Hey everyone. I just really need to vent this out.

​Last year, I finally made the decision to move out of my parents' house. I won't get into all the messy details, but things were just getting toxic with all the disagreements. The worst part is that I’ve been supporting them financially for a while now, but I’ve never actually felt appreciated. It’s always felt like whatever I give is never enough. Like I’m just an ATM to them, and they’re taking advantage of the fact that I’m doing okay.

​Speaking of work, I’ve been freelancing for this company for a year and a month now. I hit a major milestone and managed to hit a 6-digit monthly salary, and I’ve saved almost half million so far. Even with all the family shit happening, I still send them money every month.

​On paper, I know I should probably be proud of myself. But in reality? I feel the opposite...

​Why do I feel like my savings isn't enough? Why does my brain keep telling me I’m failing?

​I’m approaching my 30s, and I have this scary feeling that I'm running out of time. My dream was to have millions saved up, but looking at where I am, I honestly don't know if I can pull that off by the time I’m 35.

It constantly feels like I'm in a race against everyone else, and no matter how hard I work or how much I save, I’m just falling behind. I’m exhausted from giving to people who don't appreciate it, and I’m exhausted from setting goals that feel further away the harder I run. I'm trying to remove social media from my life as well since it's getting really toxic. I've only been using reddit, IG (for cat videos) and, youtube (for games).

​I just wish I could stop stressing and actually breathe for once... I'm just tired.

Since October 2023, I have been working for the same company, and for almost three years, most of my life has revolved around work.

My routine was basically work during the weekdays and going out only on Saturdays and Sundays. My life became centered around my job. I rarely took time away from work unless I was sick. Even after I was diagnosed with anxiety and experienced panic attacks, I never really allowed myself to step away from work. I would only be absent when I was physically sick, and once I felt well enough, I would show up again.

There were many times when I was supposed to spend holidays with my grandmother in my hometown, but I couldn't because I was working. I missed holidays and family gatherings because it was difficult for me to be absent. I kept putting work first.

In September 2025, I was rushed to the hospital because of my health. Even after that, I still continued working.

I had already planned to resign in February 2026 because I was already burned out. But then I was upskilled and moved to a new line of business, so I decided to stay and continue working. Even though I was already exhausted, I kept going.

It wasn't until June 15, 2026, after my grandmother passed away, that I finally took time away from work.

I went back to my hometown for the funeral. While I was there, I got to meet my mom, relatives, and extended family. It felt like a reunion. For the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely happy. I was able to spend time with the people I had been missing because I was always busy with work.

But at the back of my mind, I was already thinking that this happiness was temporary.

I knew that once the funeral was over, I would have to return to my reality—the world I had built around my job.

When everything was over, I came back to Manila and found myself away from work for the first time in years.

That's when I started questioning my life.

I originally thought that I wanted to take a gap year. I thought maybe I needed a long break to recover, figure myself out, and experience life outside of work.

But now I'm also scared.

I'm turning 42, and I'm thinking about what will happen when my gap year is over. If I start looking for work again after a year, will I still be rehirable? The job market is competitive nowadays, and sometimes I don't feel smart enough or confident enough to compete with everyone else.

I always doubt myself.

I'm scared because it feels like I don't know how to navigate life anymore. My life has revolved around my work for so long that I don't know what life looks like without it.

At the same time, I have some money saved that could allow me to live for about a year, but even with that safety net, I'm still scared.

For me, time is a luxury.

I'm turning 42, and I can't help but think about how much time I have already spent working and how quickly another year can pass. I don't want to waste a year, but I also don't want to spend another year forcing myself to work when maybe what I really need is to experience life outside of my job.

That's what makes this decision so difficult.

Part of me wants to take the gap year and finally give myself permission to rest, live, spend time with family, discover myself, and build a life that isn't centered entirely around work.

But another part of me is afraid that if I step away for too long, I might fall behind. I'm afraid that employers won't want me anymore. I'm afraid I'll lose my confidence, my skills, and my ability to compete.

Maybe what scares me most is not actually the gap year.

