a video for whoever needs it 

you are a very humble and genuine dude and I'm lucky to be able to call you a friend. thanks homie for the wisdom. love you.

Important update: the guy mentioned in this video seems to be okay now :) the original thread is deleted but his account is still there and just two days ago he commented in the Joel sub saying he realized he was having some sort of episode and is looking into getting treatment or at least a diagnosis. He has also seen this video and enjoyed it and appreciated the message :) really good and nice things can happen when people are nice to each other!

Great video Joel, you always seem like a good guy. I hope any pressure of your audience isn't too much weight on you either, it can get pretty overwhelming at times

I feel like A LOT of people would have just laughed off what that guy was feeling and ignored it. People really seem to forget that everybody you meet is a person with feelings just like you and me. People think that's a cliche but it isn't. Nobody is the main character of life and nobody is an NPC. We really are all just in this together so let's start working together.

i love your sit-down videos where you just chat with us. 💜

I struggle with schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. This means a lot to me. It's rough.Things get weird. You're not yourself with that illness. Life is on extra hard mode. On the upside, medicine is advancing quickly and people need to have a positive mindset.Thank you Joel. Really, I needed that. I've been feeling melancholy.

Sometimes Joel just feels like our 21st Century Mr. Rogers and it makes me thankful for these snippets

this is great Joel. a much needed message for many, myself included 💙

"You're succeeding in the way you can right now." Love this. Everyone is operating at a different level of functionality. For some of us, getting to the next day is a tremendous achievement and should be considered as success.

i love joel haver very much.

This was like genuine therapy. Hearing this is very calming and relaxing, Almost relieving. Everyone should hear something like this in their lives. It’s important to remember

Recently I've been experiencing symptoms of psychosis. They started off small but have began to spiral. Never in a million years would I have thought this would or could ever happen. I have never been more scared of what my life will be like or is going to be like. Not to mention how much I hate the episodes I have experienced. And the idea of having them happen again truly terrifies me. This video really said it all for me. It's okay that I'm scared. It's okay that I'm going to struggle. I've got this. If I need to ill take a few breaths and take things at my own pace because it's going to be okay. I've told my family and friends. I'm going to get help and its going to get better. Thank you for this video its reminded me of that.

As someone who has had paranoid delusions in the past, I can't tell you how much this meant to me. We are all on a rough, fucked up, unpredictable journey through a harsh world, and reminders like this can make a huge difference. Thank you for being you, Joel

very much respect for addressing mental illness in such a positive, thoughtful way. we are all having a rough go from time to time, but we can all get through those dark times by supporting each other with love and understanding. thank you for saying this joel. i was actually having a bit of a rough day at work, so it was really nice to come home and hear some words of encouragement.

Just casually, "Oh, I've got a tick on me." Thanks for all your content! You make the shitty days a little less shitty.

"Living life is intrinsically hard." is something that I never really realized for a long time.

Only a minute or so in and I’m thankful for your clarity about everything as always, Joel

I'm having a hard time right now because I lost my girlfriend after 8 years and have very few friends, and I'm pushing so hard to develop a career and am working all the time. This video helped me a lot because I did need to hear it. Thank you, Joel. You are a great person.

After losing a long term relationship, it feels good when people just say “life is hard”. That’s really all it comes down to.

ended up watching through it a couple times. thank you, Joel. i really hope it helps them.

I don’t think a 6 minute video has ever made me, a 25 year old man cry my eyes out. Thank you Joel, I didn’t even know how much I needed that.

It's mind-boggling that we all could say more nice and encouraging words to each other but we usually don't. Thanks for the kind words, I didn't even realized I kind of needed them.

Thanks Joel. I needed this today. Glad to see you aren’t involved in the dark arts after all. ❤️

Thank you. I'm a father of 3 in a third world country and it is hard. I sometimes think of "resting" but i always end up thinking about my children and what happens to them. I've been struggling with depression and your content makes me laugh when i need it the most. I feel like i no longer have a me sometimes and you help alot. Thank you.

Thank you Joel. I broke my back seven days ago and just returned home from the hospital yesterday. Thankfully, and incredibly luckily I am not paralyzed, but the gravity of my situation and scale of pain I'm in hit me this morning. I needed to hear this.

