RIDE YOUR DEMONS
Explore 40 real questions teens and Gen Z are asking — each with three brutal, raw tools to fight back. No filters. No therapy talk. Just real help.
1. Why do I feel like I’m not good enough?
- Tool 1: Truth Mirror — Stand in front of the mirror and say one hard truth out loud. Every day. No dodging.
- Tool 2: Reputation Audit — List what you think people believe about you vs. who you really are. Burn the lie list.
- Tool 3: Unfollow Friday — Cut 10 accounts that make you feel less. Not inspired? They're fired.
2. How do I stop comparing myself to everyone online?
- Tool 1: Scroll Kill Timer — Time how long you scroll. Match it with time creating something instead.
- Tool 2: Reality Check List — Write what you didn’t see in someone’s post (pain, bills, breakdowns).
- Tool 3: Offline Hour — Pick one hour daily: no phone, just journal or walk. Your brain will thank you.
3. Why do I feel broken all the time?
- Tool 1: Broken ≠ Worthless Map — Write what your pain taught you. That’s your new badge of power.
- Tool 2: Voice Clip Drop — Record yourself talking raw for 2 minutes. No script. Just dump. Then listen.
- Tool 3: Rebuild Plan — Pick one thing that broke you. Write the opposite of it. That’s the version you build next.
4. Why do I feel numb even when I should care?
- Tool 1: Ice Pulse Wake-Up — Ice water on the face for 10 seconds. Forces your body back to now.
- Tool 2: Color Catch — Take photos of 5 things with bold color today. Forces sensory input through your fog.
- Tool 3: Numb Journal — Write one paragraph with no filters. Then underline the emotion you *should* feel.
5. What do I do if I want to disappear?
- Tool 1: One Call Protocol — Text the raw truth to one person. Not 'I’m fine.' The real words.
- Tool 2: Shadow Post — Write what you’re feeling but don’t post it. Save it. It’s a marker you survived this day.
- Tool 3: Body Ground Drill — Sit. Touch your feet to the ground. Squeeze your fists. Say out loud: 'I’m still here.'
6. How do I get people to actually hear me?
- Tool 1: 30-Second Truth — Say what you want in 30 seconds or less. Record and practice it raw.
- Tool 2: Eye Contact Reboot — Speak to one person today while holding eye contact the whole time.
- Tool 3: Volume Doesn’t Equal Voice — Write what you wish they knew. Print it. Tape it. Leave it where they’ll see.
7. How do I stop self-hating thoughts?
- Tool 1: Name Your Demon — Literally name that voice. Don’t let it hide as 'you.' Call it out.
- Tool 2: Fight Back Words — Write 5 lines that punch back at the hate. Speak them into your phone.
- Tool 3: Reverse Proof — For every self-hate thought, write one piece of evidence it’s bullshit.
8. Why do I panic when nothing's wrong?
- Tool 1: Safe Zone Check — List 3 places you’ve felt safe before. Go to one. No phones. Just be there.
- Tool 2: Breath Pattern Lock — In 4. Hold 4. Out 6. Repeat 10x. Lock it down.
- Tool 3: Name 5 Game — Name 5 things you see, hear, smell, touch, feel. This forces the panic to pause.
9. How do I survive school when I’m mentally drained?
- Tool 1: Silent Warrior Rule — Pick one class you hate. Sit in front. Don’t speak. Dominate silently.
- Tool 2: Tiny Win Stack — Every day, do one task early. Stack it with another. That’s momentum.
- Tool 3: Exit Strategy — Write your 3-year plan. Even if messy. Knowing there’s a way out changes the game.
10. Why don’t I trust anyone anymore?
- Tool 1: Betrayal Autopsy — Write the last 3 times you got hurt. What did you ignore?
- Tool 2: Trust Filter — Make a rule: no trust for 90 days unless they earn it. Watch how that changes who stays.
- Tool 3: Gut Check Journal — Log what your gut says after talking to someone. Track its accuracy.
11. How do I stop overthinking everything?
- Tool 1: Thought Dump — Write down every swirling thought for 5 minutes. Get it out.
- Tool 2: Action Interrupt — When overthinking hits, do one physical thing (5 pushups, walk around the block).
- Tool 3: The ‘So What’ Game — For every negative thought, ask ‘So what?’ 5 times. Drain its power.
12. Why does social media make me feel worse?
- Tool 1: Detox Days — Pick 2 days a week: zero social media. Your brain needs silence.
- Tool 2: Real-Life Audit — Who in your life genuinely makes you feel better? Spend more time with them.
- Tool 3: Create > Consume — For every 30 minutes scrolling, spend 30 minutes creating something.
13. How do I deal with mean comments online?
- Tool 1: Block & Move — Don’t engage. Block. Delete. Their poison isn’t your problem.