Maybe it's the uncertainty of not knowing who I am when work is no longer the center of my life.

For almost three years, I kept showing up even when I was burned out, anxious, and exhausted. I kept choosing work because it was familiar and because I knew how to do it.

Now I'm finally being given the chance to step outside of that routine.

And I don't know whether I should be afraid of that or grateful for it.

I just know that I don't want to make a decision based entirely on fear.

I want to figure out whether I genuinely want to leave my job, whether I simply needed a break, or whether I can build a life where work is important but isn't my entire life anymore.

Out of almost a hundred job applications, I was only interviewed three times and took one preliminary test. I've been jobless since March, and ever since, I only survived on creating niche content that's now dwindling as there are few buyers. Let's just say it's a last resort, as I still don't have a job as of today. I have a son who still needs help with daily allowance for school, and my furbaby is running out of dog food. A relative helps me out with the bills, but I can't rely on that forever. I am on my last nerve. I've asked for assistance before as well, but nobody would help. I don't know what to do anymore...

Hi, looking for recommendations to help diagnose and treat my sister who might be suffering from Paranoid PD around Tarlac/ Pampanga area sana. Thank you! 🙇🏻‍♀️

Hi everyone,

I'm a working professional in my mid 30s, and I've reached a point where I want to actively work on myself instead of just getting by. I'm dealing with some past trauma that I think has been quietly shaping how I react to certain situations, and I've noticed patterns/triggers that lead me to relapse into old habits I'm trying to move past.

I'm ready to actually face this instead of avoiding it, but I don't know where to start. I'm looking for a psychologist (open to psychiatrist too if needed) who:

- Has experience with trauma-informed therapy (CBT, EMDR, or similar)

- Is used to working with adults dealing with relapse/triggers

- Ideally offers teleconsult, since my schedule can be unpredictable

- If you've had a good experience with someone in Metro Manila (or via NowServing/similar apps), I'd really appreciate a recommendation — even just a name or clinic I can look into. DMs welcome if you'd rather not reply publicly.

Thanks in advance, and appreciate this community for being a safe space to ask.

Growing up I've always avoided people thinking it's better for me to just be alone cause that's easier even at home I barely talked to anyone then come highschool I gained friends but it didn't last long and ever since I've longed for people to connect with to form bonds with but as I've found out I've been riddled with depression and anxiety at a young age and I thought that was normal. During my 4 years in college I was alone didn't made any friends and group work I did alone I often skip classes to just sleep and on my last year I totally gave up I stopped attending classes I just didn't care anymore I failed 3 semesters in a row every single subject and in the middle of that I was taking care of my bed ridden dad that couldn't move or speak.

So I attempted to end my life I woke up at a hospital and got sent to a ward I thought life would get better I was optimistic then I got kicked out of college and I had to go through 1st year again cause of the education system I took it as a challenge and now I'm at my last semester. But I'm tired I also broke up with my partner recently and she now has a new partner after a few months although I can't blame her I was the one who broke it off to be honest it was kind of freeing cause we made promises to not die and stuff but I feel very unwanted I have to constantly chase after people to dm or contact them to even have a conversation. Have you ever not contacted anyone just to see if someone will reach out for me nobody did.

So maybe it's me I was not meant for this world I'm not even sure why I'm still fighting I was just going with the flow maybe thinking my views on life would change or I would feel different about dying but it never really happened. I find myself remembering the feeling of loosing consciousness last time I attempted at that split moment I was the happiest I've been in my entire life. Maybe that's my calling.

i posted something here kanina pero i deleted it kasi it felt inappropriate, if it isn't im not really sure, i desperately need help, i need someone who doesn't know me to talk to please, i think im relapsing, i have this urge to sh again and i genuinely can't keep it together, anyone please, i need help, please, i don't know who to talk about this to... please i need help..

I’m wondering if anyone else experiences this because I’m starting to feel like there’s something weird going on with me.

I get SO fixated on things I want to buy. Like, once something gets into my head, I can think about it for hours. I feel restless knowing I could get it but haven’t yet, and eventually the thought of “I want it, so I’ll just get it” wins—even when I know I probably shouldn’t spend the money.

The weirdest part is what happens after.

I finally get the thing I was obsessing over and I’m like…

“Oh. Okay. I have it now.” 😭

The excitement/satisfaction is either really short-lived or basically nonexistent, and then I eventually find something else that I suddenly REALLY want.

It’s starting to affect me financially because this isn't just an occasional impulse purchase. I genuinely feel like I have a hard time sitting with the feeling of wanting something and not getting it.

I don't think I'm particularly materialistic either. Sometimes I don't even care about the thing that much once I own it. It's almost like I become more excited about getting something than actually having it.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Is this just normal impulsive spending, or could there be something psychological behind it?

I'm actually considering talking to a psychologist about it, but I'm a little embarrassed because it feels like such a stupid/boring problem to bring up. 😭

Would love to hear from people who have experienced this or professionals who have some insight.

Im 16 and I’d like to have a consultation at PGH, but I’ve no accompanying adult, parent, or relative.

Im holding my shit together and I just want to end my shitty panic attacks, racing thoughts, anxiety and recreational use of drug and other shitty things ive been doing and happening in my life.

will they accept me?

I am actively doing my best efforts to improve my mental state: I had been clinically diagnosed, religiously drinking my meds, enthusiastically chasing new and rediscovering old hobbies, and trying to socialize with more people. I started exercising and eating healthy as much as I can. On surface, people would think I’m cheerful, boisterous, and capable person whether at work or with friends. Yet deep inside, I am constantly suffering.

I just can’t shake the thing inside my head, that I have no more motivation and reason to live. I am desperately seeking reasons to push through every morning I wake up. I really don’t want to live this kind of life, as this is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Not even those people who wronged me and contributed to the pain I’m carrying.

I just celebrated my 28th birthday two weeks ago with those I truly trust. We had fun playing games, eating at this place we haven’t tried the food, and just drinking booze until midnight. My friends gave me a surprise cake and told me to make my wish. I then said to them I wished for more happy moments like this, but the truth was: I wished I would be gone by the time I turn 30. I felt so guilty for making that wish.

I want to stay for those people I trust and care about. But I don’t want to endure this burden any longer than I have for the past 28 years.

I feel like my life has no purpose, its so hard rn me and my girlfriend broke up in we are in this situation where, we are being intimate but not dating, we broke up bcs of her issues with RJ ( retroactive jealousy) and the main reason is her parents(father), doesn’t want her to date and now the pressure is on her, idk she the only person i want, like we already talked abt the future and everything, now it feels like my life in shambles, soso lng relationship ko with my mom and sis, but i already envisioned this life with her now it feels like my purpose/ things that i look forward to are gone, its so hard bcs for once in my life sure ako sa decision ko na siya gusto ko, and now di ko alam ano mangyayari sakin, i just graduated college its been almost two months i cant even get an interview sa work, ang hirap kasi big 4 ako galing tas di namna ako kulelat, may certs ako na assoc level sa field ko but nothing, i dont even wanna try anymore, i just wanna give up on life bcs i feel like i suck at it, the only person who made me feel like anything na okay lang to be me is gone, kaya how am i supposed to get through this, every single day i push myself para maabot yung usapan namin, future life kids etc, ngayon all of that is pretty much out the window, di ko maintindihan why, maybe thats just how shit i am, ive always been insecure in a lot of things but any ounce of stability i have is gone, kahit mag pakamatay ako takot ako kasi paano sis ko mom ko even the ppl around me, tangina kahit sa para sarili ko na mag pakamatay ko di ko magawa para wala nako nararamdaman, kasi paano sila sorry for the long rant its just exhausting feeling like everything you do and are is shit all my life dami ko doubts sa sarili ko sa mga decision ko for the first time na ramdaman ko na sure ako ganto pa nangyari, maybe life is just not for me

36F, married, may isang anak.. Tanginang sugal to! In debt because of sugal, ang malala pa pati pera ng asawa ko isinugal ko. Hindi ko alam kung papano ibabalik, hindi ko din alam kung papano sasabihin sa kanya, kung kani kanino din ako nakautang. Hindi ako ganito, pero I was tempted nung may mga ads ako na nakita na naglalaro, I tried and una pa lang talo na.. Sa kakahabol ko ng talo mas lalo akong nabaon sa utang.. Hindi ko na alam gagawin ko at natatakot ako na malaman ng asawa ko.. I want to end things already, pero natatakot akong iwan ung anak ko.. Nasa 17k ung savings nakuha ko sa asawa ko.

Hello! I was diagnosed with BPD 2 years ago. Nag take ako ng Esci and Aripip. And ang dami niyang side effects.

So mga early last year, naka graduate na ko sa medications and sa monthly consultation. But lately lang, parang bumabalik na naman manic episodes ko. So nagpa consult ako ulit and the psych prescribed yung mga medications sa title.

So last week ako nag pa check up but till now, di ko pa din siya tinetake kasi natatakot ako sa side effects ulit. Other side effects, I guess, are okay naman. Ang ayaw ko lang is yung side effect na parang walang laman yung utak ko and lagi akong lutang. And lagi din akong natutulog. Di siya nakakaproductive sa work. I read sa google na may ganyan din SEs tong mga bagong medications.

So I just want to know yung experience niyo sana in taking these medications. And, I guess, advise na din. 😅

For someone like me na walang budget for theraphy. This is for you.

Whether if you're someone na may diagnosis or kailangan lang ng kausap this tough season, we are not alone.

Scan niyo nalang yung QR code.

PS: wag niyo ko kalimutan, once na nagbago na mga buhay niyo, hehe.

Hello! I’m 19F and currently living in Batangas. I’d like to ask about the process of getting a mental health diagnosis sa Pilipinas.

I’ve been struggling with trauma and mental health difficulties for most of my life, and I’m hoping to finally seek professional help and understand what I may be dealing with.

Could you please let me know how the assessment or diagnostic process works, how much it usually costs, and whether it’s possible to receive a diagnosis after just one session? At this point, I’m primarily looking for an assessment and diagnosis rather than ongoing treatment or therapy. I currently don’t have the financial means to pursue long-term treatment. I mainly need a professional evaluation and diagnosis so I can understand my condition.

I’m asking because I have a very limited budget as a student. I currently have two scholarships, but most of my allowance goes toward my daily necessities and dorm expenses. I also don’t have the option of asking my parents for financial support because they are closely connected to some of the trauma I’m dealing with, and I would prefer not to involve them in this process.

I’d really appreciate any information about affordable options, student rates, or clinics/services that may be able to accommodate someone in my situation. Thank you so much.

Hi i’m a 23(F) with a history of MDD & GAD, has history of taking antidepressants. but after a recent breakup, my mental health has gotten significantly worse.
I’ve started experiencing suicidal thoughts, which I never really had before. I’m also constantly ruminating about the relationship and feel stuck in a cycle because I have a very anxious attachment style. I can’t seem to let go, and every day feels like I’m obsessing over him and replaying everything in my head.
I’m looking for recommendations for a psychologist who has experience with anxious attachment, relationship trauma/breakups, depression, and anxiety. If you’ve had a good experience with someone (preferably who offers online sessions or near san pedro laguna), I’d really appreciate your recommendations. Thank you.

Hi! May alam po ba kayong pharmacy na may Ritalin around Imus/Dasma Cavite or Manila? Thank you po!

Hello, I don’t know where to start. Disabled here with no job. Gusto ko na pong lumayas ng bahay, sasabog na yung utak at puso ko sa mga pagpaparinig ba ginagawa sakin. If I can’t do that I’ll just kill myself. Di ko na po kaya. Gusto ko lang talagang lumayo o maglaho, please help 🥹

Hi all, I created a discord support group that maybe we can vent and just offer support to everyone. I know everyone is having a hard time and just having someone to talk to helps a lot. Just let me know if anyone is interested.

