Can Depression Make You Nihilistic? Understanding the Connection

What is Nihilism and How Does It Relate to Depression?

Honestly, nihilism is one of those concepts that seems simple at first, but when you dig deeper, it can become incredibly complex. At its core, nihilism is the belief that life lacks inherent meaning, value, or purpose. It’s the idea that nothing really matters in the grand scheme of things. When you’re battling depression, this worldview can feel even more convincing.

I’ve been through moments where the weight of depression made everything feel meaningless. I started questioning everything—my actions, my relationships, even my purpose in life. It's not uncommon for someone struggling with depression to begin leaning into nihilistic thoughts, especially when the future seems bleak and the present feels unbearably heavy.

Depression's Impact on Perception of Life

Depression can distort your perception, making it hard to find joy in anything. Simple pleasures or meaningful activities lose their appeal, and your sense of self-worth can feel completely depleted. It’s easy to see how someone in this state might begin to embrace nihilism, because everything can feel pointless.

I remember talking with a friend during a particularly tough time, and she mentioned how depression had made her feel "numb" to life. She used to have dreams and goals, but depression made them feel so distant, as if nothing mattered anymore. It’s a feeling that many can relate to when they’re caught in the depths of depression.

The Link Between Depression and Nihilism

How Depression Fuels Nihilistic Thoughts

When you're depressed, your brain is often in a negative feedback loop. Thoughts become increasingly distorted, and you're more likely to dwell on negative ideas or feelings of helplessness. The more you focus on these negative thoughts, the more they shape your worldview.

Actually, one of the things I’ve learned is that depression tends to amplify a person's vulnerabilities, including tendencies toward negative thinking. It's like the mind becomes a magnifying glass for hopelessness and apathy, turning small doubts into massive, existential crises.

Existential Crisis and Depressive Thinking

An existential crisis is a period of deep reflection, often marked by a sense of confusion or anxiety about the meaning of life. This can naturally coincide with depression, especially when someone is feeling overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties. Nihilism can emerge during an existential crisis as a defense mechanism to cope with the overwhelming sense of meaninglessness.

A few years ago, I found myself questioning everything—life, relationships, work—and this led me to feel like nothing had true value. I couldn’t help but think, “Why bother?” It wasn’t an active choice to become nihilistic, but rather a result of the way my depression distorted my reality. I now understand that during that period, my depressive mindset fueled these nihilistic tendencies.

Can Nihilism Be a Coping Mechanism?

Embracing Nihilism to Cope with Overwhelming Feelings

For some, adopting a nihilistic viewpoint can be a way of coping with the emotional weight of depression. If nothing has meaning, then perhaps it’s easier to accept the pain. In a strange way, nihilism can provide comfort because it removes the pressure of seeking meaning or fulfillment.

I recall times when I felt so overwhelmed that adopting a nihilistic stance seemed like a way to escape the anxiety of life’s expectations. It was almost as if telling myself, "Nothing matters anyway," gave me temporary relief from my internal struggles. But honestly, I soon realized that this was just a temporary illusion of peace.

The Downside of Nihilism During Depression

The downside to embracing nihilism, especially when you're depressed, is that it can reinforce the sense of hopelessness. Instead of helping to cope, it can lead to deeper isolation and despair. Nihilistic thinking can prevent you from taking the steps needed to heal or improve your mental health.

It’s like this downward spiral: depression makes everything feel empty, and then nihilism reinforces that emptiness. You stop seeking help, and you stop caring about the things that used to bring you joy or purpose. This was something I struggled with deeply and took a long time to break out of.

How to Overcome Nihilistic Thoughts While Dealing with Depression

Recognizing and Challenging Nihilistic Thoughts

The first step in overcoming nihilism while dealing with depression is recognizing it for what it is: a distorted way of thinking. This can be tough, but I found that confronting these thoughts directly was the key to reducing their power. It’s important to remember that feelings of meaninglessness are often a symptom of depression, not the reality of life.

Honestly, when I started to challenge my nihilistic thoughts, I noticed a shift. It wasn’t immediate, but slowly I began to see that even small actions, like taking a walk or reaching out to a friend, had meaning—even if I couldn’t feel it right away. Breaking the cycle of negative thinking requires patience, but it’s entirely possible.

Seeking Help and Finding Purpose

Another important aspect of overcoming nihilism is seeking professional help, whether through therapy or support groups. Depression doesn’t have to define your life, and a therapist can help you reframe your thoughts. Additionally, engaging in activities that bring you purpose—whether it’s a hobby, work, or helping others—can gradually help shift your perspective.

I didn’t get better by just waiting for time to pass; I took the initiative to seek therapy, and it truly helped me get to a point where I could create a sense of meaning again. It took effort, but now I understand that meaning doesn’t always come from grand gestures—it often comes from the small, everyday things.

Conclusion: Depression and Nihilism Are Not the End

Well, the short answer to "Can depression make you nihilistic?" is yes, it absolutely can. Depression distorts reality, and that can lead to adopting a nihilistic mindset. But, and this is important, it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right support, therapy, and mindset shifts, you can work through those thoughts and rediscover meaning in life.

If you’re struggling with depression and nihilistic thoughts, remember—you’re not alone. There is help, and there is hope. It might not feel like it now, but things can and do get better.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.