- Tool 2: Inner Circle Shield — Only listen to people who genuinely know and care about you.
- Tool 3: Truth Punch — Write a brutal comeback for yourself. Don’t post. Just for you.
14. Why am I always so anxious?
- Tool 1: Anxiety Map — Write down every trigger. What sets it off?
- Tool 2: Fear Rehearsal — Visualize the worst-case scenario. Then visualize yourself conquering it.
- Tool 3: Breath Control Burst — 4-second inhale, 6-second exhale. Repeat 10x. Reset your system.
15. How do I stop procrastinating on everything?
- Tool 1: The 5-Minute Attack — Set a timer for 5 mins. Start the task. Just 5.
- Tool 2: Ugly First Rule — Do the hardest, most dreaded task first. Get it over with.
- Tool 3: Reward System — What do you get after you finish? Make it big.
16. Why do I push people away?
- Tool 1: Fear Audit — Write down what you're afraid will happen if you let people in.
- Tool 2: One Honest Step — Text or say one raw truth to someone you're pushing away.
- Tool 3: Safe Zone Call — Identify one person who always makes you feel safe. Lean on them.
17. How do I deal with friend drama?
- Tool 1: Drama Detox — Mute or distance yourself from the main instigators for 48 hours.
- Tool 2: Truth Check — Ask yourself: Is this really my problem? If not, disengage.
- Tool 3: Loyalty Audit — Who stands by you in the quiet? Prioritize them.
18. Why do I feel so much pressure all the time?
- Tool 1: Pressure Map — Write down every source of pressure. Which ones can you control?
- Tool 2: No-Say List — Practice saying 'no' to one small request today. Build that muscle.
- Tool 3: Micro-Win celebration — For every tiny win, give yourself a mental high-five.
19. How do I stop being so hard on myself?
- Tool 1: Self-Talk Flip — Catch yourself being negative. Instantly rephrase it as encouraging.
- Tool 2: Small Victory Log — Write down 3 things you did well today, no matter how small.
- Tool 3: Forgiveness Ritual — Write down a mistake. Acknowledge it. Then tear the paper up.
20. What if I feel like I'm falling behind everyone else?
- Tool 1: Your Pace Tracker — Map your own progress. Compare only to yesterday's you.
- Tool 2: Silent Success — Work on your goals in silence. Let results make the noise.
- Tool 3: Unsubscribe from the Noise — Mute accounts that make you feel inadequate.
21. How do I find my passion? (Query 21)
- Tool 1: Rage Mapping — What makes you genuinely angry about the world? That often points to what you care about.
- Tool 2: Curiosity Spark — Pick one weird thing you’re mildly interested in. Spend 30 minutes researching it. No pressure.
- Tool 3: Skill Test — What are you naturally good at, even if it feels small? Double down on it.
22. How do I deal with rejection? (Query 22)
- Tool 1: Rejection Reset — When it hits, acknowledge the sting, then immediately ask: "What’s next?"
- Tool 2: Resilience Rep — Apply for something you know you might get rejected from, just to build the callus.
- Tool 3: Inner Scorecard — Your worth isn’t based on external approval. Did you show up and try? That’s the win.
23. How do I build real confidence? (Query 23)
- Tool 1: Action Builds Swagger — Do one small thing you said you would. Consistency is the bedrock.
- Tool 2: Posture Power — Stand tall. Shoulders back. Look people in the eye. Fake it 'til you make it, then own it.
- Tool 3: Skill Stacking — Learn one new, tangible skill. Even something simple. Competence breeds confidence.
24. Why am I so afraid of failing? (Query 24)
- Tool 1: Fail Forward Fast — Attempt small, rapid failures. Learn from them. Each one is a step.
- Tool 2: Worst-Case Audit — What’s the absolute worst that can happen? Can you survive it? Usually, yes.
- Tool 3: Victory Log — Keep a running tally of every time you tried, even if you "failed." That’s the real win.
25. How do I deal with toxic friends? (Query 25)
- Tool 1: Energy Audit — Who drains you? Who fuels you? Redirect your time ruthlessly.
- Tool 2: Boundary Build — Define your limits. Communicate them. Enforce them.
- Tool 3: Inner Circle Check — Who truly adds to your life? Double down on those relationships.
26. How do I stop people-pleasing? (Query 26)
- Tool 1: The No Test — Practice saying "no" to one small request today. Feel the discomfort, then the power.
- Tool 2: Your Values First — Write down your top 3 non-negotiable values. Does this action align?
- Tool 3: Discomfort Embrace — Deliberately do one thing that might disappoint someone else but aligns with you.
27. Why do I feel so lonely? (Query 27)
- Tool 1: Outreach Offensive — Text one person you haven't talked to in a while. Ask them one real question.
