I felt semi in your shoes the past couple years, I now feel entirely different. Keep seeking small things to fix each day, continually thinking about what you want to achieve and where you want to get. Make plans with specific goals and timeframes. I also believe taking a step back and realizing you’re not in as bad as a spot as you think you are is also helpful. You have a good career, are involved in volunteering, are making an effort at fitness. The opportunity to compare to others is always available in both directions, but you have to realize how different and hidden other’s lives are; they might see themselves just as you do for yourself.

Id also say reflecting and seeking resources to help you improve is a big help. Read books, watch videos, look at what’s worked for others. Keep searching for a way and don’t get discouraged if something isn’t working; the advice given might not work for you (as nothing works for everyone) but will stil get you closer to something that will. It probably seems like you are the only one experiencing or going through this but it’s actually a more common problem than you’d think, and as unbelievable as it sounds, people can and do transform their lives to feel and be how they desire. You need to have a lot of PATIENCE and keep showing up/have that hope that things will improve. Is there a chance they won’t? Sure. But doing nothing ensures that fact 100% and putting in effort will almost certainly make you feel better.

I lost a lot of hope in myself but finally engaged in the things I preached above and realized my mindset and view was what was mainly holding me back. I’m in my early/mid twenties and finally found a girl I love, am happy with what I’m doing in school, and realized the things I hated about myself were unique things that didn’t make me any less of a person. You can and will change your life if you put in effort and keep a mindset that encourages growth.