OOC: Legit, take a step back and outline the positives. Like begets like. Or something like that, so you need to work on that outlook first. Granted, you don't have to do it alone. You've got a community that's here to talk with you.

OOC: I don't know you or what happened, but no matter how bad things get, remember that even if this week's been shitty, maybe (and probably) things will get better sooner or later, you just gotta hang in there. And finding meaning in your life...there is never an easy answer to that, it just comes to you when you, you could say it comes when you survive a terrible ordeal, i know this isn't much but you have to be strong, there's still a tomorrow!

thanks @ThatOtherHibiki. There aren't much positives in my life, but I'll try. I've just been worn down by school and my peers and I just can't take it anymore. I just really need some help with these feelings.

I'm pretty much the same, really. Life is pretty meaningless on a scale of universe to humanity, but that doesn't mean you cannot make your own meaning in life.

Whatever is stressing you out, try distancing yourself from it if possible and minimizing damage. Most importantly, find something in your life that makes you happy, makes all the crap worth it. If you can be passionate about something, life is worth living and you can take strength from that. And if the world isn't to your liking; try changing it, or look for a place to belong. It may be hard to find, but it's very worth it.

This coming from someone with depression, anxiety and had a total mental shutdown several years ago I haven't fully recovered from. Try to avoid that; it sucks.

Never be afraid to vent, either. Bottling stuff up will morph into something putrid and awful.

Keep active. It seems stupid and unrelated, but I promise you, take a good walk around your neighbourhood and you'll feel at least a bit better. Try to notice all the bright (as in happy) things you come across if you decide to try.

thank you too @Kazuya. I'm aware of the whole "it gets worse before it gets better" phrase, but I don't know. I just don't know how to straighten out my life and get back on track. I guess it's a thing only I can figure out for myself.

don't bottle it up? okay, you all wouldn't mind if I vent?

Not at all, go right ahead.

@Shiza_Salad

Vent away.

The more you talk about your shit the better it always feels.

^Truth^

alright where do I start? I have a friend that is constantly being depressing and suicidal, so that doesn't help. I'm always getting belittled by others who are just assholes. I'm trying to ask out a girl I like, but I'm not sure what'll happen, considering I would need deserve someone like her, so this puts me on even more of a teetering edge. I have a shit sleep schedule cause I'm an insomniac so I rarely fall asleep, and when I do, I only sleep for a few hours.

This doesn't help with my schoolwork either, where I have it everyday and I just can't be bothered with it. My stepdad is a dick to me and I hate him, and to top it all off, I can't find any meaning in my life. I don't have a reason to exist other than to do so for the sake of doing it. I dunno guys, I just hate my life.

@Shiza_Salad, YOU HAVE A MEANING IN LIFE! NEVER THINK YOU DON'T! All those people you mentioned are just that, assholes. Remember, we at the Phansite are all behind you. You can pull through, and we'll be supporting you every step of the way. AT the very least, I will. I'm always here if you want someone to talk to. I have friends irl who are also depressed, so I can help deal with these things. You're not alone, and we all believe in you.

Hey Shiza. I, myself, have struggled with those same feelings. It's really hard and debilitating to feel exhausted and constantly on edge. I know that things feel hopeless, and life can be kind of a drag. However, from personal experience, all I can say is that you need to persevere for the sake of the endless potential your future can hold. Yeah things suck now, your step dad is a dick and your being belittled by assholes. But that's the keyword here. They're effing assholes. They take joy from your misery, and that type of person is probably the most miserable inside. The fact that you recognize they're dicks is enough in itself to choose to ignore them. Which is hard. But you're better than them, and you and I know that. As for your friend, who's suicidal, there's only so much you can do. Be there for them, but don't suffer. Remind yourself that there's only so much help you can give, and you can't allow yourself to feel miserable for not being everything they need. Depression is a steep, disgusting thing, and it's not something that's simple or easy. So you can't do everything, you're not superman.

You have plenty of reasons to exist. The problems you're facing now will seem inconsequential in the future, when you've overcome this and have found joy elsewhere.

thank you guys. I appreciate all of you who replied and helped me. I guess the thing to do is keep on keeping on? First things first though, I gotta find some reason to live. Eh screw it, I'll I ask her out. That's a reason to lie I guess. Until then, I'll find something else. Again, thank you all. I just wish there was a way to return the favor.

*live, not lie

No problem Shiza. Glad we could all help. Like you said, keep on keeping on. It'll be fine. The worst thing she can do is say "no." Just remember that.

