For the past four years, I kept getting loans to buy more crypto. I was always between $15k and $25k in debt. I’d pay some off, get another loan, and repeat. I’ve probably lost $15k along the way, but crypto finally paid off, and I’m debt-free now. My salary has also improved a lot since 2020. I could save for a house or get a car in a few months, but I feel empty. It’s like I’ve lost a part of my identity, even though it wasn’t a good one. Is it normal to feel like this? Why don’t I feel happy?
You borrowed money to invest and then paid it back while still investing? It’s good that you’re out of debt now because that’s a really risky financial move.
Stay out of debt! Now that you’re free, start saving and putting money into investments.
I’ve spent years going in and out of debt. Eventually, I realized my problem wasn’t just financial—it was psychological. Therapy helped me a lot. I’m still in debt now, but I understand what keeps pulling me back there.
For me, it’s anxiety, OCD, and depression. Spending money feels like it fixes my anxiety temporarily, and being in debt feeds the part of me that feels I don’t deserve happiness. Therapy helped me figure that out. I’d suggest looking into what kept you going back to debt. What positive feeling or benefit did you get from it? Once you understand that, it’s easier to manage those urges.
@Rain
That’s a really deep way to look at it. I guess the debt was a weird safety net—it gave me excuses not to grow up or make big decisions. It delayed buying a house, moving out of the fun part of the city, having kids, or even figuring out what I want in life. Plus, there’s the thrill of taking risks and gambling. Your comment really opened my eyes; I’ve got a lot to think about. Thanks for sharing—it helps knowing this isn’t such an unusual reaction.
@Reese
Totally get that. Fear of success can be just as big as fear of failure. You’ve got great self-awareness, and that’s going to help you move forward. If you’re interested, look into therapy approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS). It focuses on the different parts of your psyche and how they’re trying to protect you, even if it’s in unhealthy ways. Best of luck—you’ve got this!
@Rain
I remember being down to just $5k of debt but falling back into old habits and ending up worse off. How do you even start therapy? Who should I talk to?
Remi said:
@Rain
I remember being down to just $5k of debt but falling back into old habits and ending up worse off. How do you even start therapy? Who should I talk to?
I’d recommend looking up Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) in your area. It’s all about understanding different parts of yourself and why they behave the way they do. Psychology Today’s website is a good place to start searching, but definitely call around to see what’s available!
@Rain
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check that out and do some research later!
Start saving and investing. Make building wealth your new focus. It’ll help replace that empty feeling.
Dax said:
Start saving and investing. Make building wealth your new focus. It’ll help replace that empty feeling.
Totally agree! Try picking up hobbies, growing plants, or just learning how to enjoy life without spending a ton.
@Cai
Yeah, I think focusing on something positive and healthy is the way to go. Thanks!
You might not feel happy because it’s been so long since you’ve experienced it. Take a moment to appreciate being debt-free. Go for a walk, literally or figuratively. Start saving, build a 401k, and put money in a high-yield account. Watching your savings grow will feel great over time!
@Fallon
I hit the gym today, and it felt great. You’re right—it’ll just take time to see the benefits of healthy habits. Thanks for the advice!
Congrats on getting out of debt—that’s huge. But I think part of your unease might be that you got lucky. Crypto is like gambling, and while you won, you know it wasn’t a solid plan. Now’s the time to build discipline. Start with a budget and stick to it. Diversify your investments with mutual funds and stocks. Only put money into crypto that you can afford to lose.
@Ainsley
Thanks for the congrats—it means a lot. I think you’re right. It started as a desperate move because I wasn’t earning much and wanted a way out. The reality of my choices is definitely sinking in now. Appreciate the advice.
I got lucky—I maxed out my credit card when Bitcoin was $30k and bought 3 BTC. Now I’ve paid off the card and kept some extra BTC.
Keegan said:
I got lucky—I maxed out my credit card when Bitcoin was $30k and bought 3 BTC. Now I’ve paid off the card and kept some extra BTC.
That was the dream! Glad it worked out for you. I’m sure there are a lot of happy folks in crypto right now.
Having an emergency fund for 6 months of expenses is a game changer. Think of it as paying back a debt to yourself. Set up automatic savings for what you used to pay towards debt and watch it grow!
If debt gave you a sense of purpose, try letting your bank account be your new goal. Set targets every six months and think long-term.