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Thinking where I would be without here
TheNightmare
Posts: 2,424 Boards Champion
I wanted to talk about where I think I’d be if I didn’t join here or have the support I have here. Before I found this space, I felt so stuck. I’ve been struggling to find work since finishing college, and it’s been beyond discouraging. Every application felt like a dead end, and the negative comments from people just made everything worse. I felt completely isolated and wasn’t sure how to deal with it. I used to bottle everything up because I didn’t want to admit I was struggling, but that just made it worse. My stress would build up, and I’d spiral into worst-case scenarios, feeling more and more hopeless. When I finally started opening up, even just a little, it felt like the weight lifted a bit. Talking about it helped clear my mind, and I realized just how important it is to share what you’re going through.
Not opening up can really trap you in your own head. It creates this cycle of stress, and everything just feels impossible. I felt like I was carrying all of it alone, which only made things worse. But being here has been a huge change for me. I can express myself without worrying about being judged, and it’s made me feel so much less alone. There’s something about knowing there are people who understand what I’m going through that makes all the difference. What I think is really important, though, is finding the right place to open up to. I’ve tried other places, but they didn’t quite fit, and it just didn’t feel right. This space, though, has given me that it’s helped me realize that my struggles aren’t something to be ashamed of, and it’s honestly made me feel less isolated in all of this. If I didn’t have this support, I’d probably be struggling way more, and I honestly don’t know where that would have led me.
Not opening up can really trap you in your own head. It creates this cycle of stress, and everything just feels impossible. I felt like I was carrying all of it alone, which only made things worse. But being here has been a huge change for me. I can express myself without worrying about being judged, and it’s made me feel so much less alone. There’s something about knowing there are people who understand what I’m going through that makes all the difference. What I think is really important, though, is finding the right place to open up to. I’ve tried other places, but they didn’t quite fit, and it just didn’t feel right. This space, though, has given me that it’s helped me realize that my struggles aren’t something to be ashamed of, and it’s honestly made me feel less isolated in all of this. If I didn’t have this support, I’d probably be struggling way more, and I honestly don’t know where that would have led me.
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Comments
keep going!!!
It feels really beautiful to hear you say that this space has helped you feel less ashamed of your struggles. Shame can be SUCH an isolating feeling that often makes us want to withdraw and hide. And I'm happy this Community has been somewhere you've been able to experiment with different ways of coping with your feelings, opening up and asking for help
As a relatively new staff member here on Community, it's honestly been lovely to get to know this space too and see how you Community members show up for each other. It's so cool!
You mentioned you'd tried reaching out to other places for support too, but something just didn't feel quite right. May I ask what you mean by this, and in what ways they didn't feel right? It sounds like an important feeling to listen to!
Take good care, @TheNightmare
@Lucy_21 thanks so much, that's all true and we're all here for you too.
@Sian321 Thanks so much for your kind words and understanding it really means a lot. You’re right that shame can feel so isolating, and this Community has made such a difference in helping me open up. It’s great to hear you’re finding this space so positive too.
As for other places I tried, they felt a bit too formal or didn’t quite click the same way. This Community feels much more supportive and relatable. Thanks again for your thoughtful message.
@sinead276 Thanks a lot for your reply, really means a lot. Knowing this Community is here and sees my efforts keeps me going. I’m so grateful for the encouragement.