Story

Honestly, I don’t even know how to start this because my life right now feels like one big mess. Every day is a struggle and it seems like crying daily has made a river in my cheeks. I feel like I’ve failed at everything, and the weight of it is crushing me.

Growing up, we didn’t have much, but we had love and hope. My parents did everything they could to give us a better life. My dad worked long, hard days, breaking his back in construction. My mom would sometimes skip meals so we could eat. They believed in me—they believed I could change things for all of us.

When I got accepted to college, it was like the whole family had won the lottery. We were so happy. But then reality hit. College wasn’t cheap, and my parents couldn’t afford everything. I had to hustle hard. I worked as a cleaner, waited tables at night, sold snacks during the day—anything to get by. I barely ate, barely slept, but I kept telling myself, “It’ll be worth it one day.”

When I finally graduated, I thought the struggle was over. I was so wrong. I got a job a few months later, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I could breathe. I started dreaming again—helping my parents, clearing their debts, maybe even saving enough to build them a better home. But life had other plans.

Six months into the job, the company downsized. I was one of the first to be let go. Just like that, my life came crashing down again. I searched for another job—knocking on doors, sending out countless applications, begging for opportunities—but nothing came through. My savings ran out fast, and soon I couldn’t even pay rent.

In my desperation, I thought starting a small business would save me. I borrowed money, opened a tiny shop, and poured my heart into it. At first, things looked up. But then it all fell apart. Prices went up, I made mistakes, and customers stopped coming. Within a year, the shop was gone, and I was left with debts so big I can’t even wrap my head around them.

Now, I’m here. I wake up every day feeling like a failure. I don’t even know where to start fixing my life. I wear the same pair of clothes every day because I can’t afford new ones. Washing them is a luxury because even buying soap is a struggle. Most days, I don’t know where my next meal will come from. Sometimes, I just drink water and go to bed hungry, pretending it doesn’t hurt.

I avoid people now because I’m embarrassed. I’m ashamed of how I look and smell. I feel like a ghost of the person I used to be. My parents gave me everything they could, and here I am with nothing to show for it. They still believe in me, but I don’t even believe in myself anymore.

At night, I lie awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering where it all went wrong. Depression has taken over my life. Some days, I don’t even want to get out of bed because there’s nothing to look forward to. I feel like I’m drowning, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t catch my breath.

I’m writing this because I don’t know what else to do. I’m at the end of my rope, and I need help. I hate asking for it—it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do—but I have no choice. If you can help me in any way, even just a little, I would be so, so grateful.

Even if you can’t send anything, please share this story, say a prayer for me, or just send me some kind thoughts. I don’t want to give up, but I can’t do this alone anymore. Thank you for taking the time to read this. May God bless you.