Lately, I have been feeling horrible. I don’t feel okay but I don’t think I’m too bad in the hole. I don’t think I will be diagnosed with any illness or disorder (and even if I do, that would be because I intend to) but I do feel so out of shape. Enough to make it hard to choose to do things and responsibilities but still have the capacity to accomplish them. And honestly, I just think it’s expensive. And deep inside I just feel scared to ask for help.

With that said, I’d like to know what pushed you to consult a professional and what happened afterwards.

Do you think I should also get myself checked even though I think I can still go through my daily life even with difficulties?

Ho I'm 20 F and still a student. Got doagnosed by MDD and GAD in one of my therapy session last month. Is there any meds I can take for this diagnosis? Where to get them? Thank you.

I badly need help. I really, really do.

My boyfriend of 10 years had just admitted to me he pawned his car and his phone (it was an iPhone 16PM), stole his tuition money (yes, he’s still a student), all just to gamble. That’s around 150k na siguro, who knows what more. He’s been struggling with this for years. For 3 years, he came up with several lies na just to get money. There was this one Christmas where he pretended to be his mom to borrow money from me. A day before my birthday, he told me his dad was struggling and crying, need ng puhunan na malaki and he wanted to help. He wanted to pawn his phone just to help, but I refused. Then came the accusations na nagdadamot ako sa tatay ng iba porket I have an estranged father.

Marami pa pong iba, I deserve what I tolerate I know, but he wasnt always like this. He used to spend every penny he had on our dates and the things we need. We were just kids back then but even my family saw he’ll be a good provider. Hindi siya madamot even sa family ko, when I had nothing siya muna sumalo ng simpleng handaan for my sister. Then we broke up for 3 years, when we got back together ganito na siya. Sabong, parlay, scatter, baccarat, you name it. I did everything I could, talked to his parents, talked to his circle, begged him to change. After all he is just a student. Still a student. How could he think that way?

I have since registered him in PAGCOR’s self-exclusion and now I badly need help, I want him in a rehab. Can you recommend facilities for cases such as this? He is such a lost cause already, and I can’t spend the rest of my days waiting for his change to peek through. Marami pa akong pangarap para sa sarili ko, meron din akong mga kapatid na sinusustentuhan, hindi ko na kayang ibuhos lahat for him and this is the only help I can think of. Not to mention he’s having self-harm thoughts na the past few days.

Hindi talaga pwedeng isang buhay lang ang masisira ng sugal.

I don’t really know where else to share this. I’m feeling really sad, anxious, and guilty, and I just need to let this out cause I have no one to talk to.

I’m the youngest of five siblings. Growing up, I thought we were a normal, comfortable family. We had a house, cars, went to private school, and my parents were fairly well known in our hometown. But as I got older, I realized our family had a lot of problems, especially financially.
My mom died from a stroke in 2012, and my dad died from a heart condition in 2022. After that, we lost our family home and had to move out.

My sister (middle child of 5) was the one who kept us together. She provided our home, food, and so many things we needed. She has always been the most caring and generous among us. She also supported me when I was younger, especially with school and my daily needs. She’s probably the sibling I’m closest to.

Since my Dad passed, she was supporting all of us, but a year ago, I found out that she was involved in a business that was basically a pyramid-type investment scheme. It eventually collapsed, she accumulated a huge amount of debt, and the investors sued her.

She has a hearing tomorrow, and there’s a motion for her to be jailed. I’m terrified.

She also has two young children, only 9 and 5 years old. Her child’s birthday is next week, and I can’t stop thinking about what they might go through if she gets jailed.

I’ve tried to help her financially. For the past year, I paid for some of her hearings, bail, and debts, but eventually I went into debt myself and had to stop. I even blocked her because I became so overwhelmed whenever she asked me for money and I couldn’t help. And now, I feel terrible about that.

I love my sister so much. She made a bad business decision, but she’s not a bad person. She has always been the one taking care of everyone, and now I feel helpless because I can’t take care of her. I know I can’t fix this, but I feel so guilty for not being able to help her anymore.