- Tool 2: Shared Battleground — Find a community (online or in person) for a shared interest or struggle.
- Tool 3: Self-Sufficient Joy — Find something you genuinely enjoy doing alone. Master it. Build your inner world.
28. How do I deal with family stress? (Query 28)
- Tool 1: Boundary Builder — Clearly define what you will and won't accept. Communicate it.
- Tool 2: Detachment Drill — Visualize a shield around you. Let their stress hit it and bounce off.
- Tool 3: Exit Strategy — Have a plan to remove yourself from escalating situations.
29. How do I improve my relationship with my parents? (Query 29)
- Tool 1: Active Listen — Listen without interrupting. Ask clarifying questions. Seek to understand, not just reply.
- Tool 2: One Honest Share — Tell them one raw, true feeling you’ve been holding back (respectfully).
- Tool 3: Shared Experience Hunt — Find one activity you can do together that isn't about conflict.
30. Why do I feel so angry all the time? (Query 30)
- Tool 1: Anger Rep — Hit a heavy bag. Run sprints. Lift weights. Channel the rage into fuel.
- Tool 2: Trigger Traceback — What happened right before the anger? Map the pattern.
- Tool 3: Rage Release Journal — Write down every angry thought without filter. Burn it.
31. How do I stop letting social media ruin my self-esteem? (Query 31)
- Tool 1: Digital Diet — Hard reset: 7 days no social media. See what clears.
- Tool 2: Follow Your Fuel — Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad. Follow creators who genuinely inspire action.
- Tool 3: Real Life Wins — Dedicate time to a skill or hobby that gives you tangible wins outside the screen.
32. How do I deal with academic pressure? (Query 32)
- Tool 1: Priority Stack — List all tasks. What's the ONE most important? Do that first.
- Tool 2: Pressure Release Valve — 15 mins of intense physical activity when overwhelmed.
- Tool 3: The "So What" Test — What's the absolute worst outcome? Can you survive it? Usually.
33. How do I manage stress? (Query 33)
- Tool 1: Stress Scorecard — Rate your stress 1-10. What's the ONE action to drop it by 1 point?
- Tool 2: Breath Control — 4-7-8 breathing. Inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8. Do it 10 times.
- Tool 3: Movement Release — Go for a walk, do some pushups, stretch. Move the stuck energy.
34. Why do I feel guilty all the time? (Query 34)
- Tool 1: Guilt Audit — Write down every source of guilt. Which ones are in your control to change?
- Tool 2: Forgiveness Ritual — Write a letter forgiving yourself for past mistakes. Burn it.
- Tool 3: Action Over Apology — Instead of dwelling, do one small thing today that aligns with your better self.
35. How do I make real friends? (Query 35)
- Tool 1: Shared Crucible — Find groups or activities where you struggle together. That builds bonds.
- Tool 2: Vulnerability Drop — Share one real, raw truth about yourself. See who leans in.
- Tool 3: Serve First — What can you do for someone else without expectation? Loyalty grows from service.
36. How do I find my purpose? (Query 36)
- Tool 1: Rage Mapping — What injustice makes you burn with anger? That’s often a clue to your purpose.
- Tool 2: Impact Tracker — Do one tiny thing to help someone today. Note how it feels. That's your compass.
- Tool 3: Future Self Letter — Write a letter from your future, purposeful self. Read it when you feel lost.
37. How do I deal with body image issues? (Query 37)
- Tool 1: Strength Focus — Stop looking at flaws. Focus on what your body *can do*.
- Tool 2: Media Diet — Ruthlessly cut out all images/accounts that trigger negative comparison.
- Tool 3: Mirror Talk — Look in the mirror. Say one truthful, positive thing about your body. Daily.
38. How do I stop obsessing over perfection? (Query 38)
- Tool 1: 80% Rule — Aim for good enough, not perfect. Ship it. Move on.
- Tool 2: Messy Start — Begin tasks imperfectly. Get momentum. Refine later.
- Tool 3: Failure Celebration — Deliberately try something knowing you might fail. Embrace the lesson.
39. How do I deal with feeling misunderstood? (Query 39)
- Tool 1: Isolation Journal — Write how you're misunderstood. Then write what would make someone get it.
- Tool 2: Connect Forward — DM one person from your past who made you feel seen. Reopen that door.
- Tool 3: Unsent Letter — Write a letter to someone who never listened. Don’t send it. Burn it after reading aloud.
40. Why does it feel like no one understands me? (Query 40)
- Tool 1: Isolation Journal 40 — Write how you're misunderstood. Then write what would make someone get it.
- Tool 2: Connect Forward 40 — DM one person from your past who made you feel seen. Reopen that door.
- Tool 3: Unsent Letter 40 — Write a letter to someone who never listened. Don’t send it. Burn it after reading aloud.