How can I find purpose in life with major depressive disorder?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 66-year-old male. I have been dealing with MDD for quite some time now. Lately, it seems as if I just exist without any sense of purpose. I wake up, go through my daily routine, and survive until nighttime, but there have been days when I fail to recall what I look forward to in my life.

I have family and friends who love me, but MDD makes me feel distant from all of them. I am alive and kicking, but there are many struggles I face in life.

Could you please tell me how people dealing with MDD late in their lives managed to connect with their purpose in life and find something to live for?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Depressive disorders provoke the emergence of those thoughts that seem to be unbearable, just like the case of a heart patient who suffers from chest pain. Depression depletes your energy and motivation and causes a sense of hopelessness.

Fear of having no purpose in life is completely understandable; however, it can be one of the symptoms of the disorder that deprives you of motivation and energy. The great news is that there is always someone ready to help you, and you have made the right choice coming to him or her. It would be good to try both medication and therapy.

There are self-help programs based on CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) that you could look up on the Internet, and even taking some antidepressants might work well. You need to make an appointment with a psychiatrist for the examination of the problem; co-morbidities, other medications, and laboratory tests will be needed prior to the treatment. In the meantime, you may want to exercise in the evening since it may help a lot.

I hope this clears up all your questions. Should you have any further questions at any point, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks.