this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2025
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Dad for a Minute

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Hi Dad, this is hard for me to say, & I know it might be hard for you to hear, but I hate myself. I don’t like the person I’ve grown into, & it’s not because of anything you did wrong in fact, it’s the opposite. You gave me a good childhood. You were present, supportive, & loving. You helped me through school, college, my relationship, & advice for getting a good job. On paper I am doing well but I don’t feel that way. I tried to do everything right but I still can’t shake the hate I have for myself. That hatred that used to motivate me now just a heavy weight. I’m so quick to give up. I feel tired all the time, like I’m running on empty, even when I’m doing nothing. And the worst part is I can’t seem to push through it, even when I know something might make me feel better, I don’t have the energy or will. I just feel stuck doing things I don’t really enjoy since they don’t require any energy to do. I hate that part of me. For me, when things get hard, I now stall & I hate that about myself. I guess I’m reaching out because I want to understand how you’ve kept going. How have you always gotten up when you’ve felt miserable. I feel like you gave me so much potential & I’ve squandered it.

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[–] wildbus8979@sh.itjust.works 8 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Son, this sounds an awful lot like burnout. Have you thought about consulting a therapist, or talking to your doctor about?

Don't let it go on forever without getting help, it's only going to make it worse!

[–] mlegstrong@sh.itjust.works 6 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I started seeing a therapist a month. I’ve never really talk about how I feel & don’t understand what to say when we meet. I feel like I’m wasting time each session. Everyone says they help but I don’t even understand how.

[–] gdog05@lemmy.world 10 points 4 days ago

You should tell your therapist just that. Some therapists draw out your problems. Some let them spill out. Being a bit raw and vulnerable with your therapist is needed for growth. And maybe your therapist isn't a good fit. Either way, they're there for you. Not the other way 'round.

Going to a therapist is a huge step in trying to better yourself and your circumstances. Good job in doing that.

[–] wildbus8979@sh.itjust.works 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)

To add to what the other dad said. Not every therapist is going to be a good fit. First follow the rest of the advice they gave you, it's good advice, but if it doesn't click with this particular therapist, don't hesitate to seek out another one who would be a better fit.

[–] mlegstrong@sh.itjust.works 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I’m just worried if I switch the effort of starting back up will be too much & it will be easier to just stop going. Is this normal to feel this way?

[–] andyburke@fedia.io 6 points 4 days ago

Brother, just wanna let you know I am here, too. We aren't alone. And honestly, one thing to consider is it's not all us. Modern society is more complex and detached than any time in our history. Is it a wonder we don't feel stable or like nothing we do matters?

When you take a step back and look at things from the perspective of say, an alien, it can make how you feel make so much more sense. It is very difficult to both fulfill society's current demands of us and feel fulfilled and worth something at the same time.

Reading these replies for whatever wisdom I can grab, too. 👍