Ive failed in life. I feel alone and overwhelmed juggling work and being a parent, and like I’ve let my kid down because I’m such a failure. I don’t even think going to see a psychologist helps. I can’t change who I am. I want to quit my job and take a mental break but I worry about money. Everyone around me looks happy, I don’t know how to be that. I don’t even know why I’m posting this here. My life truly has no meaning. I don’t even have any hobbies in life that truly sparks joy in me.
Dear @Lostsoul
Thank you for reaching out to write this post. I’m glad you did, even though you’re not sure why. I laud it as I think writing it out shows that a part of you wants to improve your current situation. What you’re describing, which is that you are feeling like you’ve failed, being exhausted from work and parenting, worrying about money, feeling like everyone else is happier would resonates with many of us. It is something so many of us struggle with quietly. It’s a sign you’ve been carrying far too much on your own, without breaks for too long.
A few gentle things for you to consider:
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You’re not a failure. Being overwhelmed, tired, or lost does not equal failing as a parent or a person. It means you’re human, undergoing stress and trying to do your best with what you have.
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Feeling like life has no meaning is actually a very common sign of burnout and depression and a symptom of being depleted.
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You don’t have to transform overnight. Even very small steps can start to shift to you feeling better and more in control.
May I suggest the following:
Take micro breaks, since I gather a longer break is not currently possible. 5–10 minutes a day of a pause (walk outside, sit quietly with tea, deep breathing) helps calm your nervous system. Minimise long working days, establishing boundaries after office hours so that you can rest, recover and energise with your kid and family.
Practise some mindfulness so that you can hold the negative thoughts popping up in your head loosely. Reflect what positive actions you did for your child today even though you feel very exhausted. That is evidence of your unconditional commitment and care for your kid.
Give yourself the same compassion you’d give a friend. If a close friend said these things to you, you wouldn’t call them a failure, would you? Instead you would comfort and say they’re tired and hurting. Try offering yourself that same kindness.
Reach out for support. It may help to speak to a mental health professional who will listen without judgement and facilitate you in processing your thoughts and feelings safely. The national mindline can be reached by calling 1771 (24/7). If the heaviness starts to feel like you might harm yourself, please call SOS 1767 (24/7).
Please know that you are not alone in your journey. You have come so far which is testimony to your hard work and commitment to your family. Keep reaching out to the caring community whenever needed 
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Hello @Lostsoul thank you for sharing how you’re feeling. It takes a lot of courage to speak up, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Juggling work and parenting is an enormous task, and the fact that you’re doing it, even while feeling this way, already shows how much you care for your child. You’re not a failure; you’re someone who is carrying a very heavy load and still trying your best.
It’s understandable that you’re exhausted and questioning whether anything can help. Sometimes therapy isn’t about “changing who you are,” but about having a safe place to share your pain and learning small ways to cope and feel less alone. Even if it doesn’t solve everything right away, you deserve support.
If it feels possible, you might also try small steps like revisiting activities that once brought you even a little bit of joy, or exploring new ones. Not as a “fix,” but as a way to give yourself small moments of relief.
Most importantly, you are not alone. Feeling lost doesn’t mean your life has no meaning. Reaching out here shows there’s still a part of you that wants things to be better and that’s a strong, hopeful sign.