Childhood Bullying , No Confidence, Depression - Recoverable??

Hi PMO Addict,

Many people who have never experienced severe depression will never understand your struggle. They are going to say things like "Don't play the victim. Depression is all in the mind. Being depressed is your decision. All of your negative circumstances are your fault." This mentality is very prevalent in the NoFap community and does little to address the underlying emotional issues that come with depression and addiction.

Unfortunately, these types of responses, while well-intentioned, display a complete lack of empathy and understanding about the debilitating effects of severe depression. You've struggled with this for many years and done all kinds of different things to help yourself. None of them have worked. People don't see the frustration and hopelessness that goes along with the struggle.

It sounds to me like you are very hard on yourself. I grew up in a dysfunctional household with a narcissistic father. In our family, we never once admitted weakness, because that was taboo. As a result, I always beat myself up whenever I failed and internalized these failures.

The first step to healing in your situation is going to be to forgive yourself for your failures. You have social anxiety? It's ok that you had an awkward interaction. So what! You're allowed to be awkward! You did something embarassing? So what! There are so many people who would find it relatable.

The next thing you need to do is open up to others about your struggle. It's not going to be easy. It might be awkward at first. It's going to take courage. But find someone you trust, that you know has your best intentions at heart. Tell them that you are hurting and are looking for a way out. You won't believe the rush of relief that will flood over you. If you don't have anyone, feel free to shoot me a message. I'm more than happy to share my experience with you of overcoming severe depression.

The last piece of advice for you is don't put a label on yourself. Dysmythia is a scary-sounding name for an ordinary struggle. It does not define you and is not who you are. You might label yourself as an unemployed 26-year-old with incurable dysmythia. The truth is that you are just a young man who has not had the easiest life but is struggling to find meaning.
Please take some time to have compassion for yourself today. Cold showers, exercise, and meditation are wonderful things, but they are just tools to add to your toolbox. Healing begins when you make the decision to repair the broken parts of your mind, body, and spirit.