I’m too gentle for this world (Any advice would be appreciated)

[Reyna2002]

Okay so this is going to be a long one, if you happen to read the whole thing I would be so grateful.

I’m a 21 year old girl (or shall I say woman now). My whole life has been pretty weird. I’ve grown up without my father in my life most of the time however my parents aren’t divorced. He didn’t leave us and sends money whenever he can but my parents have a weird relationship, I don’t know how to explain. Despite him not being here, I have a lot of love and respect for him. For both of my parents. In my childhood, I was a lonely person, I used to cry a lot and I didn’t have many friends. I was very shy and this continued into my teen years. As I grew up I began to feel like an outcast. I grew up with 2 girls who were my closest friends but I was always the one on the side. I knew they were closer to each other because they would choose each other for everything and leave me. I have two girl cousins who I am similar in age to and it’s the same story. I’ve always been on the side. I think that’s why I don’t like to stay in a friendship circle because I always get left out. The very few friends I have are just singular if that makes sense, no group. 

I have a brother and a sister. My brother is close in age to me (24) and my sister is much older (37). She’s married with 3 kids. My brother had issues in his childhood and probably some type of personality disorder god knows. Throughout my teen years he was horrible to me. It started from age 16. He would hit me and beat me up, take my phone and put it on a screen time where I could only use it for one hour a day. He would verbally abuse me and make me insane. I began to have panic attacks and pull my hair out because I felt like he was always watching me. I don’t like to talk about it too much, it makes me sad. I would have bruises on my arms and go to school and hide it from everyone. I had a few more friends then and they made me very happy but they’re all gone now. We’ve all gotten older and have gone to different universities so we lost contact. They didn’t know anything I was going through at home but I pray for them everyday because they helped me unknowingly. Especially after the two close friends I had ditched me. Anyway, the idea of my brother made me so scared. I knew how his footsteps sounded so when I would hear them my heart would jump and my chest would begin to hurt. I have this type of feeling in my chest whenever I feel sad or embarrassed. I absolutely hate the feeling of embarrassment. I would rather be miserable than be embarrassed. It gives me this heavy pain in the left side of my chest. That’s another reason why I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t want anyone to know what was happening to me at home. There were many days where I wanted to run away and leave home and I did but I was 16, stupid and broke. Even worse, vulnerable. I would sit on the bus and sit there for hours until it reached the end of the station. Then I would go on to another bus to which I didn’t even know the location it was going to and sit there until it reached the end. I would keep doing that until they would stop for the night and I was forced to come back home. I didn’t have any real friends or anywhere to go to. You might be thinking what was my mum doing knowing all of this, she did nothing. She knew what was happening to me but she didn’t have the power to do anything. She could have called the police or something but she would never do that to her son. She didn’t want her children to be in trouble. So she tried to help me in other ways, but he had power over her in a sense as well I guess. I told my sister I was suffering and she sympathised me and told me to stay at hers, but her husband made me feel very awkward and uncomfortable so I didn’t like to stay there and I stayed home instead. My brother is very toxic and gave me a lot of pain in my life. My father was absent for majority of my life. My only uncle (my mums brother) is a rich man with a family and busy with them. I forgot to tell you, my family is struggling financially. It’s mainly my mother balancing everything on her shoulders and she’s 59 years old. She shouldn’t even be working. We barely make ends meet. It makes me feel very stressed. There has never been a man in my life that was good to me. It hurts me a lot. I have so much to say but I don’t even know if anyone will read it. 

I wasn’t very beautiful during my teen years. Only at age 20 I began to become quite pretty. My mother was struggling a lot so I got a job in a phone contract shop (I won’t say which one). There I met lots of different people and I noticed men began to try to flirt with me. It’s never been in my character to flirt with random men because I’m quite a modest and shy person. There was one manager who showed he cared about me a lot but at the end he just wanted to try to use me and I left the shop knowing it’s not good there. I have never had a boyfriend or man. I’m a very soft person and people have tried to take advantage of me. I don’t know, I’m very broken and the pain and fear of what my brother did to me stays in my heart. I’m very lonely and I don’t like to get too close to people. My mother is drowning in loans and doesn’t have any money for me (I’m in university now and I want to do law). Whatever money she had, she invested it in her son and he ended up throwing it back in her face by not studying and going down the wrong path. I pray god guides him but I want to stay away from him. I have always been second choice. It has made me a very sad person. I don’t trust people easily, but I love my cat mishi. I’m very kind to animals. There is so so much more to say but I’m afraid this will just get too long so I will leave it. I left my job and I’m still studying in university. I try to find ways to make money on the side but nothing works. I’m very tired and I become sleepy often, I feel as if I’m depressed and unwell now. I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t want to die but I don’t want to live. I just pray god takes me when he’s happy with me, because I don’t feel any urge to live in this world. I don’t find it sad. Just for me it is what it is. There was one guy who I met online. He was the first guy who made me feel special. He said I’m so different to other girls and he said I’m beautiful. The usual stuff I guess. He would call me multiple times a day and this is the first time a guy ever did that for me. He would ask me how I am and ask about my family and really showed interest. For the first time I felt loved. Like I wasn’t a second choice. He was one year younger than me but I ignored it because he seemed mature. He had his own business and I remember saying don’t let me get in the way, you have your priorities. He told me I’m his priority. He showed me pictures of his mother and sisters on Snapchat. I really adored him and I felt he understood how soft I was. I saw how he began to speak softly with me because he understood. I opened my closed heart for him. My broken heart. He would make plans for me to meet him and eat somewhere and I said after my exams which were in one week. didn’t tell him my family or life situation because I didn’t want to scare him away. I wanted him to think I was a comfortable girl with a good life and good standards so he wouldn’t feel like something is wrong. I lied to him and said my brother is good to me and buys me gifts. I just wanted him to feel like my family is good so nothing will be bad if we are serious and everything will be okay. Since my life is very messy and I don’t have anyone to turn to, I began to depend on him for happiness. I felt that even if everything is crashing down at least I have one person who cares for me. I don’t know, all I ever wanted was real love. After a month, he suddenly stopped and lost interest in me. I would ask him is everything okay and he said he’s very busy. He would apologise and say business is good and he has a lot of customers. I understood that and didn’t want to be a burden. However, I would see he was always online and doing other things without opening my messages. He also stopped calling me. It made me feel very bad. He would leave me on delivered for nearly 7 hours. He never spoke about meeting me again either. When he first told me he would meet me, I had some money saved up and I bought a new dress with some money I had saved just so I can have something beautiful to wear for him. So he would find me beautiful. I tried my best to be understanding, also because I was scared to lose the only person who ever showed me love. He then told me he doesn’t think he’s the right guy for me because he can’t give me any attention that I need. I told him it’s okay and please don’t say these things but I could feel he lost interest in me. He follows many girls on his Instagram and posts TikTok’s showing his cars and things about girls. I was just another girl to him, but he doesn’t know what he did to me. He doesn’t know how I grew up in a painful childhood. With fear. I just wanted to be safe. He made me feel safe. God I can’t stop crying while typing this. I’m very sorry if this all sounds pathetic. I’m just very gentle, I know there are many people in worse hardships than me. But to a weak person, this is a lot. I never asked God for much. But this time this hurt me too much. I was just a game to him. I thought he would love me, I don’t even know what I thought, maybe that he would save me too. It was very cruel of him to do this. I can understand why he lost interest in me. He is very confident, flirtatious, drives two cars, has a business, has many girls following him. I’m a loner, second choice, I don’t know how to make money, I read books and I’m very gentle and emotional. I’m an average person. I feel like I was lovebombed. He’s forgotten about me and because he’s in my contacts, his social media videos come up on my page and I see them talk about girls and his car. Meanwhile, I’m just here broken. It’s broken me so much that it’s woken me up to pray, work out and try my best in studies so I can have money to help my mother. I try my best not to show anybody my pain, but when I’m alone I just break down. Nobody wants to listen and nobody can do anything for me anyway. I don’t think anyone will ever love me. Nobody wants me, I’m second choice. 

I’m currently looking for another job, I feel tired to work, I’m trying to get stronger being at the gym but I’m a gentle girl. I become tired easily. I continue to study and my father managed to send some money for me to do my driving so I will start that soon with gods help. I will try to save up for a car so my heart doesn’t break again when I see my mum carrying shopping home. It is all too much for me. I’m a very broken person. I have a lot more pain to say but it hurts so I will leave it. 

I just wanted some advice, any advice how to be stronger? I cannot be a soft, gentle girl I am. It won’t work because this world is breaking me. I need to be stronger mentally and physically to help my mother. I can’t wish for love anymore. I don’t know any man who is good to me. I just need to earn money and help my mum. I want to die young. If I can get my mother financially free, and be a good person. Then I wish for god to take me that very day it’s all achieved. If anyone can give me some advice, on how to earn money, or how to be stronger mentally and physically, please do so. I go to the gym and have started to lift weights, but I’m progressing bit by bit. I feel weak to lift too heavy. Mentally, I’m broken. Financially, I have to find a way because my brother will do nothing for us. My parents are old and I can’t let them down. Maybe this isn’t the time for love. I couldn’t get it even if I wanted.

[boltnrun]

Does your university have a counseling center? How about a social worker? You are obviously feeling the effects of abuse and an unsafe home. There are kind people who are trained to help and they can likely give you support.

Also, if there are clubs or groups you can join at school to make some nice new friends I strongly encourage that.

I'm sorry for the trauma you've experienced. But you can lean on people who can help you so you can have a bright future. 

[Capricorn3]

OP, I'm really sorry that you're in such a dark and bad place. It's heartbreaking.  I would say you need urgent counseling/therapy so please do all you can to get professional help.   Start off by seeing a physician for a general check-up and get a referral to see a psychologist (or whatever).

I agree with boltnrun above - most universities have a counseling center or a social worker.  Please see what your university has to offer.

I wish you well.

[Reyna2002]

30 minutes ago, boltnrun said:

Does your university have a counseling center? How about a social worker? You are obviously feeling the effects of abuse and an unsafe home. There are kind people who are trained to help and they can likely give you support.

Also, if there are clubs or groups you can join at school to make some nice new friends I strongly encourage that.

I'm sorry for the trauma you've experienced. But you can lean on people who can help you so you can have a bright future. 

Thank you very much for taking your time to read, I’m not too sure. I’ll have a look and see if it does. It is quite a higher end university so it should do. The thing is, I’m very ashamed and embarrassed of people knowing. I don’t know why. 

[Reyna2002]

13 minutes ago, Capricorn3 said:

OP, I'm really sorry that you're in such a dark and bad place. It's heartbreaking.  I would say you need urgent counseling/therapy so please do all you can to get professional help.   Start off by seeing a physician for a general check-up and get a referral to see a psychologist (or whatever).

I agree with boltnrun above - most universities have a counseling center or a social worker.  Please see what your university has to offer.

I wish you well.

Thank you for taking your time to read, yes I have thought about counselling but I’m afraid to share what happened. The thing is, I want to be a lawyer one day and I’m afraid if I attend therapy or counselling sessions, they’ll keep it on my health check records or something and it’ll affect my future. I don’t know. I’m also very ashamed. I just keep it all inside myself. I’ll be sure to look for some resources available in my university. I don’t really know what else to do. It’s very draining.

[Capricorn3]

Just now, Reyna2002 said:

 I don’t know. I’m also very ashamed. I just keep it all inside myself. I’ll be sure to look for some resources available in my university. I don’t really know what else to do. It’s very draining.

Please, don't EVER feel ashamed.  Of course when you keep everything inside it IS very draining, but even worse, it eventually leads to ill health, both mentally and physically.  You are at that point now and clearly, you need outside help now (imo).   Please don't feel ashamed.  Therapists are there to help.  They are trained professionals and do not share confidential information (as far as I am aware).  Please seek help a.s.a.p.

[Reyna2002]

1 minute ago, Capricorn3 said:

Please, don't EVER feel ashamed.  Of course when you keep everything inside it IS very draining, but even worse, it eventually leads to ill health, both mentally and physically.  You are at that point now and clearly, you need outside help now (imo).   Please don't feel ashamed.  Therapists are there to help.  They are trained professionals and do not share confidential information (as far as I am aware).  Please seek help a.s.a.p.

Okay, I’ll try to find a good one. I need a job first to be able to pay for it. I don’t have many savings because when I had a job I gave all my money to my mother. My brother only takes from her and makes it hard for us. So I’ll be sure to do that. Thank you so much.

[Wiseman2]

8 minutes ago, Reyna2002 said:

 I want to be a lawyer one day and I’m afraid if I attend therapy or counselling sessions, they’ll keep it on my health check records or 

 Please take care of yourself and your physical and mental health. By law, all medical records and anything you discuss with a health professional is strictly confidential and private. No one can release or discuss anything about your physical or mental health without your written consent. 

[boltnrun]

8 minutes ago, Reyna2002 said:

Okay, I’ll try to find a good one. I need a job first to be able to pay for it. I don’t have many savings because when I had a job I gave all my money to my mother. My brother only takes from her and makes it hard for us. So I’ll be sure to do that. Thank you so much.

Your university will likely provide counseling free of charge. It is usually included in your tuition. I received medical care while I was attending college and I didn't have to pay a penny extra, not even for medication. 

Would you also be willing to look into clubs or groups at your university? Even if it's just a study group, you will likely meet some nice people. 

And as mentioned, your medical records are confidential. I have a lower level government clearance despite being treated for anxiety and depression and taking two leaves of absence from work for mental health issues. That information is not made public.

And please don't rely on online strangers who don't have your best interests at heart for support. You have no idea who you're dealing with. Please be careful. 

[Reyna2002]

28 minutes ago, Wiseman2 said:

 Please take care of yourself and your physical and mental health. By law, all medical records and anything you discuss with a health professional is strictly confidential and private. No one can release or discuss anything about your physical or mental health without your written consent. 

Okay, I wasn’t aware of that. That reassures me a lot. I will try my best to find counselling with my university and after I’ve saved up, attend professional therapy. You are so kind, thank you so much. 

[Reyna2002]

18 minutes ago, boltnrun said:

Your university will likely provide counseling free of charge. It is usually included in your tuition. I received medical care while I was attending college and I didn't have to pay a penny extra, not even for medication. 

Would you also be willing to look into clubs or groups at your university? Even if it's just a study group, you will likely meet some nice people. 

And as mentioned, your medical records are confidential. I have a lower level government clearance despite being treated for anxiety and depression and taking two leaves of absence from work for mental health issues. That information is not made public.

And please don't rely on online strangers who don't have your best interests at heart for support. You have no idea who you're dealing with. Please be careful. 

Yes, I will definitely have a look with my university. As for clubs, I’m sure there are some which I can attend however I’m very shy and I don’t know how to make a true friend. I tend to stay away from guys because their intentions scare me. As for girls, they seem to get bored of me because I’m very reserved. However, when I do meet anyone - I’m sure to put on an act that everything is okay and I’m happy. I always hide everything. I’ll have a look at clubs too. Maybe it’ll be good for me.

As for the online stranger, I think you mean the boy that I love. I think because I never had my father, my uncle doesn’t care and my brother was bad to me - I become very attached to a man who shows a slight bit of care for me. It can be very dangerous. However, I’m smarter in real life. I stay away because I know myself. However, this time was an exception. I don’t know why I began to love him. I thought he would save me. I don’t know, that stuff makes you stupid. I learned my lesson for that. You are so kind, thank you for taking your time to reply. 

[Batya33]

1 hour ago, Reyna2002 said:

Okay, I wasn’t aware of that. That reassures me a lot. I will try my best to find counselling with my university and after I’ve saved up, attend professional therapy. You are so kind, thank you so much. 

From all  I know universities employ professional therapists.

[boltnrun]

37 minutes ago, Batya33 said:

From all  I know universities employ professional therapists.

Exactly, just like the doctor I saw while in college was a legitimate licensed medical doctor, not an amateur. And it worked out great as I didn't have to pay extra.

[Reyna2002]

1 hour ago, Batya33 said:

From all  I know universities employ professional therapists.

That’s even better, thank you!

[Reyna2002]

38 minutes ago, boltnrun said:

Exactly, just like the doctor I saw while in college was a legitimate licensed medical doctor, not an amateur. And it worked out great as I didn't have to pay extra.

I’m very glad everything worked out good for you. My university is very serious about mental health so there must be qualified professionals there. Thank you so much for your help.

