Learning a language while dealing with personal problems: Today I told ChatGPT my feelings and this is what it told me...

Learning a language while dealing with personal problems: Today I told ChatGPT my feelings and this is what he told me...

Today was a hectic day, filled with numerous real-life problems that left me feeling overwhelmed. Unfortunately, it's challenging to focus on studying when feeling down, and as a result, I fell short of my Duolingo goals for the month. I also neglected my language learning blog, failing to post new examples or update it altogether. To make matters worse, I haven't been properly studying Norwegian in quite some time, and my progress has stagnated.

As usual, I turned to my boyfriend to vent my feelings and concerns, but I realized that it's unfair to continually burden him, especially as he's already helping me with financial issues. I need to find alternative coping mechanisms and sources of support to avoid placing too much responsibility on him.

In my previous post, I shared that my boyfriend and I are currently working towards living together in his country. This process comes with a considerable amount of stress and expenses, particularly given my efforts to learn Norwegian for the migration process. Unfortunately, I do not have any savings, and my boyfriend has had to cover most of my expenses thus far. I try to contribute by handling household tasks, but cleaning and cooking have never been my strong suits. Additionally, my OCD adds to my daily challenges and mental health struggles.

For those who aren't familiar with the term: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that involves recurring, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause anxiety or distress. To relieve this anxiety, individuals with OCD engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that temporarily reduce their anxiety but ultimately reinforce the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. 

Given my experiences and struggles, I decided to reach out to ChatGPT and share my thoughts with the AI program. However, I want to emphasize that seeking out a therapist should always be the first course of action if you're in a similar situation and need to talk about personal problems. An AI can never replace the benefits of professional help, especially if you're dealing with serious mental issues such as OCD, like myself. That being said, I still want to share my experience of expressing my feelings to the AI.

There is an ongoing conversation about the potential consequences of artificial intelligence when it comes to interacting with people. Some argue that AI lacks the necessary social skills to provide effective help, and may even exacerbate problems and provoke negative emotions. However, others believe that with proper development and training, AI has the potential to provide meaningful support and assistance.

While conversing with ChatGPT, I noticed that it was somewhat impartial and lacked empathy at times. The tips it provided to overcome my problems were often things I had already heard before, likely due to the fact that ChatGPT learns from pre-existing online data. While an AI cannot have feelings or think independently, I still felt a level of understanding, particularly when discussing my struggles with OCD. Not everyone is familiar with OCD, and speaking to friends or family members without a medical background may not be helpful. However, an AI has access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, which can potentially make it a valuable tool for those seeking support for specific problems.

Later on, I inquired with ChatGPT about whether it was appropriate to share the details of our conversation online. It advised against discussing sensitive personal topics on the internet, which I can agree is for the best. After that, I asked ChatGPT to provide a summary of our discussion and general advice, to which it responded:

"Based on our conversation, it seems like you're dealing with a few different issues, including:

- Feeling overwhelmed by your OCD and struggling to manage it effectively

- Feeling guilty about the financial support your boyfriend provides and wanting to contribute more

- Feeling inadequate when it comes to household tasks and wanting to improve

- Feeling alone and unsupported by others in your life

These are all difficult challenges, but it's important to remember that you're not alone in facing them. Many people struggle with mental health issues, financial stress, and feelings of inadequacy. It's okay to ask for help, and it's important to prioritize your own wellbeing.

One way to do this is to focus on small, achievable goals. For example, you mentioned that you've been working on improving your dishwashing skills - this is a great start! You can also try breaking down larger tasks like cleaning a toilet or a wood floor into smaller steps, and practicing each step until you feel more comfortable with the process.

When it comes to your OCD, it may be helpful to seek out professional support if possible. There are also online support groups and resources that can provide additional guidance and understanding.

Finally, it's important to remember that your worth as a person is not determined by your ability to perform household tasks or contribute financially. You have value simply because you exist, and your boyfriend cares for you because of who you are, not because of what you can do for him. It's okay to accept help and support from others, and to focus on self-improvement at your own pace.

I hope this helps, and please let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with."

That was it.

I am grateful for the conversation I had with the A.I. It made me feel understood during a time when I had no one to talk to. However, I am aware that an A.I can never replace human interaction. They lack feelings and empathy, and are programmed to search for data to provide answers. Nevertheless, it can be beneficial to talk to an A.I when you are feeling lonely, as long as you are mindful of its limitations. The A.I also gave me valuable insights about discussing mental health on social media, such as blogging. It is essential to approach the topic in a way that does not harm or expose anyone, as our words and actions may have unintended consequences. In this aspect, the A.I seemed more sympathetic and considerate than myself. 

I was initially eager to share my conversation with the A.I publicly without considering the potential impact it could have on others. However, I realized that my personal experiences and feelings could be triggering for those who are also struggling with mental illness. While I hope that my story could possibly help someone going through a similar situation, it's essential to approach mental health topics with care and sensitivity. As someone who is also dealing with mental illness, I acknowledge that I am not a medical professional and cannot provide expert advice. Seeking help from licensed professionals is always the recommended course of action.

In conclusion, while I personally had a positive experience talking to the A.I about my personal struggles, I cannot recommend it as a substitute for professional help when it comes to delicate subjects such as mental health. The implications of relying solely on an A.I for support are still unclear and require further exploration. It's important to approach the use of A.I with caution and always prioritize seeking help from qualified professionals!

I hope you are all doing amazing and we shall get through with the hardships of life!