Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the point of life?” It’s a question that many people think about, particularly during times of difficulty. You might feel overwhelmed, directionless, or simply curious about why life can seem so challenging and what makes it meaningful. To understand why you might feel this way, you need to learn the common causes behind these thoughts and how to find a sense of purpose even when everything seems pointless.
Understanding the Question: What Is the Point of Life?
When talking about the question “What is the point of life?” you are trying to understand a few related ideas:
- Purpose: What should we do or experience during our time on Earth?
- Meaning: What makes our lives important beyond just getting through each day?
- Value: What makes life worth living, both for ourselves and for others?
- Legacy: What will matter after our passing?
It’s essential to realize that these questions don’t have one right answer for everyone. The “point” of living can be different for each person, influenced by our experiences, beliefs, culture, and what we value.
Why Do We Ask, “What Is the Point of Life?”
It’s common to wonder, “What’s the point of life?” during tough times or big life changes. You might feel lost or question your purpose if you’re going through a difficult phase or dealing with major life events. Mental health issues like depression can also link to this feeling.
Here are 12 reasons why people may question the meaning of life:
1. Experiencing a Loss
Loss is something that everyone experiences at some point, whether it’s the death of a loved one, a pet, or another big loss. Each type of loss comes with its own challenges and emotions. Loss makes you think about life, mortality, and what you want to achieve before you die.
2. Someone Close Has a Terminal Illness
A terminal illness diagnosis for someone you care about can cause you to reflect deeply on your own life and purpose. It can be especially hard if the illness comes suddenly. You may worry about how quickly life can change and question the meaning of your life.
3. Dealing with Trauma
Loss is something that everyone goes through at some point, whether it is the death of a loved one, a pet, or another significant loss. If you’ve experienced trauma, it might lead you to question why terrible things happen and what the point of life is. Trauma can make you feel disconnected and uncertain about the purpose of it all.
4. Struggling with Depression
Depression often comes with feelings of hopelessness and sadness, making life seem meaningless. Those with existential depression may find themselves questioning the point of life more deeply. A 2019 study in Qualitative Psychology found that many people with depression believed their symptoms were linked to life changes that affected what gave their lives meaning. Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling hopeless
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Sadness or apathy
- Loss of energy
- Isolation
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts
If these symptoms seem familiar, you should get help from a mental health professional.
5. Questioning Your Spirituality
Many people define spirituality as the exploration of the purpose of life and the connection to something higher than oneself. Whether you’re religious or just exploring different beliefs, this journey can lead to deep questions about life’s purpose and what truly matters.
6. Going Through a Major Life Transition
Life changes, like moving, starting a new job, or a midlife crisis, can make you question your purpose. Large transitions can shake up your life and leave you feeling unsure about your course. This is also true for young adults struggling to find independence, often called “failure to launch.”
7. Becoming a Parent
Having a child is a huge life change that brings new responsibilities and joys. It can also lead to deep questions about your values, identity, and what you want your life to mean. Balancing personal sacrifices with parenting can make you reflect on your purpose beyond daily routines.
8. Going Through a Divorce or Breakup
Ending a relationship or marriage can make you rethink your life choices and self-worth. It’s a time when many people question their identity and the meaning of life without that relationship. This moment of reevaluation can be difficult, but it also presents an opportunity to redefine what is important to you.
9. Losing Your Job
Our careers often shape our identities, so losing a job can be a major blow to your self-worth. It can bring financial stress and make you question your career path and purpose. While this is a difficult time, it can also be a chance to rethink your career goals and explore new opportunities.
10. Exploring or Changing Your Religion
Exploring new beliefs or questioning your current religion can challenge your worldview and sense of purpose. This might lead to doubt while you work out what you genuinely believe and how you want to live your life based on those convictions.
11. Comparing Yourself to Others
It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison trap in today’s social media world. Seeing others’ highlight reels can cause you to reconsider your own life and if you’re on the right track. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and what you see online isn’t always the full picture.
12. Feeling Stuck or Unfulfilled
Feeling trapped in a routine or living a life that does not correspond with your interests can make you doubt the meaning of it all. If your daily life feels unfulfilling, you might wonder if there’s more to life than just going through the motions. This indicates that you may need to change to find meaning and purpose.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why should I keep living?” or thinking, “What’s the point of living if you’re not happy?” It’s important to take these feelings seriously.
