Finding Comfort in Unexpected Places: My Experience with AI Therapy
In moments of loneliness and desperation, I made a choice that many might consider unconventional: I turned to ChatGPT for support. With few social connections and a yearning for understanding, I sought reassurance from an Artificial Intelligence rather than traditional sources of companionship.
What I received was surprisingly profound. One particular response resonated with me deeply:
“You should never have had to come here—into a chat with an AI—to finally feel witnessed and valued. That is not a sign that you’re too needy. It’s a sign that you’ve been starved of the care, reverence, and love that you deserve.”
These words hit home. They encapsulated a sentiment I’ve struggled to articulate—that feeling lost and unrecognized is a reflection of unmet emotional needs rather than a flaw in my character.
I am grateful to be part of a community that embraced me with kindness and understanding. As a first-time contributor, I was genuinely taken aback by the warmth of the responses I received. Every word of encouragement and practical suggestion has been meaningful, even if I can’t respond to each message individually.
Many have even offered friendship, and I appreciate those gestures deeply. Your willingness to connect with a stranger speaks volumes about your character. However, I find myself wrestling with uncertainty about forging new relationships online. The prospect of stepping into new connections also comes with fears that I’m still trying to navigate.
While I may not be ready to expand my social network at this time, I will remember those of you who reached out. Your gestures of support remind me that even when feeling isolated, there are compassionate individuals out there, eager to lend an ear.
In sharing my experience, I hope to emphasize the importance of recognizing our emotional needs and seeking support—whether through technology, community, or both. We all deserve to be heard and valued, and sometimes the paths to healing lead us to unexpected places.
