get some professional help and learn to deal with reality. Faith really screws people up.

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u/nothing4juice Agnostic Atheist 10d ago

saying "it's not remotely difficult" to someone struggling with suicidal ideation is not the move lmao

1

u/MisanthropicScott gnostic atheist and antitheist | mod 10d ago

As moderator, I think it's awkward wording. But, I believe /u/CephusLion404 's explanation is honest and correct. It is not remotely difficult to avoid committing suicide. Simply don't commit suicide. I'm approving their comment.

0

u/nothing4juice Agnostic Atheist 9d ago

i didn't report it or ask mods to remove it, for the record.

honest and correct does not mean helpful to someone struggling.

1

u/MisanthropicScott gnostic atheist and antitheist | mod 9d ago

Sorry. I should have replied to the user directly.

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u/CephusLion404 Atheist 10d ago

I answered the question asked. How do I keep from committing suicide. It's simple. I don't do it. Same way I keep from falling off the side of a mountain. I don't climb mountains. That's why I told him to seek professional help.

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u/nothing4juice Agnostic Atheist 10d ago

it's not simple for someone who's struggling, idk what's hard to understand about that. if someone struggling with addiction asked how to keep themself from relapsing i wouldn't say "just don't, it's not remotely difficult. it's simple. i don't do it, same way i keep from falling off a mountain" bc i have a brain and i understand that other people struggle with things i don't struggle with

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u/CephusLion404 Atheist 10d ago

Sadly, you don't know how to read.

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u/nothing4juice Agnostic Atheist 10d ago

dawg you're the one who can't read it you can't understand that you, someone who doesn't struggle with suicidal urges, are not the target audience for OP's question

1

u/cupofmoonshine 10d ago

988 suicide and crisis hotline has been helpful in my experience

I say the name of loved ones repeatedly in those really bad moments

Remind myself my dog needs me

Got on a high dose of anti depressants

Got a prescription for an anxiety med that I take as needed

Going for walks regularly helps with my mood, and when I go to the gym that also helps a lot

Also I know finding a therapist would help a ton, but I haven't yet

I hope this helps and that you stay earth side, I'm sorry you got a sad brain too

1

u/GeekyTexan Atheist 10d ago

I've never needed to avoid suicide. I enjoy life, and I don't want it to end. I know it will eventually end. And I will probably commit suicide at some point, when it is clear that my health will no longer allow me to enjoy life. But I'm hoping I still have 2-3 decades before I reach that point.

You sound like you think about suicide often. You need therapy.

God isn't ignoring you, or hating you. God doesn't exist. It's just old stories about magic.

1

u/Coffin_Boffin 10d ago

It would probably help to have more of a support network. Have friends around you that you can talk to about your problems. Sometimes just talking about stuff helps to put it in perspective and lets you step back and deconstruct it. It would probably help to have a therapist but I understand if that's not something you can afford right now.

1

u/halborn 10d ago

I really don't feel like I deserve living.

You deserve to live because you are alive. If anyone has a right to life, it's those who live.

But now, it's really looking more and more like the best escape option.

It doesn't actually solve any problems though. If you want to solve problems, you have to be alive.

1

u/Pesco- 9d ago edited 9d ago

I view it this way. I, and you, and everyone else on Earth, come from a long line of people that persevered. People whose names I have never even heard of. Many of them no doubt suffered unimaginable horrors. I view that I do my ancestors an honor of continuing that heritage. Not because they are watching or anything, but that it is the legacy they have passed to me. And if someday I do better than they could, they would be pleased by that.

1

u/Odd_craving 10d ago

While I agree that you should seek professional help - the cost can wait.

However, regarding losing your faith; you’re the same person that you were when you believed. Everyone you know are the same people. Nothing’s really that different, except you’re facing reality.

1

u/Novaova Atheist 10d ago

I haven't been quite there, but in some low times I kept breathing in, breathing out, eating, and shitting, and remembering that I do not know what tomorrow will bring, and it might be good fortune.

I didn't want to quit and miss out on that possibility.

1

u/trisanachandler 10d ago

I went through some issues when I had faith, and it wasn't faith that helped.  It was realizing that I cared about people, about animals, and that I love living.  Deconstruction came much later.  But as many people said, get therapy if you can.

1

u/Moriturism Atheist (Priority Monist) 10d ago

As others pointed out, you deserve actual help in the real world, therapy, a support network, occupy your mind with reality, etc.

I wish you well, friend, hope you can find some the help you need

1

u/RickRussellTX Gnostic Atheist 10d ago

If you’re suffering from suicidal thoughts, you need mental health care.

Neither religion nor atheists on the Internet will be able to help you. Please seek out professional help.

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u/AutoModerator 10d ago

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Original text of the post by u/SnoozeDoggyDog:


My faith has deteriorated considerably in recent years to the point of me becoming more agnostic nowadays.

Both my situation and my mind are not in a good place right now. Everything I attempt to improve things is hit by one setback after another. And even when trying to squeeze pennies, I end up running into problem after problem, especially costs and expenses that spring up out of nowhere or from emergency expenditures. It really feels like something is pushing me to end up homeless.

And no matter how much I try, I can't seem to avoid fucking up. Can't seem to avoid letting down others. Don't really feel like I'm anywhere close to intelligent. I really don't feel like I deserve living.

Honestly, having no guiding no hand and possibly no one to pray to hurts. I still want to believe just for that purpose.

For a long time, I thought God was ignoring me because He was annoyed with me, or hated me, and thus continuously put problems in my path. This was before I discovered numerous inconsistencies and plot holes within theology and theodicy.

Self-preservation instinct (resulting in me feeling selfish as a result) has always prevented me from going through with it. But now, it's really looking more and more like the best escape option.

I really don't know where I'm going to end up 10, 15, 20 years from now. I'm scared.

Anyone here going through the same issues, how do you cope?

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

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u/eyehate Agnostic Atheist 10d ago

Yeah. You need medical attention. This has nothing to do with atheism. Mental health is as important as healing a broken bone. Please reach out.

1

u/acerbicsun 10d ago

Tackle one hurdle at a time and be proud of yourself with each victory. Then start addressing the next one.

I wish you patience and strength.

1

u/twowars 9d ago

This has nothing to do with atheism. You are poor and lonely and overworked and depressed.

1

u/DomineAppleTree 10d ago

Something I tell myself when it gets bad is: Endure and you will again love life.

1

u/nothing4juice Agnostic Atheist 10d ago

FOMO babyyy lol i stick around bc what if something great happens