If you’re there right now, carrying this alone, here are places that won’t judge you.
Professionals
- A sex therapist or sexologist: this is literally their job, and nothing you say will shock them.
- A therapist trained in CBT or ACT, if the hours lost feel out of control.
Many offer online sessions, so you can talk from your own room.
Communities
Be careful with Reddit and forums. Everyone there has their own bias, they don’t know your full story, and they don’t always want what’s good for you. Some will tell you you’re definitely trans, others that you’re broken. Neither knows you.
You have so many things to make and enjoy in life. Don’t beat yourself up. Stand up like a king and go get it.
If it’s really dark right now
If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, please talk to someone today. In the US, call or text 988. In the UK and Ireland, call Samaritans on 116 123. Anywhere else, findahelpline.com lists free, confidential lines in your country.
To my younger self
“Move your fucking ass. Work on something great. This is NOT meant to be the battle of your life. Work out, improve, work on things you love, find love. And even if it stays as a fantasy, it’s okay.”
A last word
If today it feels impossible to get past this, I know. I was there for more than ten years.
But one day it won’t feel like that anymore. Not because you won some huge war, but because your life got bigger than it.
This is not meant to be the biggest battle of your life. It’s a bump on the road. Your real life is everything else, and it’s waiting for you.
You’re not alone either
Share your story, anonymously. Every comment is read before it appears, so this stays a kind place.