Sleep Deprived Therapy Time: Episode 38
Added 2025-07-09 17:23:57 +0000 UTCHappy July!
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Love,
Mika & Aztro
Comments
hey mika and astrid, hopefully im in the right place. guess i just want to say that unfortunately not much has changed since i last commented in june. in fact id actually say a lot is worse. i tried my best to save what was left of my relationship, but failed. ive been completely blocked for over a month now but continue to struggle everyday, especially bc it was at this time last year we met. and her birthday is coming up as well. i got a new job, finally working with animals but got let go after about a month, and havent found another job since. i have had several nightmares recently which sometimes makes me worried to go to bed. i basically just wait for each day to be over but then dont want to sleep. i am struggling to stay afloat in school, which i guess is a problem. i did find out i can graduate a semester earlier than i thought, which is good, but will require a lot of work to get there. as i briefly said in my last post, i want to eventually go to vet school and become a veterinarian. i used to be smart, i swear, but i think college has messed me up somehow. i was in the 2020 graduating class, so maybe doing all this online has something to do with it, but ive just become lazy, procrastinate everything, rely on chatgpt, i rarely feel like ive actually learned something. i am really worried about what will happen to me in vet school, as i chose a path that could keep me in school until im 30. i really want to be a vet. i think a part of me doesn't think i can do it, doesn't feel worthy, vets are really smart. i job shadow one now, and im constantly amazed but also shown that i know next to nothing near the point of getting my undergraduate degree. also, a few weeks recently i have not gone to shadow because i just frankly don't want to do anything these days. i have this constant thought in my head that everyone in my life does not like me, which unfortunately has been backed my real experiences, even my closest friend since 2020 has felt distant lately, my dad is not the emotional support type and i feel ashamed to come to my mom about whats bothering me and my doubts. doesnt feel like i really have a support system. just thought id come here and spill. hope things are going well for both of you, i will say it makes me laugh watching sleep deprived. especially like the geoguessr videos since ive been getting into that game a lot more recently. thank you mika and astrid, youre both great people
kestin
2025-09-01 08:12:42 +0000 UTChello astrid and mika, big fan of you both, and congrats on getting to where you are now! my problem is that i constantly feel like im at war with my own identity. im a trans girl, but ive always like "masculine" things like hunting, working on cars, and the like. i also feel as if the clothing i wear is not indicative of the music and media i consume. i wear old grandpa sweaters, jeans, and "grown up" shoes most of the time, yet i listen to harder rock + electronic. i know i sound like a cringe pick-me, but i genuinely feel alienated with the groups who i share the same interests with. all the fans of the music i like scoff at my appearance, and the car community is RIFE with sexism and transphobia. i guess im looking for a way to navigate these spaces while not changing who i am at the core. thank you both, and have an amazing month. P.S. astrid PUH LEEZ release /ost on vinyl, my birthday is the 20th and i will spend $100 on it k thanx byeee
_anch0rs
2025-08-04 06:20:47 +0000 UTCHi again Mika and Astrid! I had gotten about 3/4ths of the way through writing this message initially before realizing that something was off. I started by writing everything that I have experienced/accomplished in the past month, since the previous therapy time, as I have done for the past four-odd months. And then I started to really think about what I wanted to ask for advice. But as I reread what I had typed, I noticed that everything I had experienced this month was good, and positive. I’ve been doing some film work, I took a small vacation, I got my first tattoo, I’ve finally started reading again and I’ve been keeping up with my social life and yaddah yaddah. So how is it that I’m still feeling so lonely that I feel the need to write into a vaguely parasocial “therapy time” hosted by two YouTubers that don’t know me and more than probably never will? Since my break-up in March I have felt that no matter how positively I live, no matter how much I do, no matter what I accomplish, I still cannot shake this weird, somewhat unexplainable loneliness. I have a strong group of friends that I see very regularly, and family that I love, yet when my room is empty and I finally get that “much needed alone time” that I used to desire, I now just feel lonely. Obviously I think a lot of this is to blame on how badly I spiraled after march. I went from being quite fit and possibly in the best physical condition of my life to like meh in a matter of weeks. From early June to late July I hadn’t been able to fall asleep until the sun started to rise, which is partly to blame on the overnight film schedule I was working with in July. And for a good few months I relied rather heavily on YouTube and these weird, kind of uncomfortable,“parasocial” relationships with content creators to not feel lonely, which is something I find, frankly, really embarrassing. And of course I still think of my former partner essentially every single day. I’ve been able to come out of this spiral a good amount I think which is something I’m proud of myself for. I’ve been hitting the gym, shedding some weight, and all the other good things I mentioned above, and in past months (ie. ‘Turnstile’, canvassing for Zohran , etc.). But my biggest fear is this long lasting sense of loneliness that won’t go away no matter what I do. I’m very scared that this will only lead to me spiraling again, which is something I really don’t want to happen. I don’t really know how to phrase a question out of this information that I’ve written, but anything on overcoming this seemingly unreasonable loneliness would be really helpful. Thank you!
