Personal Experiences, Struggles and Setbacks Around Health
Health and wellbeing rarely improve in a straight line. In these stories, people share what they went through while trying to take care of their body or their mind: a fitness routine that didn't hold, a diet that backfired, a recovery that took longer than expected, a complicated relationship with their appearance, or simply the exhaustion of trying to do everything right.
Some stories are about setbacks and frustration, others about small victories. Many ask the same question: is it just me? Reading how others lived a similar situation can make it feel less isolating, and sharing your own can help you put words on it.
These stories are personal experiences and opinions, not medical advice. For a health problem, a doctor or another qualified professional remains the right person to talk to.
Been through something similar? Share your own story or read the most discussed stories.
I don't know where to start, or if there is even one singular place to start. I am the first born in a family of three with siblings that are much younger than me. My mom died when I was 12, but our second born was just 3 and the other was just 1. I had to grow up pretty quickly. My dad cut us off from all the family…
so here's the deal. every time I have to give an oral presentation at work, my fingers turn into ice cubes. like, seriously, I thought it was just the office being too cold. but then I looked around, and my coworkers are all chill, like they’re at a beach party or something. meanwhile, I’m over here feeling like I…
so i went to this tech conference with my friend last weekend. he was all excited about the networking and talks, but i wasn't too sure how i'd handle everything and boy, was it overwhelming. from the moment we walked in, the place was a sensory overload: bright lights flickered everywhere and it was so noisy with…
man, every single time i'm about to lead the weekly team meeting at work, i freaking freeze. like, my brain just shuts down and i'm left standing there feeling like an idiot. and it's so dumb because i know my shit inside out, you know? i'm always super prepared, got all the points laid out, yet when it comes to…
so, i was just at this packed-out event recently and let me tell you, it was not fun. i felt like my heart was trying to beat its way out of my chest and breathing? forget about it. all the while i had to plaster on this stupid smile so that my friends wouldn’t notice and start freaking out themselves. honestly, what…
I’ve noticed something really weird happening at work lately. Whenever my manager throws a high-pressure project my way, I turn into a ball of stress. Totally normal, right? I mean, who wouldn’t feel the heat when deadlines are breathing down your neck?
But here’s the kicker. Along with the stress, I start feeling…
It's like I’m in a never-ending battle with my own brain. Seriously, anxiety has its own agenda and it just loves pushing my buttons. It’s like a pinball machine that keeps going long after I’ve walked away, lights flashing like it’s having a rave. Every tiny thought kicks off a chain reaction, and before I know it…
I kinda hate driving on highways!!! Honestly, got a new job that requires driving on them daily... like WTH?!! Anyway so I'm super anxious when it comes to merging or changing lanes at crazy high speeds!!!! Yesterday was the worst of all days... trying to merge onto this ridiculously busy highway and BAM, panic attack…
Hey folks, I'm in a bit of a perplexed state and could use some insight. So, yesterday I was all geared up to give this important presentation at work—it felt like a pivotal moment, you know? Anyway, as I prepared to step up and take the stage, an unexpected wave of dread hit me out of nowhere. It was like my chest…
yo, so i've been havin’ these wild dreams where i'm fallin’ every freakin’ night. like, what even is that??! i wake up feelin’ all messed up and confused..... it's not cool at all! the weird thing is it's always the same: i'm standin’ on some stupid cliff or top of a building and then boom!!! i’m fallin’. i don't know…
moving to a new house has got me on edge. every little noise at night shoots my fears up sky high. i never thought such trivial sounds could mess with my head this hard. it feels like i'm constantly looking over my shoulder just waiting for something to happen, even when everything's totally chill. maybe it's just the…
ever find yourself replaying the same conversation in your head over and over? like, why does this happen? last night i couldn't sleep because of something a coworker casually said. it was just a simple comment but man did it stick with me. ive been thinking, is this normal or do i just overthink every little thing?…
yo, so i got this thing with organizing my pantry, right? every single night i'm going all in, obsessing over this junk. like, seriously checking expiration dates on everything and making sure that every label is facing forward. it's just messing up my sleep and dude, my roommates are getting real tired of it. not…
starting this sobriety thing has been one wild ride. I mean, who would have thought deciding to stop drinking could make me public enemy number one with my friends? Apparently just saying no isn't enough for people these days. They act like I've joined some weird cult or something; like I'm gonna start chanting…
okay, i gotta spill the beans here... i'm totally fed up with the way i look!!! it's like every time i scroll through insta or any social media, bam! these perfect pics are slapping me in the face. honestly, how do people ALWAYS manage to look so flawless??? and yeah, i've heard it all before from my fam and friends…