[ShySoul]

On 3/1/2024 at 12:55 PM, Reyna2002 said:

I don’t want to die but I don’t want to live. I just pray god takes me when he’s happy with me, because I don’t feel any urge to live in this world. I don’t find it sad. Just for me it is what it is... I try my best not to show anybody my pain, but when I’m alone I just break down. Nobody wants to listen and nobody can do anything for me anyway. I don’t think anyone will ever love me. Nobody wants me, I’m second choice. 

If it helps, know you are not alone. I've felt the exact same way, said the exact same things to myself. I've questioned why I'm even here, why no one seems to get me. The few times I've gone to others for help it's dismissed, ignored, or somehow I get blamed. Breaking down is actually a good thing because it means I still feel. What is really scary is being resigned, as if you know this is all there is and nothing is going to change. So whatever you are going through, I've been there. It's scary. It's difficult. But you can survive, even if you have to take it one day at a time.

On 3/1/2024 at 12:55 PM, Reyna2002 said:

just wanted some advice, any advice how to be stronger? I cannot be a soft, gentle girl I am. It won’t work because this world is breaking me.

From my perspective you already strong. After everything you've endured, you are still going. The world might have bent and hurt you, but it hasn't broken you. You still get through each day and are going through school. You have a plan for the future, to be a lawyer. You still carry a good heart and want to do well for your mother. A weak person would have given up entirely. They would have taken their own life, turned to something like drugs to distract themselves, or became the very thing they hated and started acting like those that hurt them. You haven't. Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is to live in it. The strength you've shown living in it, is alot and actually inspires me.

There's also nothing wrong with being soft or gental. Plenty of people are naturally more sensitive. And that carries with it many strenths and advantages. For one, I think that could make you an excellent lawyer. I bet you'd be able to defend someone with passion and determination. Maybe it'd be helpful to see this part of you as a strenght? https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/

On 3/1/2024 at 1:48 PM, Reyna2002 said:

I’m also very ashamed. I just keep it all inside myself

Never be ashamed of your feelings. If you feel it, it's valid and means something. Everybody feels down at times. Everybody has doubts and insecurities. How you feel is how you feel, it's not to be ashamed over. While I understand keeping it all in, there comes a point where that will only cause you more pain. It's good to let it out, even if it's just to vent.

On 3/1/2024 at 2:34 PM, Reyna2002 said:

However, when I do meet anyone - I’m sure to put on an act that everything is okay and I’m happy. I always hide everything

 Again, I know the urge to smile and act like everything is fine. You don't want to burden them with your troubles. You don't want to risk opening yourself to more hurt and rejection by telling the truth. But having to keep up the facade is tiring and you end up feeling more alone because you can never just be you. Life and interactions become one huge lie to the point where you don't want to even bother anymore. It's really better to just be you and be honest with how you feel. You don't have to bear your heart and tell people everything. But don't act happy if that's not what you are feeling or just to get along with others. Instead, focus on doing something that actually makes you feel happy. Don't worry about making friends, just focus on being happy with yourself and doing something you enjoy. The rest will happen when it's suppose to.

[Reyna2002]

11 hours ago, ShySoul said:

If it helps, know you are not alone. I've felt the exact same way, said the exact same things to myself. I've questioned why I'm even here, why no one seems to get me. The few times I've gone to others for help it's dismissed, ignored, or somehow I get blamed. Breaking down is actually a good thing because it means I still feel. What is really scary is being resigned, as if you know this is all there is and nothing is going to change. So whatever you are going through, I've been there. It's scary. It's difficult. But you can survive, even if you have to take it one day at a time.

Thank you so much for your words. They’ve helped me a lot. I’m not sure if anyone has ever told you this, but you’re a very comforting person. I’ve been feeling like that ever since childhood. I don’t know why. Every time I looked for help because of what my brother was doing to me, everyone seemed to brush it off or try and act like it’s nothing serious. I don’t know but it feels as if this fear and trauma has ruined my life. It’s changed me as a person. It’s comforting knowing that you understand me. Yes it’s very hard for me, but I’m just surviving. I feel like my youth is wasted. Just taking it one day at a time. I hope one day things will be better. For us both.

[Reyna2002]

11 hours ago, ShySoul said:

From my perspective you already strong. After everything you've endured, you are still going. The world might have bent and hurt you, but it hasn't broken you. You still get through each day and are going through school. You have a plan for the future, to be a lawyer. You still carry a good heart and want to do well for your mother. A weak person would have given up entirely. They would have taken their own life, turned to something like drugs to distract themselves, or became the very thing they hated and started acting like those that hurt them. You haven't. Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is to live in it. The strength you've shown living in it, is alot and actually inspires me.

