Anonymous Venting for Mental Health and Emotional Support

I know it's bad to compare myself but sometimes I can't help it, it's not online people much as I stray away; instead, it's my own sister, her hair is amazing, getting compliments, called a diva by a gay guy, that one hurt, knowing I'm apart of that community, it was so embarrassing that it's hard for me to call myself a trans gay man knowing I'm just a loser, she many online friends as we're both homeschool, friends with anyone, and talks to the family, longer eyelashes. She's on her phone, probably texting her friends all the time. I have two normal sisters and then there's me, it's like everybody can see that I'm the weird one for my hobbies and how I look. I don't like being cynical so I've been working on that but now I just feel bad, comparing myself.

It's hard, investing in my looks by buying skincare, wigs, clothes, and even trying makeup even tho I'm shit at it, I'll never be as cute as those girls or boys online in my own eyes. I see people I relate to online, mainly girls but they're also pretty, I just wish I was at least pretty even tho I'm depressed and mentally ill.

My suicidal thoughts come randomly, "omg I'm 18 rn but I'll be 30 in 12 years and my life has amount to nothing! I should die rn." "Omg my sister is better than me and everyone can tell, she doesn't talk to me as much anymore, maybe I'm better off dead." "Omg my life is terrible and will stay that way, need to die before it gets worse."

My cousins, even the adults ones and their partners and my sis all have a group chat without me, it's like even my family thinks I'm weird or something. I just don't talk much so they probably assume I hate them or something.

That being said... should I try and make friends again? Even e-date around?

I feel like there are a mixture of ai responses and human responses on here, don't tell me to join a support group, I've been looking and trying. There's not many free ones and I have to keep waiting for the right day of the week to even join. Cant even get a therapist becuz I don't even have a doctor becuz my mom wants me to wait and do it with her. It's annoying. I feel like I'm in "learned helplessness", am I?

Anything is appreciated.

All of this started when I (M23) got off from work midday. I was originally resting and called a friend to see if he's doing okay at the training camps in South Carolina. After that, I was called over by my mother (F45) downstairs to help her get of old stuff in her office. To make things clear, we just moved into a townhouse after living from an Airbnb vacation home (last month) after selling our house (December, last year). The reason why was because of a divorce between her and my so-called father, but that's something I want to keep private.

Back to the story, I was helping her take care of stuff she want to give to the thrift store. While I was finishing up putting paper into the big trashbag, Mom requested me to lay down the cardboards (which was the moving boxes), since we're going donate her old stuff out and come back. When I did just that, she started getting upset - demanding that I should take it and the others to the garage. Mind you, she didn't say anything about taking it out at first, making things both confusing and annoying. This wasn't the first time she gave out vague instructions and then yell when I misunderstood her or asking for reassurance. We arrived at the thrift store, and gave away the old stuff to the clerk. Inside the SUV, Mom was complaining about me "not listening" and that I need to be more responsible. Well said the damn fool who made a illegal U-Turn (on a non-turning lane) to get back to the road! When I called her out on it, she brushed it off as a mild inconvenience. That's one strike.

Mom remembered that she need groceries for the house. Before doing that, she need to move the SUV to the disabled parking - so we can use the car to go the supermarket. Reminder, we just moved in a townhouse and for more context, our garage is a little packed to have two vehicles inside which we got to have a routine that one has to be in the garage while the other goes to the parking lot. Once we got to the parking lot, she told me to get the car out of the disabled to a different direction to a long road (right - leading to a kids' playground). Back then, I didn't think it was possible because I parked far from another car close to ours. So I backed the car to the left. There was another car in the way, but I was careful not to hit it and driver. By the time Mom parked the SUV and got in the car, she was irritated by decision - not even letting me explain why. That's two strikes.

Here comes the third one which made reconsider our relationship as mother and son. While I was driving to the supermarket, Mom wanted me to go to a far right lane to get there. I responded that we're on the left turning lane which is another way to reach there as well. (Another thing to add, I don't like talking while on the wheel because it breaks my focus on where to go.) She continued to rant that I should listen to her and turn. When doing just that, a car was already in the way of the lane I need to turn to. To make things worse, I accidently ran over some infrastructure along the way - leading her to believe I was being reckless, accusing me of doing the same thing on my way to work. I was offended, as I was always careful when going to work. I literally had no issue driving alone, it's the fact that SOMEONE thought it was okay to continue bashing on other peoples' mistakes - making me stressed already with the previous incidents.

Once I parked, I had enough and screamed that her hissy fits, vague favors and accusatory behavior has got to stop. The more she does this, it lowers my self-esteem and can't get things right without her on my case. For the most stupidest shit that no middle-aged adult should ever get upset. Before leaving and finished shopping, she ends things off with that she doesn't care, stating she's the main provider and that I have no right to talk to her; due to her being my mother. Well I'm your damn son wanting my boundaries to be respected which you ignore - unless when it's about Dad or something else bothers me. SHIT!

