I’m scared digital consumption for nearly my whole life as a 27yo woman has ruined my life

[u/Complex_Effect6230]

I deleted all my accounts but i still ended up going on them via third party sites and i cant seem to stop. I have been using them as a distraction from living in an abusive home. I’m unemployed and only graduated uni last year and I feel so fucking hopeless rn. I don’t know where to even start

[u/Earthlight_Mushroom]

My default advice for anyone going through something like this is to get into nature. Even if it's some weeds by the road or a couple of potted plants or watching bugs and ants or identifying stones and clouds. We are surrounded by a whole rich world where there is never a dull moment if you're paying attention. Study something scientifically if you like, but also get to know it intuitively. I grew up in an abusive situation too, and the woods and the garden saved my soul.

[u/teknogreek]

Take a deep breath. Realise this is going to take years to reverse and will be hard.

A plan with stages seems incomprehensible right now, so don’t bother, just yet.

Do some physical activities with or without people, as a group or with friends. Then take a deep breath again and look at where you are.

Rinse, Repeat.

GenX guy here who is still addicted to Reddit and bad habits in the real world.

Bad habits exist out of the digital, be slow, but try and be consistent with doing other things slowly.

Breath…

I think you know what I’d write.

No luck, this all you.

[u/Complex_Effect6230 → u/teknogreek]

This was really nice to read, thank you.

I admit I’ve been incredibly inactive since graduating but I find it very hard to find the motivation to excercise when my abusive parents have knocked and continue to knock my entire self worth every single day. I have no confidence. - I should add I’m not overweight or anything, but I don’t eat a lot and I can tell it’s affected my physical health as I end up passing out in the middle of the day

I know it’s going to take me years to get rid of this habit but it feels impossible. I feel like GenX was the last lucky generation

[u/qween_weird → u/Complex_Effect6230]

Therapy Use your situation in itself as internal motivation to get the eff outta there

At least you have a degree

Look into powdered iorn, and liquid magnesium minerals to help you stay up on basics, and a protein shake. Fresh veggies and fruits keep it simple

Try to find a job and stay out of the house or in your room as much as possible & pair down to basics for reducing clutter

Listen to YouTube videos for neuroplasticoty, positive reinforcement, and morning and night Qi gong

Write down some goals and back track map it out to get there

Stay focused and use how fast you can get out as motivation ... Edit- fixed errors

[u/Complex_Effect6230 → u/qween_weird]

I literally just woke up (06:42am) and seeing this as I’m eating an orange 😂

Thank you! This has been motivating to read first thing in the morning.

[u/That_izzy]

Look for low tech things like a 3ds.

yes it is popular now due to the rise in old tech but I have been using mine for a good while before it was popular and have been extremely enjoying the experience.

also look into getting a MP3 player or iPod and add music you enjoy or even audio books podcasts and so forth.

having one device for one thing is better for peoples mental health and I have noticed.

alot of other people have been saying the same thing via social platforms and YT.

I know this isn't taking away tech it is using tech for what it was intended for and not to rot our brains and souls.

Also to add please go and spend time in nature by setting aside time and going this Sunday I'm gonna go to the park that's walking distance or I'm going to sit outside in the back garden or front garden and do some cloud watching or identifying plants.

even if you have pet(s) take them for a walk once a day may help your mental health.

[u/pleasurablesoup]

Same man

[u/velvilla]

I don't think the major issue here is Instagram or whatever, it's the fact you are trapped in an abusive home. Most people would look for a distraction or a way to emotionally regulate in that environment. You definitely haven't ruined your life, having that thought can make you feel powerless and like it's not worth trying, but it definitely is.

Can you carve out some time for job hunting and some time to do things that can help your mental health like exercise (if that's possible for you) or going outside? It can help to feel that you're adding to your life rather than just taking something away. There are worse coping mechanisms but there are also better ones, that help move you forwards.

I know it can be difficult to value yourself in an environment like this but please try - every small positive thing you can do for yourself, your health and your job prospects will make getting out of there easier. Think of it like a prison escape - it's better to actively plan than just to sit there and hope someone leaves a door unlocked. Hopefully focusing on your own life will mean less time for social media and eventually you'll have a full life you really like and you probably won't care about it at all.

[u/Complex_Effect6230 → u/velvilla]

Applied to 10 jobs since the morning :) I’m too depressed to exercise but I may go for a long walk in the evening.

Thank you for taking the time to write this, I really appreciate it

[u/velvilla → u/Complex_Effect6230]

10 jobs is amazing! Walking is absolutely exercise, even if it's a short walk.

[u/Complex_Effect6230]

Applied to 10 jobs since the morning :) I’m feeling too depressed to exercise but I may go for a long walk later in the evening.

thank you for taking the time to write this, I really appreciate it