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What Is The Point Of Life?

Published: May 14, 2012
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I think life is pointless. Well, I think everything is pointless. I don't see anything is wrong with suicide. If my life was truly that terrible, I would do it. I used to care about people following me & being depressed, but they'll die anyways, just like me. So why does it matter if I'm dead or alive? Some people are motivated to live because of religion, because they think there is an 'after.' But I think EVERYTHING is relative, so there is no point to anything. Why do you think there's a point?
Signed: What Is The Point Of Life?

Dear What Is The Point Of Life?,


TeenHealthFX thinks that the point of life for each person is whatever he or she wants it to be. For some it is religion – especially if there is a belief in heaven or an afterlife. For some it is family – living for their relationships with significant others and/or their children. And others may find the point of living in making a change – like with people who are committed to world peace, animal rights, children’s rights, greener living, or various other causes. Some people find great meaning and satisfaction in their careers. Others find the point of life is in making things like travel, hobbies, or other leisure activities possible. There is no one point – but whatever goal and pursuit is important to each individual person in the world.

People will die – we will lose people who are important and special to us and there is no way around that. We have no control over when the people we love will die. What we do have control over is how we want that time with them to be while we do have them in our lives.

As for suicide, FX has a few concerns with it. The first is that is causes tremendous pain for the people who are left to deal with a person’s suicide. The second is that there are solutions to various kinds of problems other than death. Third is that suicide takes away the possibility of positive change and of figuring out what that one “point” is for a person and the ability to enjoy it.

FX is wondering if you have ever spoken with a therapist about how you are feeling. You mentioned being depressed – if you have depression it is important to know that this is an illness that requires treatment from trained professionals. If you never sought out treatment for your depression, FX strongly suggests that you speak to your parents about how you have been feeling so that a consultation can be scheduled with a mental health professional. A therapist can assess whether you have some form of depression and can work with you to develop an effective treatment plan in the event that you do. A therapist can also work with you around your thoughts/feelings about suicide, the point of life, and the idea of dealing with loss so that you are able to find more satisfaction and meaning in your own life.



Signed: TeenHealthFX