James, it’s fine that you told us you’re feeling a bit of dysthymia (unable to find joy in your life). Since you already are bracing for any rudish comments, you will risk those to get some real help from your FRiends here - surely someone will say something to help.
My first thing is to start with your nutrition. Lacking something important can really do a number on you. I know someone else who suffers from low grade depression and when he supplements with and eats enough Omega 3 fats, he feels SO much better. So my first prescription for you is to go and buy some WILD pacific salmon and have it for dinner tonight. Buy frozen, or fresh if you can afford it. Also, soonest, go to a GOOD health food store and buy a QUALITY BRAND (not a cheapo drugstore Made-in-China brand) of Omega 3 fish oil capsules. I know for a fact that Nordic Naturals is a very good brand, but I am sure there are others. Whole Foods carries it. Or buy your fish oil online at a decent place like www.iherb.com if you don’t have a good local source.
Sometimes the same life can look so much better when nutritional adjustments are made. With NO BAD SIDE EFFECTS like the horrible serotonin uptake drugs.
Next, are you thinking at all about dating, marriage, children? I have a lot of female friends, and most of them have paired up and had kids, and while they have a lot to complain about, they do feel fulfilled, especially by their having had kids. The one friend I know of who feels terribly unfulfilled is a successful writer who has been published and everything, but no kids, just a live in boyfriend. SHE of all people, she who has MADE a mark in literature on the world, feels unfulfilled often, like her life has no meaning. So maybe there is something to this reproducing thing! :) (But I know having kids is not for everyone...)
Another way to make your life meaningful to others is to be out there HELPING. Maybe give lessons or assist others in teaching kids or newbies in your hobbies or sports.
It is NORMAL to feel like you do SOME of the time, We just don’t want you ALWAYS feeling like this. Start with upping your nutrition. Go for the Omega 3s - you are probably depleted. Add vitamin D and C to your life. Drop as much sugar and alcohol as you can from your life — both are depressants. Eat hearty on meat and protein, and good fats like butter, coconut oil, and uncooked olive oil (only good for cold foods like salad).
I wish you the best. A smile SOON. Sending you prayers and love from a stranger — prayers and love from strangers can give you a smile. :)
“Next, are you thinking at all about dating, marriage, children? I have a lot of female friends, and most of them have paired up and had kids, and while they have a lot to complain about, they do feel fulfilled, especially by their having had kids. The one friend I know of who feels terribly unfulfilled is a successful writer who has been published and everything, but no kids, just a live in boyfriend. SHE of all people, she who has MADE a mark in literature on the world, feels unfulfilled often, like her life has no meaning. So maybe there is something to this reproducing thing! :) (But I know having kids is not for everyone...)”
Interesting you mention writing. I tried to write a novel once....got about 1/3 done. About 30,000 words. I re-read it once and realized what utter fail it was. Still have it stored away somewhere, but my job does tend to sap all my creativity and energy. I have not motivation left by the end of the work day.
As for kids...I’m not dating. I’ve done only a little of it, ever, anyway. I don’t do well in groups of people I don’t know, especially when there are potentials for romantic interest. I just feel that I have more severe issues to work out before I inflict all of this on another person.