The more I think about it, it seems that long-term happiness is something many people spend their lives seeking OR they believe it’s something they used to have and lost.
That makes me wonder if we are truly ever happy? Or if it’s something that is always just out of reach (in the future or in the past).
Yes. Many religious people including myself feel happy. That’s one method.
Others find a purpose in their life to drive toward or dedicate themselves to. Be it art, friends, family, work, learning etc.
I would suggest looking at what you want from life, and asking yourself what the first step is to achieving that. I find that I’m at my happiest when I’m keeping on track with my goals.
Christianity made me feel more pain in my life than I choose to remember. Please don’t just assume religion works for everybody.
Where did I say religion works for everyone? I gave it as one example of something that worked for me and clearly works for billions of others.
I’ve had awful experiences with the mental health system, but I think getting triggered by someone saying therapy worked for them makes sense. Sorry to hear you suffered.