I'm new and you've probably heard this all before

by **Ebyss** » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 15:16:27

DJ, there is every reason to continue your education, every reason to keep living. There is every chance it won't be as bad as you think. There have been so many awful chapters in earths history, and people have always pushed for survival. True, this problem has never been faced before, but can you imagine what it felt like to be a Jew in Nazi Germany? They would all have felt terrified, as you do, but equally they had to hope and live for a future that would keep their children alive.

The truth is we just don't know what it will be like, it may be fine, it may be awful, it may be in between (it may even be great). Why throw your life away on something that may not happen? (PO will happen, the apocalypse may not)

by **DamienJasper** » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 15:30:14

The problem is, you have nothing base your hope on. I have everything to base despair on.

by **Ebyss** » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 16:00:58

I have lots to base my hope on, but some of them are of little use to you, as I am in Ireland. My main sources of hope are :

(A) : PO does not mean "No Oil". Even if oil peaks soon, the whole world will not fall apart imediately. Some people think oil has already peaked, the world has not fallen apart. I'm sure someone here can give a fairly accurate picture of when oil will run out if it peaks in the next few years. I remember reading 2035 as the date when oil runs out, I think Peter Odell said it. Someone else will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong, but the point is the apocalypse is not going to happen yet, if at all.

(B) : Humanity has a fantastic ability to adapt and survive (thrive even). It may not seem this way to you in the States, but so many of the worlds population have next to nothing in the way of material goods, but still have happy lives. Why? because they have families, friends and communities to depend on and contribute to. We've only had oil for a tiny portion of humanity, and electricity for even fewer. Some parts of the world don't have electricity at all, they get by just fine. (I'm not talking about Somalia, whose problems stem from drought and famine, not a lack of oil).

(C) : Your dependence on your current life is not as strong as you think. If, for a reason other than PO, you had to get by on less, would you be able to? Yes. Would you be able to get by without your family, friends and community? Probably not. These are the important things now and PO. Spend your time enjoying their company and building bonds with them. When you need their help, they will be there for you. If you needed their help tomorrow, would they give it? I'd be willing to bet they would, and vice versa.

(D) : Some countries have hit their PO of sorts, like Cuba. They have had a hard time, for sure, but they made it, and they are doing a good job too. It's not perfect, but what is?

I think it's a pity that you feel you have nothing to hope for at all. Really nothing? Not even being there for your brother's return? Do you have any other family? What things did you want to do before all this happened?

by **Ayoob_Reloaded** » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 16:01:33

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('DamienJasper', 'T')he problem is, you have nothing base your hope on. I have everything to base despair on.

by **DamienJasper** » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 16:04:51

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ebyss', 'I') have lots to base my hope on, but some of them are of little use to you, as I am in Ireland. My main sources of hope are :

(A) : PO does not mean "No Oil". Even if oil peaks soon, the whole world will not fall apart imediately. Some people think oil has already peaked, the world has not fallen apart. I'm sure someone here can give a fairly accurate picture of when oil will run out if it peaks in the next few years. I remember reading 2035 as the date when oil runs out, I think Peter Odell said it. Someone else will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong, but the point is the apocalypse is not going to happen yet, if at all.

(B) : Humanity has a fantastic ability to adapt and survive (thrive even). It may not seem this way to you in the States, but so many of the worlds population have next to nothing in the way of material goods, but still have happy lives. Why? because they have families, friends and communities to depend on and contribute to. We've only had oil for a tiny portion of humanity, and electricity for even fewer. Some parts of the world don't have electricity at all, they get by just fine. (I'm not talking about Somalia, whose problems stem from drought and famine, not a lack of oil).

(C) : Your dependence on your current life is not as strong as you think. If, for a reason other than PO, you had to get by on less, would you be able to? Yes. Would you be able to get by without your family, friends and community? Probably not. These are the important things now and PO. Spend your time enjoying their company and building bonds with them. When you need their help, they will be there for you. If you needed their help tomorrow, would they give it? I'd be willing to bet they would, and vice versa.

(D) : Some countries have hit their PO of sorts, like Cuba. They have had a hard time, for sure, but they made it, and they are doing a good job too. It's not perfect, but what is?

I think it's a pity that you feel you have nothing to hope for at all. Really nothing? Not even being there for your brother's return? Do you have any other family? What things did you want to do before all this happened?

by **EnviroEngr** » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 19:51:12

Damien,

Consider contemplatively two words that could turn the inner tide for you: Spiritual Practice.

You literally need to be able to occasionally extend your awareness of the events in this world system beyond the tight circumference of their immediate impacts on your person and the circumstances of your individual life. If you do not, the myopia and isolation that overtake you will force you to see nothing other than a tiny universe populated only by your sense of self and the shadows of all your actions. The inevitable, shocking and jolting impacts of an intruding and larger (seemingly external) Reality will then serve only to deepen the dismay and hopelessness you will continue to perceive ever more of; all of it generated by retreating ever further into your own self.

Forgive my preachy, unsolicited and presumptuous advice; but, do think it over.

Talking to other sensitive people and making sure you biochemistry isn't out of whack are equally important. Take advantage of whatever services you have access to.

by **DamienJasper** » Thu 24 Mar 2005, 20:06:40

I do have spirituality. I'm a Christian and a Salvation Army soldier. Like I said earlier, I'm being courted for officership.