To end things off, she isn't bad overall. I know she has her pros while at her best. It's her worst which not taking care of hypocrisy and being dramatic when trying to understand her ridiculousness. Forgive me for the long rant. I was a little hesitant to share this, but I have to, since I can't keep hiding this forever. Tell me what you guys think.

[Translated from Portuguese. Reminder: IIWIARS is English only]

hi, i’m 16 years old, and i have depression and of course i didn’t go to a psychologist bc i know what i have, and if i go it would just be to confirm it, and yeah i do plan to go

today my day was wonderful until a simple video ruined it, my best friend sent me a video asking what i hated most about her so i said it’s when she says her body and hair are ugly, i was trying to cheer her up but it didn’t work, she said she’s more mature than me, that i’m immature because i say and do things without thinking, and she said she doesn’t trust me anymore, even though i said i was gonna change, but i don’t know how to change, i never had help for that, so i don’t know what i did wrong, man, i try to be that person who jokes around and laughs at everything but inside i’m falling apart, i told her i probably have smiling and silent depression, she has depression too and i thought she was gonna help me but she said i have to go to a psychologist for that, which isn’t wrong, but she said it in such a cold way that i never told her what i felt ever again, i don’t know what i have... i can’t change, and i’m hugely emotionally dependent on her, even when she does or says something that hurts me i just ignore it, but if i say something even if i didn’t mean to hurt her, she just doesn’t like it and when she’s mad about something she stops talking to me, in a way i understand her but i just wanted help even though i don’t know what to do...

i hate myself because my family doesnt believe i have adhd and mental health problems even through i do have adhd and mental health problems because i am really getting overwelmed really quickly when i have so much do in the household

Sunday, 15th March 2026

I got into a little argument with lil bro(10), I hit him on his head. Then he jumped on me with all his weight and tried to choke me and punched my face. I scratched his face because that's all I could. Then elder brother(26) pulled me away, I threw a bottle at him but it hit mother instead. Then she hit me with that bottle twice. No one stopped him. No one shouted at him. No one took my side. Everyone says it's my fault. Everyone was against me. Mother was saying it's your fault that he hit you. Everyone said they should make me wash dishes so I can't keep my nails long. Middle brother(22) said call her here and make her wash dishes now. Elder brother said make her wash dishes.

And when my older brothers hit me because I tried to say what is fair and treat them with equal disrespect? Everytime it's my fault because I'm a girl, I just want to run away from here as soon as I can. I can't take it anymore. My mother is saying it's all my fault and it happened because I went out with friends the day before. She said she won't let me go out ever again. she called my friends whores.

I've come to the harsh realization that perhaps, I'm not the nicest person around. In my mid-thirties, I find myself surrounded only by a single friend and a girlfriend, yet I can't shake the feeling that I'm somehow superior to others. My lifestyle is quite reclusive; I shy away from any social gatherings related to work, and most of my routine revolves around my job, hitting the gym, smoking weed, and cycling. Traveling and cycling in the forest are my escapes, the rare times I don't feel swamped by depression.

Interacting with people, especially in groups, is a daunting task for me. The fear of turning red-faced and being judged negatively is always lurking. Thus, I avoid such situations altogether. There's a worrisome intensity in the way I live; I indulge too often in alcohol or getting high, viewing people merely as elements that enhance my own existence. My eyes wander too freely, admiring every attractive woman I come across, often blatantly flirting in the presence of my girlfriend. Even though these thoughts are never vocalized, I often catch myself belittling others or feeling utter disdain towards them internally.

I confess to being a staunch atheist, holding a disdainful view towards those who are spiritually inclined, believing myself to be smarter, better-looking, and stronger. The resentment builds whenever I see someone possessing what I desire, although I manage to keep this anger bottled up within.

Dominating these emotions is a profound sense of isolation, mixed oddly with a perverse comfort in wallowing in my misery. Sometimes, hurting my own feelings seems like a twisted form of pleasure, perhaps because it means feeling something at all.

My family background does little to lighten my outlook. My brother lives with the dark shadow of being a murderer and a former heroin addict. My father was a violent man, devoid of emotions, who ultimately took his own life. My mother, afflicted by illness so severe that she has been bedridden since my childhood, sparks a guilt within me for not taking care of her. However, I've chosen a path of self-preservation as dedicating myself to her care would consume my own existence entirely.

This life I've crafted for myself is one I despise, yet a part of me feels I shouldn't. With a good education, a well-paying job, and an undeniable appeal to women, I should feel fulfilled. Instead, I’m left feeling empty and, frankly, disgusted with myself for sounding like a self-pitying fool. What the hell is wrong with me?

Despite my efforts not to belittle others overtly, the impression that people don’t like me is hard to shake off. Loneliness is a constant companion.

If I were to join a reality show, my character might be polarizing. Would the audience appreciate my brutally honest introspections, or would they be repelled by my self-confessed arrogance and emotional detachment? It's intriguing yet terrifying to ponder how my persona would unfold under the constant scrutiny of cameras and a public audience.

I chose the friendship stories category but yeah it's related to friendship, love, family, work... I am like that.