Howwis
2025-08-02 05:51:45 +0000 UTCHi Mika and Astrid! Currently working on a new Lefty painting as I write this! My problem is that recently its become clear that when i consume new media it takes over every aspect of my life in an unhealthy way. I spend money...a lot of money...on merch and I cant shut up about that certain media. I spend hours reading fanfiction and thinking about it, to the point where my family worries that i dont leave my room all day. Do you guys have any advice on how to consume new medias in a normal way, and not obsess over something. The biggest issue I find is that during these moments of hyperfixation I usually enter a small depression and cant seem to pull myself out of it.
recitiz
2025-08-01 02:29:33 +0000 UTCHowdy-do, mika and astrid! I hope life has been mostly sunshine and rainbows for you both. I’m writing in because I have a difficult time immediately thinking surface-level thoughts. That may sound confusing, and it is! Let me explain. Whenever I think about someone or something, recently I would have a “surface level thought” that's very baseline and somewhat innocent. I grew up surrounded by an abundance of diversity in every regard, so I am never quick to judge anyone about anything or stereotype anyone. I like to think I am able to empathize and understand different perspectives pretty easily because of how exposed I am to them all. Where is the problem in this? Well, I have a tendency to defend people when they start on the wrong foot or when conversing with people who could put me in a dangerous situation. Almost like I'm mindful and not mindful all at once, or more so, I'm mindful of others, but not of myself. I am sorry if this is confusing LOL. I will talk to literally anyone. I talk to the person next to me on the subway, the lady i walked into the grocery store with, the guy sitting on the sidewalk, the person waiting on line behind me, long story short, im a very loquacious and social girl and i dont consider myself in any of these circumstances because i always believe people are naturally good and they wont hurt me, when the reality is i don't know what people have in mind for me. I never realize that “oh that could've gone terribly”, until many hours later when I'm reflecting on my day in my journal. If y’all have any tips or tricks to being a bit more self-aware, or maybe how to practice stranger danger in the real world. Thank you and all of the love to both of you!
shan
2025-07-31 14:31:01 +0000 UTCHey Guys, My problem isn’t all that deep but throughout life I’ve been suffering from a constant complacency, I’m not lazy I did well in school but I kinda do things just because. even the job I’m at right now it pays well but I just kinda turn up. What’s the best way to find a passion or just find something to be passionate about. Cheers guys,
Drigby
2025-07-31 08:22:41 +0000 UTCSorry if this isn’t a therapy question but how did you learn to do that screaming rock n roll voice, I remember you did it in a episode, I’m trying to learn myself, could you give me some pointers ?
