Hi Jacob,

I think many people feel alot of hopelessness, sadness and depression during the shorter months (is it winter there?) I am in the United States, I live in a cold state. We barely see the sun, it doesn’t start getting light out (dawn) until 7:45 am. It’s dark by 6pm. Although the days are getting a little longer, it’s still very frigid (going to get below 0 tonight).

Many people struggle with the shorter days with cloudy gloomy days, hardly any sun. This is called SAD or (Seasonal Affective Disorder) it is a real mental illness. You can Google it to find out more about it. This may be what you are going through. 1 out of 7 people struggle with this, leaving them suicidal ideation, depressed, unmotivated, and everything you described. There is hope, there is help. First you can go to a mental health clinic and get screened for depression and seasonal affective disorder. There are many medications that help with this. Don’t eorry, they won’t turn you into a “zombie” or “numb” you. I take Wellbutrin, as I too struggle with this, and I have got my life back, motivation, etc.

There are also supplements you can take such as Vitamin D3, (I take 1000IU), and Fish oil capsules (Omega 3), that have been proven to help people with sadness during the shorter months with little sunlight. Many people in Norway and Alaska where a research was done report feeling a sense of well being after taking Vitamin D, and Fish or Cod Liver Oil. (I take 1 teaspoon Carlson’s Cod Liver oil, lemon flavored before dinner) and it helps greatly.

As far as your job, it sounds like you may need to pursue something you find purpose in. It’s not much fun to spend all day at a job that is not fulfilling. There is a good book called “What Color is Your Parachute” which asks questions and matches your personality to a job tailored to that. It is a best-selling book, updated ever year. It has been around for a long time. I hope others will post with any suggestions or advice. I hope you feel better soon, please keep posting.

Hey Jacob,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re having such a difficult time. I want you to know that you aren’t weird, I can guarantee you aren’t the only person who feels that way. In some way I can relate to you, I also hate the idea of working all day in an unfulfilling job and being in nature is very important to me also. You don’t need to feel like a weirdo or an outsider, I think it’s incredible that you don’t want to be like everyone else.

It sounds to me that you would be so much happier if you pursued this life that you so eagerly want, I can understand how difficult it is to have different views and opinions to your family but you can’t live your life doing what others want you to do. I’m sure that the people that love you will simply just want you to be happy but if they’re holding you back and it’s making you miserable I hope you can find the strength to realise that your life is YOURS and you are in control of your happiness and your choices. So please please stop beating yourself up and go experience nature and do all the things you love and if you can try and find a way to earn money around your passion in life, you can do anything if you want it badly enough.

All the best, H.

Hi Jacob,

You don’t sound weird at all, you sound like a wonderful and interesting person. It also sounds like you know what you want, but what you want is so different from what the people around you want, that you feel like there must be something wrong with you. I agree with Anita, with planning and research for what different opportunities are available to you, if not in your own town, then nearby, you could work towards the type of life that is line with your values and needs. Your values and needs are justified, and worth pursuing.

Best,

Maria