Posts by boldlynx8

Brenda Doyle20 said:I have plenty of "friends," sure, but none of them are actually sincere or even try to understand me. Instead, they just judge and gossip, acting like I'm some bad person when I'm the exact opposite. Fear is the ultimate handicap, isn't it? And how are you even supposed to overcome it? I try to make changes every single day, but it feels like I'm just spinning my wheels and nothing is actually getting better...

I hear you loud and clear. Honestly, it sounds like the first step should be seeking out professional help; sometimes you need someone with actual authority and a clinical perspective to give you that necessary push. I'm based in Washington, D.C., and my plan is to reach out to the National Institute of Mental Health to set up an appointment. 🙂 Maybe that's worth a shot for you too? I'm certain there are similar resources available in other cities across the country.

Brenda Doyle20 said:My daily life is just one long struggle with depression, fear, and anxiety. I’m way too sensitive—everything gets under my skin and drives me crazy. It's a constant battle, honestly, and I have no clue how to break free from this cycle. But you know what the therapists say? They tell you to "make changes," read more books, cook, exercise, and force yourself to socialize even when the anxiety makes you want to hide. They claim if you just meet enough new people, eventually you'll find 🙂🙂🙂🙂. Well, I’m trying every single thing they suggest, but the willpower just isn't there, and it feels like my breakthrough is never coming 😢

Listen, I think everyone in this community can relate to what you're going through. It's a grueling, day-in, day-out struggle. But like you mentioned, change is the only way forward—it's just that the first step feels like trying to climb Everest. Time isn't going to magically arrive on your doorstep while you wait; the moment has to be now. You have to start implementing those small shifts, especially the ones you listed. For me, I can manage the reading, the learning, and the workouts, but the social aspect is my Achilles' heel because I don't have a circle of friends right now. I know I need to actually step out into the world to meet anyone, but man, it's hard. Still, we can't throw in the towel. We only get one shot at this life; we can't spend the whole thing paralyzed by fear.

Sarah Ross21 said:I’m just tossing out some advice here, though honestly, I struggle with this stuff every single day. It’s just how I am. But I believe people can change—and they should, especially if it means becoming better versions of themselves.

Seeing other people suffer—or what I perceive as their suffering and life's burdens—really gets to me. Maybe I feel it even more intensely than they actually do. Then again, if we stop noticing when people are hurting, what kind of people do we become?

There’s this older woman on my street who has spent her entire life reselling produce. She picks things up at the local farmers' market and sells them from a small stand. She and her son work from dawn till dusk, and it’s not like they’re living in some massive mansion. Their house is modest—not a shack, but definitely nothing fancy. They're just sun-beaten, constantly rushing back and forth.

She has a stand near Walmart, and every time I finish shopping there, I feel guilty. I didn't buy anything from her, instead handing my money over to some massive corporation that already has more than it needs, while she relies on those few dollars to survive. The other day, I bought two pounds of some specialty potatoes for $5.25. They were imported, sort of niche, and frankly, they weren't even good. For that price, I could have grabbed five pounds of decent local ones at Kroger, and they would have actually tasted good.

But I always end up right back where I started—she lives off those sales, and the owners of Kroger don't give a damn about my $5.25.

I wonder if anyone else actually thinks about this kind of thing, let alone lets it factor into their DECISIONS. I suppose I should probably just look out for my own interests and find the best deal, rather than paying extra for overpriced, mediocre potatoes.

I have a friend who is heavily involved in charity work and is very religious, but money is always her top priority. There is no way she would ever do something to her own financial detriment, even for a cent. Yet, she acts like she’s all about helping the poor.

Am I just overthinking everything?

I completely empathize with this. I feel the exact same way. I truly don't know how to navigate these feelings. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to find a therapist and talk it through; I imagine they might offer some guidance
And thanks for the response, I’ll definitely look into getting some professional help.

I don't even know where to begin. It feels like a constant, uphill battle every single day. Honestly, if anyone else out there is going through this, please speak up—knowing I’m not drifting through this alone would make it all feel a little less heavy. Being by myself in my apartment is unbearable; I lose my appetite entirely and the panic just starts clawing at me. It’s the same story when I'm out in public, too. There's this persistent sensation, like a physical knot in my throat or a sharp cramp in my stomach. I just can't get comfortable. I have a tiny handful of people I can actually be myself around without feeling judged, but that's it. On top of the physical stuff, I'm constantly spiraling into existential dread and bouts of crying. Friendships feel impossible right now; I haven't the slightest clue how to build a social circle after finishing high school. I've never been the type to hit up loud, obnoxious clubs or crowded bars—that whole scene just drains me. All I want is peace and someone who actually understands. I'm currently looking into seeing a doctor to see what they say, but I'm also curious about alternative therapies. Has anyone here dealt with something similar? What actually worked for you, and more importantly, how do you find people who truly "get" it?