(used ai for text)
I'll be honest because I need real help, not judgment.
I'm 21, male, and I've been watching porn and masturbating daily for about 3 years now. I know it's become an addiction and it's seriously affecting my life — I feel depressed, underconfident, I struggle to hold conversations, and my social life is basically gone.
I've tried quitting multiple times but I can never make it past 3 days. After that the urges get so strong I give in, and then I feel worse about myself than before.
The effects I've noticed:
- Depression and low motivation
- Can't speak confidently around people
- No energy or drive to do anything productive
- Feel like I've wasted years of my life
I don't want to keep living like this. I'm 21 and I feel like I've already ruined myself.
To people who've successfully quit or significantly reduced — what actually worked for you? Not the generic "stay busy" advice. I mean the real, honest, practical things that got you through those first weeks.
Any support or guidance is appreciated.