Johnnyhotbody
2025-07-31 00:47:22 +0000 UTCAlright campers! Today's challenge consists of helping me solve my personal problem on this episode of Therapy Time! Whoever provides me with the most amount of advice on what to do will gain immunity at tonight's bonfire, while the rest of you will vote someone out and they'll walk towards the dock of shame. Now today's issue is that I've gotten along with some people online who share a fair amount of interests with me but I haven't refered to any of them as friends yet. Despite knowing them for about maybe a year and talking semi frequently we're not super close but not strangers either. The question now is what would you say is the point at which someone you meet stops being a acquaintance and instead a friend? You can start to give your advice now while I'll wait for tonight's elimination. P.S. Waddle Dees will love you, Waddles Doo's want you dead. (Proceeding further will reveal this episodes elimination, it is advised to give advice before viewing this episodes ending.) Alright campers! It's time to see which of you losers will head back home and who will stay to play. Chef had counted the votes and the decision is clear. In my hand are 4 marshmallows, whoever doesn't receive one is out. First one goes to the Patrons for winning today's challenge and paying a monthly fee. The second goes to... Riftskeen! For making the channel art and likely this episodes art too. Third goes to... Astrid! For trying her best and sandbagging her hardest. Final marshmallow goes to.........Mika! For keeping a smile and attacking fellow contestants. WHICH MEANS SANCHO HAS BEEN VOTED OUT OF THE COMPETITION!!! Pack your bags man, your trip on therapy time is over. (The credits begin to roll as Sancho leaves on the nearby boat.)
Suilverio
2025-07-22 06:15:50 +0000 UTCHi Mika and Aztro, This past year has been the hardest year of my life. It’s been full of both highs and devastating lows. I recently celebrated my one year anniversary with my beautiful girlfriend, and I truly feel like I’ve found my person. I also landed my first internship as a software engineer this summer with a well regarded company. At the same time, I’m grieving. A close friend from school passed away in a motorcycle accident last year, and just last week, I lost a close childhood friend. Being away from my family and girlfriend while trying to process all this has made everything feel overwhelming. This internship has also made me question a lot about my future. I’m majoring in computer science and will be a senior this fall, but working in financial tech has been disheartening and is fueling my imposter syndrome. It feels like there’s no room for creativity, and I’ve been struggling with intense imposter syndrome. I know Aztro did software engineering before. How did you know it wasn’t right for you? I’m really looking forward to taking game development and VR classes next year, and I’ve always loved YouTube and video editing, but I can’t seem to find the energy or confidence to dive in. My question is: how do you find clarity or motivation when you’re doing something that doesn’t feel right—but you’re not sure what else you’re capable of? Thank you both. Hope all is well and thank you for taking the time to do this ❤️❤️
Alex
2025-07-22 00:57:53 +0000 UTCHey mika and astrid long time viewer but recent patreon-er. I don't really have any quarrels right now but i'm getting into transformers lately. What are your guys and girl favorite transformers?
joebidenbackshots
2025-07-21 03:09:52 +0000 UTCHello! if you struggle with social anxiety as a comorbidity with autism like me reaching out to neurodiverse friendly spaces to meet like minded people can seem like a really scary big first step...what i did was get a therapist in my network that specializes in trauma therapy and is also autistic herself (I also do virtual meetings so it is very easy to fit into your schedule especially if you don't have reliable transportation) autistic people are more likely to experience trauma due to heightened sensory sensitivities, social challenges, and difficulty with change in routine, so processing all that with a professional i trusted was key in my journey. From there I just worked on learning myself, my triggers, what causes little dopamine boosts in my brain, etc. autistic people usually struggle with not having a very strong sense of self.....so learning me and learning to make accommodations for myself when i am in a social setting ie. cane, ear plugs, fidget, you know whatever you feel you need. What I learned is eventually I started to build rapport with my therapist and then myself. Little by little I unmasked as i processed the trauma and fears that caused me to mask in the first place, and over my 2 year journey i have created a nice little community for myself...obviously progress is not linear and no ones journey is the same, but I think starting out with one solid support person like a therapist was the best decision I could've made for myself. (also sorry if i am overstepping I just totally understand what you mean about the feeling of alienation and i wanted to let you know you are not alone!)
Rhys
2025-07-21 01:04:52 +0000 UTCHi Mika and Astro! I just started listening to you guy's therapy videos and love them! So of course I have my own question. I was diagnosed late in my life with Autism (23) and even though I was very happy with my diagnosis because it explained a lot of my childhood and other social interactions, I couldn't help but feel more isolated around my fellow human beings. I felt so alien compared to everyone else because it seems that nobody else thinks like me or talks like me. Do you guys have any advice and how I can relate more to others? I just want to feel more human. Also Mika how did you learn Russian? I am learning rn but not very good lol.
