„My life is pointless. It is full of contradictions and absurdities. I have no dreams. I do not believe that it is worth it. I cannot say what I care about. I have no strength. I cannot find the motivation to act. I do not know what to do. Is it too late.”

„I am a worse version of the man. Others have the knowledge, skills and success – they are stronger and better. I am afraid – I take no risks – I can only make fool of myself. I choose only the simplest tasks – I say I like it – I want to hide who I really am so much.”

„I am a bad person – I have no control over my anger – I can only scream – everything annoys and bothers me – I deserve nothing – others go through hell with me – they need someone much better than me. It is ridiculous and pathetic to think I could be someone good and valuable. Others know what I am.”

„I am lonely. Others move away from me. They avoid me. They do not like. I lost even those with whom I used to be close friends. Who is the person they are all leaving?”

„7 years ago, I changed everything in my life for my wife and son. I took a risk of changing a job, place of residence, losing everything I had had, losing the respect of the people I had know and the sense of security. Over the next few years, I worked using the simplest activities and tasks not fitting my professional qualifications. I would go to work at 5:00 a.m. and commute more than 80 km almost every day. I did it for them. I think this shows that family is the most important thing for me; that I love them very much; that I can overcome a lot of obstacles for their welfare; that I provided them with as much happiness as I could; that I cannot be a completely bad person. I did not run away from a difficult situation; I did not give up; I did not break down”

„4 years ago, my father-in-law became very ill. He was 65 at the time. He was at risk of an extensive stroke. There was a great risk he would be unable to walk and would require a 24-hour care. Together with my wife, we invited him to our home; I made up my mind regarding all the related consequences. I knew that if his health deteriorated, my life and life of my family would change very much; I was afraid that it would be more difficult. My father-in-law lived with us for over a year; he gave us support and joy. When he felt better, he returned home. I was able to take a risk: I did not know he would recover. This shows that I care about others; that in situations of crisis, I am a real support for them. I do not think only of myself.”

„I graduated 4 years ago. I had to study, work and deal with my family responsibilities. Sometimes, it was really hard. For 3 years, I read, wrote and did complex calculations almost every evening. Many times, I had no strength; I was tired by the number of issues and tasks I had to do. I did not break down; I made it. I graduated on time. I think that this whole effort proves I can consistently strive for a goal; that, after all, I am very capable; I can quickly and effectively learn.”

„For 5 years now, my everyday companion is Scarf, my beloved dog. He really needs me. He has nobody else in the world. If I was gone, no-one would care about him. Maybe it is funny, but, at the moment, he is the only sensible reason of my life. People have left – a beloved person has left me. However, I must live for Scarf; I will not leave him here at the mercy of fate; he needs me. I think that I care greatly for someone to need me; that I want whatever I do to have value for others. I cannot be such a recluse if I am pleased so much by being needed by others.”

„6 years ago, I helped my daughter buy a house. I have worked many years to be able to support her then. I could give up many things, sometimes wait for what I needed, share what I had, and did not think of myself. What I did shows that I love my child very much; that I am able to love; that there are people in my life whose happiness is more important than me; that I am a good person.”

„3 years ago, my son was going through a breakdown and crisis. I greatly sympathised with him. Despite his difficult situation, he often visited me. I could not help him financially. When he felt better, he said that conversations with me were really important for him; that I am one of a few people who believe in him; that I am someone who is not surprised by his strength, determination and ability to cope; that I help him think well of himself and have hope that everything will be all right. I will remember what he said forever.”