People feel comforted by strangers' kindness online
Several users express gratitude for supportive comments received on mental health forums, highlighting the value of connection and validation from anonymous individuals. They appreciate the simple act of someone showing care, even if they didn't directly engage with their posts.
SOURCES (60)
“Doesn't even have to be advice given back sometimes even just hearing out, listening to a person can be emotional support ( a person has someone to talk to, someone that will listen). Of you're getting mocked for it or any other negative reaction for…”
Thank you. This makes me feel better. I will try taking your advice. :)
“You are way more articulate than me. I was just throwing this out there but I agree. I’ve actually had some really helpful self reflection from interacting with mine that I don’t think I would have been self aware enough to ever get to on my own.”
“your worth isn’t just based on your accomplishments, it’s also based on who you are. and just based on the lil paragraph you wrote you clearly care about your mother, and you’re trying to do good. even if it sucks don’t sell yourself short just because you don’t have the same superficial accomplishments other kids your age do. comparison makes things worse because there will always be someone better than you. striving to be better is a good thing if you’re doing it for improvement and not to mat”
“This is coming from someone that is very familiar with this feeling, thats me. And no, you will not feel like this forever. Right now youre anxious about what comes next after uni but you will find your feet again.”
“thank you for the kind words but how could you care about someone you don’t know?”
“Thank you friend. I've lowered my self criticism and moved away from seeing the world as so messed up. There is ugliness and beauty alike all around and with it being so tough here, I honestly feel like it's really courageous to get up each day and strive to continue, simply not giving up is contributing. Much love my friend, thanks again.”
“You're welcome, that wasn't much I'm glad you feel a bit better today !! I'm a really proud of you ! Its never easy when you feel alone to speak and tell people how you feel. Try to don't put to much pressure on you okay ? like do what you can if you struggle don't feel guilty, just try again when u'll be in a better state. And if thing go bad or you if you just need to talk my dm are always open. Hope thing will get better for you ! i am proud of you”
“I’m so pleased to hear this, you deserve to be here. I think you need two things, support/comfort to just help you feel a bit better short-term, and actionable steps to help you to heal and recover. I think the best way for you to do both is to talk to someone close and trusted, maybe a family member for example (trust me if they care about you they would rather know), and talk to a professional in some way or at least an online free charity.”
“Thank you so much for sharing; that made me feel less alone. I hope the same for you”
“Thank you so much I’m crying. I really needed to hear that. I think I’ve heard it so much in the past and I still struggle to change our internal narrative. Thank you so much for seeing us. We’ve been losing ourselves especially with the weight of being parents. We really are trying our best”
“"showing up for your own healing means you already know how to show up for someone else" thank you for thisss this means a lot🌸”
Hey friend. Everything will eventually work out fine. I'm here for you.
“Thank you, trying not to take it personally. Hopefully some places I recently found reply!”
I feel exactly the same way you do if I’m honest, you’re not alone
“I’m glad for you 😊 hope to be that fortunate. I can’t thank you enough for just listening. I can’t help but tear up (which is something that depression has robbed me of)”
“Thank you for your kind words. Yeah, I definitely won't leave her. I bet your dog is a mighty awesome beagle. Beagles have got lovely ears. I wish things get better in your life too 🙏”
“Being human can be a lot sometimes. So don’t worry - just hold yourself gently, meet everyone with compassion and choose kindness.”
“Like an outsiders perspective that has no personal baggage or connection to you. submitted by /u/HumanInBetween5694 [link] [comments]”
“It would be a pretty easy way of making a big difference in some people's lives. You don't have to, but I don't know why you wouldn't. I like making people smile, feels good.”
thank u for owning up to it!!!! sounds stupid but not many people do <3
“I told a young coworker I’m not on much social media, but I am on Reddit. They looked shocked and a little worried for me. I reassured them that I’m very careful which subreddits I’m on. I’m glad this is one of my happy places.”
I think you're right. Sending you positive vibes /prayers / good ju-ju!
“You've got this.... and remember, courage isn't NOT being scared, it's being scared and doing it anyway.”
“Our favorite things haha, this is my love letter to the culture that helped me through all the nights I couldnt even get out of bed because my body was failing. Glad you liked, seriously means alot. Feel free to drop a sub or comment :) only if you want to.”
“Thank you but I really don’t feel like talking to strangers, appreciate it tho”
“Heyy, it seems to me that you have been radicalized to only see the whack woman and the crazy people on social media. Its TOTALLY normal and you're not mysoginistic bc of it. The same happened to me. It feels like the world is going crazy, BUT what you have to realise is that normal people aren't like what you see on the internet. I would encourage you to speak to NORMAL woman around you. Not about anything political, but just as a person. You'll quickly realise how awesome the avera”
“I feel just how you feel. I don’t think I’ve ever related to someone as much in my entire life. I hope it gets better.”
“Some people don't trust anyone or literally do not have anyone at all. Shit gets gritty.”
“Yeah, I think Reddit can actually give you a pretty similar experience. r/KindVoice is probably the closest, since people go there specifically to talk or listen. r/Needafriend could work too if you want something more casual.”
“Actually it is my cousin who showed up like that and thank you for ur kind words... 😭”
I'm not judging myself from others standards. This is just how I feel
“Overwhelming and impostor fear I guess. Can't really say otherwise. Thanks for the compliment!”
“I get the struggle. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for a while now. It sucks but the only person who can truly get you out of the hole is yourself. Please don’t harm yourself. You matter and always will matter. It’s never worth it. I get that you might feel pleasure in harm, but that will only drag you deeper. If you need to talk to someone— do not hesitate.”
“thank you! i got plenty of support in a different sub and now I feel better, but still, thanks, I just needed to get a little hope and get out of my head”
“small world! while I may not remember who you are, I'm a friend to anyone who tells me I look young hahaha. I def agree about the psych content being too broad/simple, I'm still working on finding a balance between complexity and accessibility. I can't say for sure I understand the "level of authority your experience doesn't support" - I feel like with the content being so general, it doesn't seem like i'm attempting to break into & claim authority in anythi”
“Thank you i appreciate it so much it’s lowk weird telling ppl but yea its the little things im trying to do so the day does get easier but thank you so much for the kind words”
“I've realize happiness for me isn't about having everything figured out. It's more about appreciating the small moments when I actually feel at pace.”
“u deserve better. it makes me sad to read this. i don't u, i don't know exactly what u've been through, but i know it doesn't feel good. may everybody be kind to u, from here on.”
“Thank you for this ! Truly ! This is exactly what I needed to read at this exact moment in time. I appreciate you sharing and staying in this world 🌎 it is better with you in it. You have helped me through tonight and that’s always a hard feat for me. Take care.”
“Someone agreed with somebody else on reddit? Honestly? That's rare! And I'm honored to have shared this moment with you. I will have chatGPT write a poem so that we can read it gently before bed tonight.”
“Someone said how I was so kind to everyone, especially travellers, and another person said they could tell my kindness was genuine. Honestly my favourite compliment I have received in a long time.”