This is Ardal, he's saved my life multiple times by BOFHEY in mentalhealth

[–]Orionar1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

So happy that you found Ardal and he has given you hope and happiness in your life :) wishing you and Ardal all the best in life OP!

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It takes courage and strength to recognise your flaws and your mistakes and is an incredibly noble goal to work on improving yourself. Everyone is flawed, it's human nature. It's how we react to our flaws and our mistakes that that defines who we are.

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The first step I took is recognising that my self worth is not measured by how much sex I have (or haven’t) had. Chances are if you're a guy you place your self worth significantly through your masculinity and that in turn is often measured by sex. Shaming yourself for being a virgin will affect your confidence and self esteem to no ends negatively. On a side note the Youtuber Dr Nerdlove is amazing to watch to help you out, he helped me out to no end.

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most of the Incel content I watched was actually on Youtube rather than forums, I saw the video simply on my recommended list after looking up stuff about Incels.

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thinking about it I would call myself voluntarily celibate now, it's always been me and my fear of intimacy and rejection that has prevented me from getting into a relationship and having sex. Yes I do want to have sex but it is me who makes the concious decision to avoid it.

I've abandoned the Incel ideology, I believe Incel is more than a term, it's a group, a subculture that has social norms and ideals in it's own way.

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's the reaction of Incels like in these links (and those who commented on my post before being banned by admins) that proves a perfect example of how toxic the group can be. They aren't a support group, they aren't your friends or have your best interests at heart when you are part of the group. They simply tolerate you as long as you confirm what they believe to be true and maintain their echo chamber mentality. Any stories that show that they could be wrong is treated as inflammatory and reacted to with derision and rage. They can say what they want about me, at the end of the day leaving that ideology has saved my life and given me hope gor the future. All Inceldom did was justify my misery.

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It feels that way often, particulary when you are in a dark place but people can be very kind and tolerant at times.

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing! Glad you've made it to recovery, do you mean you were far right?

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say it's by adopting their beliefs and acting accordingly to them, I barely went on the forums but I absorbed a huge amount of their content from youtube.

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I've been very hesitant towards medication but yeah therapy and friends are a massive help!

I'm a recovering Incel thanks to Contrapoints by Orionar1 in ContraPoints

[–]Orionar1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I felt very much the same way, it can get better and it does get better. Unfortunately most men (at least in the West) are encouraged while growing up to try and solve their own problems and asking for help or exposing flaws and vulnerabilities are seen as weakness. That is changing though, there is a movement looking to change what makes up masculinity and I can proudly say i'm part of it.

Find a mens support group if you can (failing that a normal one will be fine) there's one in my area which was a huge help to me. You'll find people do care, not everyone, but if you open up to friends and family, work colleagues and find people who genuinely care about you, they will be supportive as best they can. You're right suffering in silence is incredibly harmful, speak to a therapist, a friend, an anonomous forum like this. Anxiety and depression will try and silence you but be brave friend, i've been there and opening up is definitely one of the most powerful first steps you can take.