Venting My heart goes out to all of you.

[Arvayn]

I hope this doesn't come off as virtue signaling.

There are so many people on here talking about their ambitions, their hopes and dreams. More often than not, they crash and burn; the vastest majority don't improve. Such is reality.
When I read through all the vent posts and all the members imparting their experiences in this place of despair, it paradoxically makes me feel more deeply connected to humanity. There's almost always still a microscopic semblance of hope that you can spot in there.

A common thought I get is that I wish I could help everyone. Take in all the world's pain and fight the unwinnable fight. But I'm only human, and all I can do is offer words. Words hardly ever accomplish much; no matter how truthful or how understanding they may be, they will never have the power to meaningfully change someone's life for the better. I don't have the financial situation to help, either. It saddens me, even if it's not unbearably so.

I feel incredibly cheesy and self-centered after writing this, I apologize for the cringe. It's just wishful thinking that I often get when I see people who actually have salvageable circumstances.

 

[Oreki]

I don't find it cringe or cheesy at all. You can really tell you have genuine compassion. Even if words can't fix everything, they can still make people feel less alone, and that has value. I've had similar thoughts, taking on other people's pain, the pain of those who truly deserve relief and are good hearted. It feels like at least I would have served a higher purpose and then just go myself

 

[kiwimochii]

I understand and have felt what you've described here myself. Although you've worded it better than I ever could. It's a bit ironic that we wish for the betterment of literal strangers on the internet whilst suffering ourselves. As you said- words are, for a lack of better term, useless to help anyone but I still appreciate you taking the time to write this out despite the bitter feeling.

 

[-Link-]

Words hardly ever accomplish much; no matter how truthful or how understanding they may be, they will never have the power to meaningfully change someone's life for the better.

As you said- words are, for a lack of better term, useless to help anyone

"Meaningfully changing someone's life for the better" is a bit of a high standard to meet. If your words help another person get through their day -- or even just the next hour -- then you've done a lot, right there.

Sometimes it's just a matter of being a listening ear. A lot of members allude to feeling isolated and misunderstood in their day-to-day lives, so even if you're not able to "help" in a conventional way, you're still making them feel seen and heard which -- on a platform where so many members are walking the line between life and death -- counts for a lot.

And then, even in situations where none of the above is possible, I feel like most people can still appreciate good intentions.

This forum is very heavy to navigate, especially in a way where you'd set out to help and support other members here. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and to feel a futility in this. We all feel it sometimes. But every little bit you do and say in support of other people here, does count for something, even when the weight of the forum is making you feel otherwise.

 

[nocatwaslost]

I even get a little bit of a warm feeling simply when someone reacts to my message written on the forum with a hug, a heart or something else. Like just that they have read my message and could relate. It does not even have to be a reply, just a simple heart or hug illustrating empathy makes me feel seen.

 

[last.hummingbird]

I can relate to this. It's just your empathy speaking. A lot of users on this forum may have complex struggles, but as was already mentioned even just words of solace can go a long way in helping individuals feel seen and supported.

 

[FoxSauce]

The thought itself is much appreciated really ot helps more than you know. Seems you have a lot of kindness to give.

Keep doing that, it may not be much in your eyes but to me speaking means a lot.