I feel like I’m so weak because I hold on to every slight pain that inflicts me. I try my best to be strong for my family and mainly my mother, she has been through so much and she deserves that one child who will be her peace. I think that’s the only thing that drives me. Sometimes thoughts do come into my head about ending myself, but I know that I just cannot do that. Forget myself, I’ll be doing my mother an injustice. This world is like a prison. I live my days alone, I don’t know why I feel better like that. Everything I have been through has made me a kinder person. Quite too kind that people try to take advantage of me. Quite too kind that I fall for traps and end up thinking someone actually wants me. It’s better and safer to be alone. Your words inspire me, I’m not anything inspirational. I’m just a girl who is second choice. Never the better one. 

[Reyna2002]

11 hours ago, ShySoul said:

There's also nothing wrong with being soft or gental. Plenty of people are naturally more sensitive. And that carries with it many strenths and advantages. For one, I think that could make you an excellent lawyer. I bet you'd be able to defend someone with passion and determination. Maybe it'd be helpful to see this part of you as a strenght? https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/

Never be ashamed of your feelings. If you feel it, it's valid and means something. Everybody feels down at times. Everybody has doubts and insecurities. How you feel is how you feel, it's not to be ashamed over. While I understand keeping it all in, there comes a point where that will only cause you more pain. It's good to let it out, even if it's just to vent.

Sometimes I just think it’s better to be numb and emotionless than be gentle. I now know that nobody will come to save me. Whatever I do, I’ll have to do it alone. I don’t know what type of fantasy I thought would happen, that the guy would come and see me and take care of me. I will never have that. Thank you for your kind words, I still do dream of being a successful lawyer and I study towards that, I’m afraid the lack of money for fees will come in my way. I’ve already mentally prepared myself for that downfall. I still look for a job, because there’s no money on the side for me. It was all spent on my brother. 
 

I think I’ve always felt that way because nobody ever listened to me, so I feel it’s shameful. If anything, if I ever told anyone something - the relationship would turn awkward and they would distant from me. That’s why I made up the lies to the guy that my life is good and comfortable. I feel like people don’t want to associate themselves with someone who has negativity in their life. Well, it didn’t even work because he still lost interest. It’s just me, I’m the issue. I don’t know why though. Surprisingly, I’ve found more comfort in your replies/and other people than I ever have before. Crazy how strangers can relate more than the ones you are closest to. 

[Reyna2002]

11 hours ago, ShySoul said:

Again, I know the urge to smile and act like everything is fine. You don't want to burden them with your troubles. You don't want to risk opening yourself to more hurt and rejection by telling the truth. But having to keep up the facade is tiring and you end up feeling more alone because you can never just be you. Life and interactions become one huge lie to the point where you don't want to even bother anymore. It's really better to just be you and be honest with how you feel. You don't have to bear your heart and tell people everything. But don't act happy if that's not what you are feeling or just to get along with others. Instead, focus on doing something that actually makes you feel happy. Don't worry about making friends, just focus on being happy with yourself and doing something you enjoy. The rest will happen when it's suppose to.

For sure, I’ll just be true to myself. Take each day as it comes. It’s looking harder each day but I have nothing to do but to manage. I want to work a lot to have money and distract myself. Study hard as well. Thank you for your words, they have really helped.

[catfeeder]

Your tuition covers counseling on campus. As you’ve noticed, secrecy is an incubator for shame, and it’s a cycle. More shame leads to more secrecy. But school counselors are trained to teach people how to break this cycle. They have years of clinical experience and have heard it all from others. That’s a key thing to grasp, because your isolation is what makes you believe that you’re the only one who suffers such problems. But the whole reason for schools to have counselors is that problems with anxiety and stress and abuse are far more common than anyone knows, because everyone hides it.

My heart goes out to you, and I hope we can offer you some comfort if you would like to keep writing here.

