Start by volunteering. If an idea of where to do that just popped into your head, do that. Otherwise, Google for the closest religious organization to your hou

Start by volunteering. If an idea of where to do that just popped into your head, do that. Otherwise, Google for the closest religious organization to your house and head over there. In person, right now. It doesn't matter if you're religious, most of them do generally humanitarian work. Tell them that you're trying to get involved in the community and ask to join the next available event. We talk about changing the world, often through the application of extremely abstract skills to fairly abstract problems, but it sounds like what you need is tangible feedback about the impact of your work, and a warm flesh-and-blood community to be part of. This comic is a poignant example of how unfulfilling abstract work can be, even if it's important: http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=2305 http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=2305 Here's the thing - you do not have to do this one-on-one stuff for very long. This is just a step to open you up to the world at large, and create a tangible sense of progress. Soon, I'm sure you'll notice some way to make a slightly bigger difference, because you've been surrounded by important problems, big and small. You'll do that, and see how you could expand it, and do that. You will be doing more and more generally powerful good, but it will be grounded in your tangible experience. After that, just keep focusing on your next mountain, even if you've heard stories that someone once climbed Everest. Just keep moving. Finally, please PLEASE find someone to talk to if you think you're feeling depressed. If it turns out that you're not clinically depressed, great! If you are, getting help is incredibly important. Getting back in action is worth every penny that it will cost, both from the prospective of your well being and ability to contribute to society.