But that doesn't make the world any easier right now. I just want it to be over.

by **DamienJasper** » Fri 25 Mar 2005, 17:16:16

Oh man. Every day just gets worse and worse. What am I gonna do with myself? I just don't want to be here.

by **Ludi** » Fri 25 Mar 2005, 17:29:04

This despair is not in keeping with what Jesus taught. I'm very worried about you and suggest you see your physician about the possibility that you may be suffering from clinical depression.

by **DamienJasper** » Fri 25 Mar 2005, 17:37:45

Even if I am suffering from clinical depression, what good is prozac gonna do? It ain't gonna make this stuff go away, now is it? Depression is all in your head. The shit that has me down is rooted in the real world. I can't take anymore.

by **Ludi** » Fri 25 Mar 2005, 18:29:21

No, depression isn't "all in your head" it is a physiological condition. Situaltional depression occurs when you've been under stress to the point where your body and willpower can no longer fight it. In your case, your faith , when it should be strong enough to hold you up, is failing. Others in much worse circumstances kept their faith. This is why I think you might benefit from medical help. Because, aside from your brother not being at your side, there's nothing actually bad happening to you right now, so no "reason" for your despair. Your way of life is not currently being taken from you, is it? What actual bad thing, aside from the lack of your brother with you, is actually happening right now?

by **DamienJasper** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 00:12:19

Well, what ISN'T going wrong?

Think about it. All the signs we are looking at point toward nothing but doom and gloom. All my personal problems at the moment are nothing more than a drop in the bucket. The world is just a few clicks away from unimaginable catastrophe and I'm stuck in it. What isn't there to be depressed about?

I can't take anymore. It's like I just wanna snap so I'll never have to think straight again.

Oh lord...

by **Jack** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 00:30:11

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('DamienJasper', 'W')ell, what ISN'T going wrong?

Think about it. All the signs we are looking at point toward nothing but doom and gloom. All my personal problems at the moment are nothing more than a drop in the bucket. The world is just a few clicks away from unimaginable catastrophe and I'm stuck in it. What isn't there to be depressed about?

I can't take anymore. It's like I just wanna snap so I'll never have to think straight again.

Oh lord...

by **DamienJasper** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 00:38:37

There's a difference in your analogy. I am not a character in a play or a book.

Would you want to continue reading that book if you knew that the main character was drafted in military service and killed by Chinamen?

by **keekles** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 00:43:20

Hey Damien, why don't you take it easy for a while? Turn off the compy and the tv. Stop reading all PO materials. Get centered again and reflect on your faith.
As Ludi said, none of this bad stuff is happening NOW, and you're only working yourself up into a frenzy about a future which is always uncertain.
Remember Jebus saying something like: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?"
I'm not a Christian, but that's some wisdom, right there.

by **DamienJasper** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 01:00:06

How can it be possible to chill? It's everywhere in everything I look at.

Whenever I wake up (in those rare occassions when I sleep) I say "Damn. I woke up". That's bad. The worst.

Oh man, I don't know what to do. Every moment is mounting agony.

by **Jack** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 01:03:35

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('DamienJasper', 'T')here's a difference in your analogy. I am not a character in a play or a book.

Would you want to continue reading that book if you knew that the main character was drafted in military service and killed by Chinamen?

by **jesus_of_suburbia_old** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 03:16:09

Damien,

Can I call you Dimmy? You know, the whole Exorcist thing? Nevermind.

First off, peak oil is most definately not a reason to kill yourself. There are loads of other reason to commit suicide. This one, however, is not. Besides that, it's selfish. An old schoolmate of mine hanged himself a few years ago. It did terrible things to his family and friends. You would probably inflict much guilt on your parents, and maybe even you brother. I've thought of it many a time in my life. I still do today. But, I don't think I would ever do it. For one, I wouldn't want my family left wondering whether they were responsible or whether they could have done something to stop it. As much of a bastard as I am, I am not devoid of morality. Also, I wouldn't want a bunch of assholes who didn't give two shits about me when I was alive showing up at my funeral.

That bond you have with your brother is a great gift. It's the kind of thing that can transcend even the worst of what peak oil and the other "coming catastrophes" have to offer. It should certainly motivate you to live a long life.

Since learning of peak oil, I have been, in sequential order, extremely depressed, motivated, furious, motivated, and finally, indifferent. Why was I depressed/angry?

Although I lean towards the negative side on how this will all turn out, I really cannot picture what the world will be like in 15-20 years. One thing I know, however, is that I really don't care if I survive through it. Sure, I would rather not starve to death. But deep down, even facing that prospect, I can't find a reason why I should want to make it through this (i.e., your bond with your brother). Not good. Not good at all.

I have become the most cynical s.o.b. I know of. Hell, I barely believe in love. Luckily, I can hide it rather well with a healthy sense of humor. I don't ever see myself shaking of these feelings. I wouldn't allow it.

Be glad that you have a special relationship with your brother. Use it as motivation to get through your current state. Not everyone has such a reason to make it through tough times.

Get some sleep. You'll get over this panic attack. Everyone has :wink:

.

by **DamienJasper** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 16:16:05

There is just no way to get over it. I can hardly function.

I mean, you all say a draft is coming back. It sure as hell looks like it. I'm going to be snatched up and sent off to die. They don't care about what's between me and my brother.

That or go to prison with the murderers and sodomites and never see him again.

What other way out is there but death? At least they'll know I had a reason.

by **spear** » Sat 26 Mar 2005, 16:49:07

Couple days ago I picked up the morning paper.
Over here they put in a dvd movie.
This one had "The mission" with Robert DeNiro.
Very inspiring.
EVERYONE has a purpose.

Sometimes we get sidetracked a bit.
Sometimes we cant figure it all out.
Sometimes we make mistakes.
Sometimes we feel we got the short end of the stick.
Sometimes we miss our people.
This world needs YOU.
You have a purpose here which will eventually be revealed to you,if you keep your eyes open to see it.
When??
Who knows.
Thats the whole fun part.

The mission.

Look DEEPER.

I'm new and you've probably heard this all before

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