Hey everyone, I’m not usually one to air my personal stuff, but I really need some advice here. For the past few months, I’ve had this gut feeling that my wife might be cheating on me, and it's eating me alive. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but the signs are starting to pile up, and I’m just not sure what to do.

It all started when she began staying late at work more often. At first, I didn’t think much of it—she’s always been dedicated to her job. But then, she became super protective of her phone. She used to leave it lying around, but now she keeps it close and seems to be on it all the time, even at odd hours. And when I casually ask about her day, her answers feel...vague? Like she’s hiding something.

Then there are the little things. She started dressing up more than usual, even just to “run errands” or meet friends. It’s almost like she’s trying to impress someone. I’ve tried to brush it off, telling myself I’m being paranoid, but every time I bring it up, she gets defensive or says I’m just being insecure. It makes me feel like maybe I’m overthinking, but part of me feels like my concerns are valid.

To make things worse, I found a receipt for a fancy dinner that she said was a "work thing," but I know her company usually doesn’t do dinners like that. I keep second-guessing myself, and now I’m stuck in this loop of anxiety. I don’t want to accuse her without solid proof, but I also can’t keep living in this uncertainty.

So here I am, asking for advice. Has anyone else been through this? How do you confront someone you love without it turning into a huge fight? Should I even bring it up again, or am I just being paranoid? Any advice would be appreciated—I feel like I’m losing my mind here.

For the longest time, I’ve been stuck in this cycle of excuses. I’d wake up every morning telling myself I’d make changes, that today would be different, but by the time the day ended, I was back to square one. Whether it’s eating healthier, exercising, or even just cleaning my space, I keep putting it off. I’d tell myself, "I’ll start tomorrow," but tomorrow never seems to come.

Yesterday was my breaking point. I was scrolling through social media and saw an old friend post about running their first marathon. I remember how we used to run together, how much I loved it back then. And now? I can’t even jog up the stairs without feeling winded. It hit me like a ton of bricks—what am I even doing with my life? Why do I keep finding reasons to avoid what I know I need to do?

I looked around my apartment after that. Clothes piled up on the floor, dishes in the sink from who-knows-how-many days ago, and a gym membership card collecting dust on the counter. That’s when it finally clicked—it’s time to stop. It’s time to stop avoiding the hard stuff, time to stop pretending everything will fix itself, and time to stop being my own worst enemy.

I don’t have a perfect plan yet, and honestly, I’m scared I’ll slip back into my old habits. But I know I can’t keep going like this. If I don’t make a change now, when will I? Maybe writing this out will help me stay accountable. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’re feeling stuck too, maybe it’s time to stop and take the first step. We’ve got this.

Got lots of love to give but no one wants to have it. They want the toxic ones.

I never thought I’d end up here, but here I am, dreading every single morning when my alarm goes off. I hate my job. There, I said it. I’ve tried to convince myself that it’s just a phase, that everyone feels like this sometimes, but it’s been almost a year, and nothing’s changed. If anything, it’s gotten worse.

The work itself isn’t even that bad. I mean, it’s not what I’m passionate about, but it’s tolerable. The real problem is the people. My boss is one of those micro-managers who has to be involved in every tiny detail. No matter what I do, it’s never good enough. I’ll spend hours on a project, only for them to nitpick and make me redo the whole thing for no real reason. It’s exhausting and makes me feel like all my effort is pointless.

Then there’s the office culture—or lack of it. Nobody talks to each other unless it’s about work. Lunch breaks feel like detention, with everyone silently eating at their desks or scrolling through their phones. I tried to make friends when I first started, but everyone already seemed to have their little cliques. After a while, I just gave up.

What really gets to me, though, is the constant pressure. It’s like they expect us to give 110% all the time, but they don’t give anything back. Overtime is practically mandatory, but don’t expect a “thank you” or even acknowledgment for staying late. And forget about a raise or promotion—that’s a pipe dream. It’s hard not to feel bitter when you’re working so hard and getting nothing in return.

I keep telling myself I should just quit, but it’s not that simple. I’ve got bills to pay, and the job market isn’t exactly booming right now. Plus, there’s this tiny voice in the back of my head that keeps asking, “What if the next job is just as bad—or worse?” It’s like I’m stuck in this cycle where I hate my job, but I’m too scared to leave.

Even at home, I can’t seem to escape it. I’m constantly checking emails or stressing about the next deadline. It’s like my job has taken over my entire life, and I don’t know how to take it back. My family keeps telling me to just hang in there, but they don’t understand how draining it is. By the end of the day, I’m too tired to even think about applying for other jobs, let alone pursuing something I actually enjoy.

Sometimes, I wonder if it’s me. Maybe I’m just not cut out for this kind of work. Or maybe I’m being ungrateful because at least I have a job. But then I think about how miserable I am, and I can’t help but feel like there has to be more to life than this. Doesn’t there?

If anyone else feels this way, I’d love to know how you’re coping—or if you’ve managed to get out, how did you do it? Right now, I just feel stuck, and honestly, it’s hard to see a way forward. All I know is, I can’t keep living like this. Something’s gotta give.