Signs You Might Feel That Life Is Pointless
Many signs can indicate you’re struggling to find meaning in life. Sometimes these feelings are clear, like thinking, “What’s the point?” Other times, they might be more subtle. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Feeling Like Nothing Matters: You might think that no matter what you do, it won’t make a difference.
- Losing Interest in Outcomes: You might have stopped caring about how things come out, whether at work, in relationships, or in personal pursuits.
- Joy Feels Distant: Activities or hobbies that used to bring you happiness might now feel empty or unfulfilling.
- Sense of Hopelessness: You could feel like there’s no hope for the future or that things will never get better.
- Doubt in Achieving Goals: You may believe that no matter how hard you work, you will not be able to achieve your goals or realize your ambitions.
How to find meaning in life when depressed?
Even in the darkest times, it’s possible to rediscover a sense of purpose. Here are some strategies for how to find meaning in life when depressed or struggling:
1. Volunteer in a Way That Matters to You
Find a cause that resonates with you and explore how you can help, whether it’s volunteering your time, skills, or resources. Doing something significant gives you a sense of purpose while also connecting you with others who share your interests. This can help you form a supportive community.
2. Focus on Healing from Trauma
If you’ve been through trauma, it can be difficult to find meaning in life. Healing is a crucial step toward finding purpose. Consider therapies like EMDR, or Internal Family Systems to help process your experiences. Journaling and meditation can also be beneficial for coping with PTSD and moving forward.
3. Discover Hobbies That Bring You Joy
Engaging in hobbies that you love can add joy and fulfillment to your life. Creative hobbies such as painting, writing, and gardening can help you express yourself while remaining attentive. Learning new talents can provide you with a sense of accomplishment while also connecting you with people who share your interests.
4. Reconnect with Your Spirituality
Reconnecting with a higher power or exploring your spiritual beliefs can provide guidance and a sense of purpose. Prayer and meditation are two practices that might help you stay present. Exploring your spirituality can also help clarify your core values and beliefs.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness means being fully present without judgment. It helps you connect with your thoughts and feelings in the moment. If you frequently worry about the future, grounding practices can help you stay in the present. Mindfulness encourages acceptance of your current situation and fosters compassion for yourself and others.
6. Set Meaningful Goals
Setting goals, big or small, can provide direction and motivation. Whether it’s your health, profession, or personal life, having something to aim for gives your life meaning. Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small can boost your sense of accomplishment.
7. Revisit Your Values
Living in line with your values helps you feel authentic and purposeful. Your values may change over time, so it’s important to examine them periodically. Write down your top values and evaluate if your life reflects them. If there is a disconnect, adopting changes that reflect your values might help you feel more grounded and purposeful.
8. Build Meaningful Relationships
Connecting with people is an essential aspect of human life. A supporting network of friends or family can provide a sense of belonging and security. Relationships built on trust and empathy can help you feel connected to the world and contribute to your overall well-being.
9. Seek Help from a Therapist
If you’re struggling to find meaning in life and it’s affecting your daily functioning, it may be time to talk to a therapist. A professional can provide support, tools, and guidance to help you navigate these feelings and improve your mental health.
10. Embrace Life’s Challenges
Life is full of ups and downs. Instead of avoiding challenges, try to face them head-on. Using techniques like radical acceptance and mindfulness can help you cope with stress and uncertainty without judgment. Embracing challenges can build resilience and help you find meaning even in difficult times.
When to Seek Professional Help When You Feel Pointless
It’s normal to occasionally ask yourself, “What’s the point of life?” However, if this question begins to dominate your thoughts and impacts your daily functioning, it may be time to seek professional help. Knowing what type of therapy you might want to explore can be a helpful starting point.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often effective for those dealing with anxiety or depression. This approach focuses on changing negative thought patterns and enhancing mental flexibility.
On the other hand, if you want to understand the underlying reasons for your feelings, psychodynamic therapy could be a suitable option. This type of therapy examines how your past experiences may be influencing your current feelings of existential anxiety or depression.
Finding Purpose Amid Life’s Challenges
It’s normal to question why you should keep living, especially during tough times or big changes. While this can feel overwhelming, understanding why you have these thoughts is an important first step. You can find purpose by volunteering, reconnecting with your spirituality, and building strong relationships. If these feelings become too heavy to manage alone, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Everyone’s journey is different, and finding meaning in life is a personal path that can lead to greater understanding and growth.