[Reyna2002]

On 3/3/2024 at 7:42 PM, catfeeder said:

Your tuition covers counseling on campus. As you’ve noticed, secrecy is an incubator for shame, and it’s a cycle. More shame leads to more secrecy. But school counselors are trained to teach people how to break this cycle. They have years of clinical experience and have heard it all from others. That’s a key thing to grasp, because your isolation is what makes you believe that you’re the only one who suffers such problems. But the whole reason for schools to have counselors is that problems with anxiety and stress and abuse are far more common than anyone knows, because everyone hides it.

My heart goes out to you, and I hope we can offer you some comfort if you would like to keep writing here.

Yes, I feel like isolation is the thing that’s killing me. I just hope that this time someone listens to me. I went to uni and contacted the mental health advisor, she said she’ll speak to me on Wednesday. I hope it goes fine. I never had anyone to listen. Thank you so much for your words, and to others too, it gives me a lot more comfort than I expected. I don’t know but you have all given me guidance, and better advice than anyone.

[catfeeder]

11 minutes ago, Reyna2002 said:

Yes, I feel like isolation is the thing that’s killing me. I just hope that this time someone listens to me. I went to uni and contacted the mental health advisor, she said she’ll speak to me on Wednesday. I hope it goes fine. I never had anyone to listen. Thank you so much for your words, and to others too, it gives me a lot more comfort than I expected. I don’t know but you have all given me guidance, and better advice than anyone.

So glad you reached out here and especially to a counselor. I’m holding you in my thoughts, and I hope you will let us know how Wednesday goes.

I’d like to tell you about a big time wasting mistake that I made, and I’ve since learned that many people do this in counseling sessions. I tried to play ‘the good patient’ by presenting myself in the best way. I discussed things as though they didn’t bother me so much, I talked about how well I handled things, and I guess I was fishing to be told that I was better than I felt. But this relates to the shame. You mentioned being afraid to speak about your experiences and the feelings they’ve caused, and I just want to encourage you to lean in and speak about that. I felt no relief until I did that, and I wish I had done so sooner.

It might be helpful to start with why disclosure frightens you. This can prompt the counselor to address those fears to help you feel more secure about being open.

Wishing you peace and comfort.

[Coily]

You have been through quite a lot, and you have my deepest sympathy.

The feeling of isolation and loneliness is another strong thread in you commentary I am seeing. Depending on your interests, if you are not quite ready to join groups; perhaps you should look into some on campus events at your university. Art Galleries, movie screenings, places where you can be around people; but don't feel obligated to interact with them like you would with a club/organization. Also ask your counselor/therapist if they have any recommendations to help you get out and socialize some more.

You have nothing to be ashamed of, you just need the right tools and options to help you emerge from your shell.

[Reyna2002]

On 3/4/2024 at 8:26 PM, catfeeder said:

So glad you reached out here and especially to a counselor. I’m holding you in my thoughts, and I hope you will let us know how Wednesday goes.

I’d like to tell you about a big time wasting mistake that I made, and I’ve since learned that many people do this in counseling sessions. I tried to play ‘the good patient’ by presenting myself in the best way. I discussed things as though they didn’t bother me so much, I talked about how well I handled things, and I guess I was fishing to be told that I was better than I felt. But this relates to the shame. You mentioned being afraid to speak about your experiences and the feelings they’ve caused, and I just want to encourage you to lean in and speak about that. I felt no relief until I did that, and I wish I had done so sooner.

It might be helpful to start with why disclosure frightens you. This can prompt the counselor to address those fears to help you feel more secure about being open.

Wishing you peace and comfort.

Thank you so much, I don’t know why but I just tear up reading your kind words, and others’ words as well. It makes me feel better but I also feel guilty having sympathy from strangers online. I went to the session but I felt very weird, I don’t know. A bit uncomfortable. I did the exact same thing as you I believe, I began to make it out as if I’m better than I am, so I can appear stronger. I think it’s out of habit. I have a feeling she could see through me. I’m that type of person you can see all my emotions through my face. I have a very sad face all the time. Bless her, I could see she was trying to make me feel comfortable. Next session is on Monday. I don’t know, I’ll see how it goes. I really need to stop with this crying problem I have. I’ll be normal then I have to quickly go somewhere and hide and break down. That horrible feeling in my chest comes after, I don’t know why, I feel like my brother is following me. It scares me. It’s okay, I’ll try to manage.