What do atheists do when they feel sad?

United States
February 4, 2007 3:33am CST
A large number of people on this planet place their faith in higher beings, and as such will pray or perform some ritual to that being when they are depressed or feeling overwhelmed in some way. I'm wondering what people who don't believe in spirits or deities do to pick themselves up when they feel down. I would prefer answers that do not suggest prayer, because that's not the point of my discussion.
1 person likes this
5 responses
ByronEA
@ByronEA (109)
• United States
21 Jul 08
There are probably as many answers to this as their are atheists. But first consider this: Religious people will perform some ritual, then usually do something to either solve the problem or take their mind off it temporarily. Do something they enjoy. Atheists, on the other hand, believe in being self-reliant, rather than believing that some super fairy takes care of all of our problems. So we skip the prayer or ritual, and go straight to trying t solve the problem or doing something to temporarily take their mind off of it.
2 people like this
lornalhai
@lornalhai (148)
• China
5 Apr 07
Listen music or walk without aim.
2 people like this
MarkyB21
@MarkyB21 (1545)
•
16 Mar 07
I talk to someone or go out and have some fun. I would gain nothing by praying.
2 people like this
iiartisanii
@iiartisanii (254)
• United States
5 Apr 07
Call a friend, listen to music, watch tv. . why would you need to pray when you feel sad?
2 people like this
boxieblue
@boxieblue (336)
• India
25 Jul 08
its not that i dont believe in anything. thru i am an atheist an dont believe in god. but there's one thing i believe in- MYSELF. and that probably gives me more strength than believing in anything else when i am sad, i just strike a conversation with myself!