@Shiza_Salad no need to return anything. The fact that you've decided you are worth it is enough for me. That girl had better say "Yes," but don't worry, I'm confidant she will.

thanks soup. I need that confidence tbh. also, in light of recent developments, I might actually have a chance. So yeah.

First thing is first, your friend: Be there for them, but don't impose. Listening is better than doing anything at all sometimes. Don't forget about your own welfare as well, it's no good if you both are stressed. And please, don't blame yourself if you cannot cheer them up. They are going through their own struggles as well as you are. Support each other but don't think you are to blame for not doing enough; you are only one person after all.

Other people; Yes, people can be absolute bastards. You could say they are the reason I fell apart. Unfortunately, fighting them will just spout more trouble, and these types cannot be reasoned with. Try not to give them a reaction. If they cannot get anything out of you, they may leave you alone; of course, you can report them to school authorities as well, especially if the reason they are harassing you is demographic. Don't worry about being tough or a snitch or something stupid like that, the sooner they stop the better. If all else fails... Just try to be cool about it. They'll be the ones looking stupid if they are being obnoxious without anything to gain. And remember that you will probably never see these idiots again after school ends; if they don't change they'll likely end up alone or in jail anyway.

This girl you like; I would take this two different ways depending on your relationship with her. If you're already friends, find the right moment and forwardly confess. It's cliche, but if she says yes, you're set. And if she says no, atleast she knows and you were brave. Who knows? She may think about you again at a later date. If you're strangers, try to approach her casually, take things slowly. She may get the wrong idea if you come on strong and she's a shy type. Most importantly; don't do anything Teddie or Yusuke would do.

(Continued...)

For sleeping; do you drink caffeine? It can cause restlessness when sleeping at night. Dropping it for non-caffeine drinks would improve this. If you suffer from anxiety and depression though, insomnia is a common symptom regardless of habits. You need to consult a professional about this.

Homework; Sadly, there is no escaping homework. Try to put up with it. It's easier if you address the stressful areas of your life and conquer those. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

And bad parents; sadly, there's not much to be done either here... You could always ask to stay with another family member if possible. If tensions aren't that bad, maybe you can sit down for a heart to heart. If nothing else... You never have to see them again once you're 18. Try to make plans for that even if it's just bunking with a friend.

I hope this helped atleast a little.

@AdachiImouto

my friend: I've done basically all that, but he says he'd be uncomfortable talking to me about it. I replied with "I'm here for it when you want to talk" (this happened today, so I guess I just wait?).

Other people: Yeah, I try ignoring them, but there's only so much I can take. I flipped one off today for a dumb comment of his. this is what I alluded to with the "did some dumb stuff" in my first post. Just a tad bit worried about the consequences tbh.

Homework: I try to do most of it, but I am a procrastinator and have a short attention spam for those sorts of things. I just have to put my nose to the grindstone.

The girl: I'm already friends with her, so that's the main reason I'm afraid to ask her. She's really nice and I just don't think I'm good enough for her. There's no use in not trying though.

Sleeping: No, I don't drink caffeinated beverages. last time I have done so was three months ago, where I accidentally stayed up all night with a friend as a mixed result of video games and tons of Mountain Dew. pretty sure it's a side effect of the depression.

and finally, parents: Occasionally my stepdad can be nice, but other times he gets on my ass about the tinniest things and accuses me of things I didn't do. I probably could get through to him with talking if e wasn't so thick-headed. I don't have any relatives nearby, and to be honest, I think that'd be a bit much for the situation.

@Shiza_Salad if you're already friends with the girl that makes it all the easier! Since you know her, you would probably know how best to approach her, thus increasing your chance of success dramatically! Also, good choice flipping them off. I don't normally recommend fighting fire with fire, but in your circumstance, it might be necessary to be a bit passive aggressive to get people to back off. As for the stepdad, try talking it through, because I'm sure he doesn't truly hate you. If this doesn't work you might want to talk to your mother about. The friend, you've done all you can. You've given a message of acceptance, and now it's his choice whether he wants to talk to you. Don't force him to talk, or he might clam up. You've said the right words and given the right message, so you've done your best, and for that I applaud you. I feel you for the homework, I'm actually slacking off a bit right now, but I feel it's worth it. Like you said, put your nose to the grindstone, and you'll be fine.

now my life is sorted out and I can move on. thank you all so much,

@Shiza_Salad
Dude, you could have come to me

@Shiza_Salad
Dude, you could have come to me

@-AdachiTohru- yeah I know, sorry. you were kinds offline or doing something else when I started this thread. in addition to that, I didn't want to bother oh with my meaningless futile bullshit. Everyone else helped instead, and I feel great now, thanks to them. There's a reason why I've repeatedly told you this community is great.