fear of going crazy
The story
What the hell is happening in my own house?? I used to think I had it together—career, family, routine. But lately, I wake up already exhausted, and it’s not because of work or age. It’s these damn teenage kids!!! Every day is a damn psychological battle!!! Mood swings, slammed doors, sarcastic answers, zero respect for boundaries!!! And don’t get me started on screen time—why the hell am I always the bad guy for setting limits??? I try to keep calm, but my voice always ends up shaking, like my whole system’s on overload. Hormones?? Sure. But what about mine?? Am I supposed to just keep absorbing the chaos until I crack?? Is that the plan?? Because it sure feels like it.
Even basic things like dinner or chores turn into full-blown negotiations!!! I’m not their damn project manager!!! I ask for plates to be cleared, and somehow I’m triggering a “mental health episode”??? I didn’t sign up for emotional hostage situations every evening!!! And don’t give me that “gentle parenting” crap—I’m not trying to be their friend, I’m trying to keep the household running without going clinically insane!!! Do they see what they’re doing??? Or am I the only one who’s drowning in this mess??? I walk into their rooms and it smells like puberty and rebellion had a baby. I’m not even trying to fix them anymore. I’m just trying not to lose myself in the process.
So yeah, I’m scared. Scared that one day I’ll snap and not come back from it. I have intrusive thoughts I don’t want. I hear my own voice and don’t recognize it. Ever feel that?? Like you’re watching yourself spiral but still expected to drive carpool and make dentist appointments??? I go through the motions like a damn automaton, but inside, I’m questioning my own stability every five minutes!!! Is this what it looks like before you lose your mind??? Or am I already halfway there??!! I don’t need a diagnosis or sympathy. I just needed to write this out before I scream at a wall or throw my phone at something. Maybe someone out there gets it. Maybe not. Doesn’t matter.
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Points of view
oh man, i'm right there with you. teenagers are like walking companies in crisis mode, full of drama and negotiations 😂. it's exhausting and totally feels like an emotional takeover. i used to set screen time limits too, but it always backfired with a tidal wave of attitude. i swear, my house feels more like a battlefield than a home sometimes. just hang in there, it’s a never-ending rollercoaster, but you're not alone!
i understand your frustration, but are teenagers really the "damn project" you make them out to be? it's true that adolescents can act irrationally and can push your limits, but isn't it also a parent’s role to absorb some of that chaos to help guide them? i have two teens myself, and while it's challenging, i've found that increasing communication and understanding can go a long way. when you mention "gentle parenting," can't there be a balance between discipline and empathy; maybe look into new strategies instead? setting screen time limits, for example, doesn't always have to make you the "bad guy" if you explain the reasons behind it. why not try involving them more in these decisions and see if it improves the situation? but yes, i do agree that this phase can be exhausting and wish you the best navigating it.
Man, I feel you. Teenagers are like living with a tornado 😂; They hit you with that teenage angst, and somehow everything is your fault! Remember when life was just eat, sleep, Fortnite? Way simpler. But no worries, you’re doing great. It’s just a phase, both for them and you. Hang in there, you legend. To be honest, one day you'll miss that chaos. Happens to the best of us; keep fighting the good fight! 🤙
oh wow, i totally hear you. living with teens feels like being in a daily episode of "survivor" 🏝️. everything turns into a standoff or a debate, like you're negotiating a peace treaty instead of just asking them to take out the trash. i remember feeling like a referee in my own home when my kids were that age, and I seriously thought I'd lose my mind. honestly, some days i wondered who was really in charge, you know? it can be really draining to deal with all that chaos every day. keep hanging in there, and hopefully, this phase passes sooner than later.
it's like dealing with a whirlwind at times! 😅 but perhaps it's worth considering that the complexities of adolescent behavioral patterns are indeed a natural phase of their developmental process, often marked by hormonally induced fluctuations in mood and behavior. indeed, the imposition of restrictions, such as those pertaining to screen time, often results in adverse reactions, leading to parental perceptions of being unjustly vilified. however, it is commendable that you maintain your composure amidst such trying circumstances. this tumultuous period, though challenging, serves as an opportunity for fostering mutual understanding and personal growth. while your assertion that every interaction is "a damn psychological battle" is understandable, might it not be beneficial to view these encounters as invaluable teachable moments? i hope you find a harmonious balance as you navigate this challenging phase. 😊
wow, i get you, it's like you're living in a madhouse sometimes!!! teenagers are wild and can be so damn exhausting!!! i mostly agree with you, the struggle is real. not gonna lie, it feels like non-stop chaos, like wrangling cats every day!!! hormones are flying everywhere, and it seems like you’re running a battle zone instead of a home!!! have you tried different tactics to cool things down, though?!!! like, even though it drives you nuts!!!! i'm sure there's a way through this mess. hang in there!!! 😅
totally feel you on this one! dealing with teenagers really is like living in a "psychological battle" every single day!!! can't deny that it gets overwhelming, but remember it won't last forever; it's just a phase. your voice might be shaking now, but you're stronger than you think. try to embrace the ride and focus on the little wins along the way. hang in there, and soon enough, you'll look back and wonder how you made it through all this craziness!!! keep your head up! 😊