I'm a 23-year-old guy who's been struggling with depression and anxiety. I don't have friends or hobbies besides lifting weights, and I often feel overwhelmed with a negative outlook on life. I've tried therapy and medication, but it's been tough on my finances. My childhood was filled with bullying, and even at my construction job, I faced harassment from my boss. I've never dated anyone, despite being in great shape and having noticeable muscle mass. I thought lifting would boost my confidence, but it hasn't. I'm considering taking a martial art, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), but I'm scared after seeing some injury-related videos. I want to feel secure in myself and be less intimidated by others. I've recently come up with a plan: re-enroll in therapy, start attending an MMA gym that's a bit of a drive from me, join boxing classes, and try to meet like-minded people. Does this sound like a good plan?
8 Answers
I can totally relate to your situation. Taking martial arts like BJJ helped me gain both confidence and a community. You'll find that most classes are filled with supportive folks, and, trust me, injuries are quite rare when you're learning. Just focus on your training, gauge your comfort level, and you'll build that confidence over time!
Excellent plan! Keep reaching out for help through therapy, and joining those classes will definitely enhance your confidence. Remember, making connections is vital. You're on the right track, so just take it one day at a time.
Reading has helped a lot of people, so I'd suggest diving into some books that interest you. Also, consider cooking regularly; it can be therapeutic! Volunteering for a cause you care about can really connect you with others, too. It opens doors to friendships and gives you that fulfillment you're looking for.
Totally agree! Cooking can be such a great outlet. I learned a lot about myself through trying new recipes and it built up my social skills as I started sharing my meals with friends.
Not to mention volunteering. It's one of the best ways to connect with people who share your passion!
Building resilience and confidence comes from understanding yourself better. Consider exploring hobbies that genuinely interest you—maybe art or music? It's all about finding yourself and enjoying that process. Trust me, it makes tackling everything else easier.
I'd suggest you explore your options for therapy again. If one therapist didn't help, another might just be the breakthrough you need. Remember, a girlfriend is great, but building solid self-confidence is key to any relationship. Don't forget that martial arts can help with your physical strength, but therapy is like training for your mind!
That makes a lot of sense. I definitely need to prioritize my mental health first before seeking out a relationship.
Absolutely! You deserve to feel your best before bringing someone else into the mix.
I think you might need to step outside your comfort zone more. Try connecting with the world around you through adventures like hiking or travel. It's all about finding things that make you uncomfortable but can also help you grow. It'll build your confidence, and you'll meet new people along the way. Just start small and go for it!
You’re asking the right questions! Think about what being tougher means to you. It might be about building emotional resilience ultimately. You're clearly physically fit; focus on that foundation and bridge into self-love and acceptance. Find activities that challenge you, and always remember you’re on this journey—not just seeking an end goal.
It sounds like you're tackling some heavy stuff, but just know you're definitely not alone in this. Think about what you truly want out of life, and focus on being true to yourself. People’s opinions can't define you. Finding joy in the little things, like a good workout or even a good laugh, can really help shift your perspective. Keep pushing yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable. You’ve got this!
Nice, I might look into that MMA gym too—sounds like a good fit.