_Cloud_
2025-07-20 03:23:33 +0000 UTChey astrid and mika, long time viewer of both of you and new patreon sub! to get into it, i feel like i haven’t had enough time, or used my time wisely enough to develop as person and figure out who i am, i know im young and it sounds silly, im just so scared to move away from all of my current friends and I’ve never really been good at meeting people. side note, I’ve always wanted to start streaming and/or youtube! any advice for how you guys started out or anything you would do in today’s internment climate will be greatly appreciated! thank you guys so much for putting your time and effort into helping others and making such inspiring content!
Rain Brain
2025-07-19 03:22:41 +0000 UTCHonestly, that confession. The person who felt they had to lie to their partner, that isn't really about the partner. It's about you as a person. I think a lot of us, as people are horrified of the idea of being ourselves- especially around the people who mean a lot to us. Because what if they voice all of those things about you that you yourself dislike? What if they confirm that you are too much, or not enough. But the reality is if you don't give people the opportunity to sit there with you in those feelings- in those insecurities, then you don't give them the chance to prove you wrong. To show you thay even when you're not perfect, even when you feel like you don't deserve love- you do. You can still be loved, you still are loveable. But that's somewhat hypocritical come from me because I do the same thing- not lying (I suck at lying I always forget the lie I told). But being vulnerable and insecure with the people I love most. My best friend complains to me about it- I'm getting better at it (kind of). But in those moments I do share those feelings, she shows me it's ok to feel them. It's ok to be insecure, it's ok to not love yourself. But it's not ok to sabotage your life because of it. Life is too short to not try to live it. Also dating other people is a great way to see what you like in a partner. How you want your partner to make you feel. How you want to make a partner feel. My best friend is a serial dater. She's constantly trying to find her person, but she also wants to figure out what it means to her. What "the one" is to her. Some one with golden retriever energy? Someone who's bossy? Someone who anticipates her needs? Every relationship brings you one step closer to who you want to spend the rest of your life with, and who you want to be. So don't beat yourself up too much about it. There are so many amazing people in this world- so many who have yet to meet. Oh I just realize I went on a rant lol. Since I promised myself I'd stop deleting comments after typing them to make them shorter, this is staying here. Sorry! I hope everyone has/had a great month!
your_royalmess
2025-07-18 18:58:14 +0000 UTCHey Astrid and Mika I am an autistic guy about to start university. I am looking at some ways to make money as I can no longer work full-time due to study commitments. My question for you guys is connected, but also not. I am working on scripts for some video essays I want to make. This isn't solely to make money; I want to do it regardless of whether I get paid or not. What is some advice you would give to someone just starting out on youtube/tiktok? I have some ideas of what I want to talk about, like philosophy, media, narrative conventions, etc, but I don't know if I should be more specific to one kind of subject, or just posting whatever I feel like. I tend to infodump on people about things that I find interesting, but it can get annoying for them, so posting my rants in the form of well-structured video essays could fill that role for me by getting my thoughts out. As well as making some extra cash if it does well.
Forg
2025-07-14 07:07:03 +0000 UTChey aztro/astrid and mika! became a recent fan of the show and am really enjoying all of the content, especially therapy time. y’all give pretty sound advice, and i really appreciate the thought and effort you put into your responses!! i want to ask a question on how to reconcile authenticity to the self with compromising for relationships. for context, i am a transwoman in a place where we are tolerated (loosely) but not accepted 1. how do y’all manage that balance of being authentic versus having to compromise to maintain relationships? 2. by your own personal opinions, when can being authentic end up crossing the line from self-love to selfish. i understand if these questions get skipped, but would greatly appreciate advice!! luv the content - jas
jas testament
2025-07-11 14:08:03 +0000 UTCThanks for your guys’ therapeutical essences, it is much appreciated.
Johnnyhotbody
2025-07-10 10:19:01 +0000 UTC
