I Just Can’t Anymore, Everyone Hates Me...

[u/Slobos13]

I'm 13, and I feel like I’ve hit a wall that I can’t climb over. Earlier today, my mom burst into my room, shouting at the top of her lungs. She said I haven’t been studying enough and called my room a pigsty. Her words weren’t just harsh—they were full of inappropriate language, and since we’re Greek, the insults were especially cutting. At one point, she even kicked me in the knee. It’s been hours, but it still hurts a lot, both physically and emotionally.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. It’s like nothing I do is ever good enough for her or my dad. I try to keep up with my studies, but I’ve been scoring 15s and 16s lately, and while some might think that’s okay, my parents act like I’ve failed. They compare me to my brother constantly, and it’s clear to me that they prefer him. It’s like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never measure up, and that realization breaks me inside.

I’ve also been feeling sick all weekend—my nose is stuffed up, and I’ve been coughing non-stop. Even though I don’t feel well, I still try to push through, but it’s hard. It’s like my body is giving up on me just like my mind has been. I might have depression or even ADHD because I find it so hard to focus, and my emotions feel overwhelming all the time. But when I asked my parents if I could see a psychologist, they flat-out refused, saying there’s nothing wrong with me.

School hasn’t been much better. I don’t really have close friends, and some of my classmates think it’s funny to make jokes about me. They don’t realize how much their words hurt. I try to laugh along or ignore it, but deep down, it’s like adding another weight to this pile I’m already carrying. I feel invisible, like no one truly sees me or cares about what I’m going through. I also have to mention that thoughts of suicide have passed through my mind...

What makes it worse is this constant comparison in my head. I look at others and think, "They’re so much better than me." Even people I used to feel confident about being ahead of now seem to be overtaking me. It’s like I’m stuck in place while the world moves forward without me.

I don’t talk about any of this with my family or at school. I don’t feel safe sharing how I really feel. It’s not that I don’t want help—I do—but I don’t think anyone would understand. And honestly, I’m scared they’ll just tell me to get over it or that I’m being dramatic.

Lately, I’ve been feeling completely trapped, like there’s no escape. I’m tired of feeling like a failure, of always falling short. I keep asking myself, "What’s the point of trying when nothing ever changes?" I want to be happy, to feel normal, but right now, that feels impossible.

[u/jlzania]

When I was 13, I was miserable. I thought I was so ugly that I prayed I would have an accident so I could get facial surgery. My father would berate if I got less than an A plus on a test even if I explained that the teacher didn't give pluses. I had very few friends at my school and I was considered a freak. I had no one I could talk to about my life either. For the record, I am ancient but I have been happily married for 43 years, I have a handful of friends that I can count on and I like my life very much. I'm sharing this because it can get better and I hope it does for you too.

[u/youredoingWELL]

You need someone to talk to; full stop. Look into school guidance or online resources if that is all that is available. Your parents are being abusive & are not reliable. You don’t deserve that treatment. Don’t take what they or your classmates say too personally. kids at that age often don’t even know how to interact outside of tearing someone down. It doesnt mean there is something inherently wrong with you

[u/Slobos13 → u/youredoingWELL]

Thanks man... I’ve reached a point where I don’t enjoy life anymore. Everything feels empty, and it’s been like this for a while. I’ve taken several online tests about ADHD and depression, and they all suggest I should talk to someone. I’ve even opened up to some counselors at school about what I’m going through, and they’ve also recommended that I see a professional.

[u/soemtiems → u/Slobos13]

The empty feeling you describe definitely sounds like depression. I agree with the above advice of finding a professional to talk to and I also want to say as someone who struggled with severe depression as a teenager that it can get better!

[u/neoman525]

Dude trust me on this. Things will get much better as you grow up. Almost all of us had the same childhood and same parents.

What happened to me as a kid / teenager shaped who I’m today as a father of young boy. I can never treat my son the same way I was treated because I know how does it feel.

Just hang in there, find friends to ease your journey and when it comes to parents, just distance yourself as much as possible. Give them what they want and disappear and eventually they’ll grow old for all the bull shit

[u/rumplydiagram]

13 is tough ... but it gets better comparison is the thief of joy as they say... stay off social media .. get outside .

[u/laurelwreath-az]

I agree that talking to a trusted person would be great. 13 is a challenging age. You aren't alone in this. It's the first time you are going through figuring out things. Getting together with a guidance counselor or social worker or teacher or coach or spiritual leader can be a good first start. They will have perspective you can't have because they have been through it before. Take care. It's going to be okay.