I've been having really depressive thoughts lately, and just yesterday I was considering ending it all. Words don't describe how much Joel's message made me feel 100 times better. Thanks man ❤️

Honestly with school coming up I've been starting to worry again. Realizing that the moment where "you simply sit on the stairs of the pool" is about to be over can be terrifying at times. For anyone else going through similar anxieties about upcoming events: Allow yourself patience and instill confidence that no matter what you had that moment of "sitting on the stairs, looking out on the rest of the pool" But anyway wonderful video Joel as always :)

I just know when I see Joel sitting with a scenic background it's gonna be an emotional and heartfelt message. Thanks for all you do Joel and love your positive vibes and encouragement!

I lost my best friend to suicide in February. I miss him so much. You never know what people are going through. No matter what though, things always get better. It gets worse before it gets better. Life's a trip. Ups and downs and shit can go sideways. Count your blessings and practice gratitude and keep on working towards building yourself. Even if it's baby steps. Everything starts small. Remember you are loved and people will always be sad if you're not around. I love you Matthew. I miss you buddy.

Joel is easily one of the best creative talents on RU-vid, but the fact that he's humble and shows real, genuine care for all people is the best thing about him. Top Tier Human.

The way you started checking for ticks after saying "Bye Bye" was inspirational.

Honestly that’s one of the scarier things that has come up over the past few years. Para social relationships are incredibly not healthy and it’s something constantly check myself for. I thinks it’s hard for creators who blow up quickly though. Having a small channel can really allow someone to foster relationships with people who watch their content. But once you get to the scale that Joel is at that sorta disappears.

“Forgive people easily and forgive yourself easily”… that hit so hard

My mom has breast cancer and I have to move most of the way across the country to help her in a few days. No one else in my family is going to help, not her parents or her sister or my big brother. They've left it to me and I don't feel like I'm strong enough to do this but I have to. Every day I wake up and talk to myself in the mirror: "We have this. We can do this. Whatever we have to do we're going to do it." Thank you for caring about the people who care about you from afar. I really needed this today.

Not a sob story: Pretty alone at this point in my life and as I’ve never really had anyone to talk to, I’ve always put my emotions into words and melodies. Songs that I never completed and poetry that I never published but it doesn’t make me sad at all. I really do enjoy adventuring through life with my dog and I’m an aspiring astrophysicist! What’s there to be sad about? People hate me? Okay sure let them. Couldn’t fulfil my dream? Onto something else! Life’s too short to be sad, to blame people or to hold hatred. Call me insane but I’d rather smile than frown again. Took me 21 years to come to this point and man, life’s amazing. Go meet new people and chase new experiences! Do anything as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone not deserving. That’s all coming coming from someone who tried killing himself thrice. Life’s a wonderful gift.

wow. I've cried for some time after watching this. life's hard, I've been hard on myself. My brain has been hard on my emotions, tricking me into falsehoods. Life isn't over. Everyone needs someone to support them. If you say you don't, you're lying to yourself and you should stop it. We should be more considerate of eachother. Message someone you love. Tell them you love them, cherish the people you have, you never know when's the last time you'll say "See you later". I've been pushing some of my friends away because loneliness has been destroying me. Made my mind think terrible things, I'm very thankful they kept encouraging me, help me recover, show genuine care and affection. It's very easy to not notice them, but at my lowest point I saw my friends weren't leaving me. For once. Talk to your friends, they care about you. Sometimes, time sucks and it becomes very easy to forget to check on people, we get overloaded everything with just life happening, keeping in touch with other can be left on the side, without even thinking about it. Talk to your friends. Share your passions, be unapologically yourself, and most importantly, don't be someone you're not.

I definitely needed to hear this. Recently Ive been feeling like I'm behind a lot of people my age. Having dropped out from my engineering course before my last year because the stress was too much it caused me depressions, I had to slow down and take a break. I took some professional culinary courses for half a year while speaking to a psychiatrist about my depression and I was slated for my internship until the pandemic hit. Then I was stuck doing nothing, not knowing what to do for the past two years. Until recently I decided to just pursue a new course in hotel management so I can finally get a degree but sometimes I keep thinking about where I am in life right now that I'm 26 almost turning 27 a few months later.

Nobody is probably seeing this, but if you are, I hope you have a fantastic moment right now :-)

As someone who has had trouble with something like that gentleman, I truly feel for him and hope he can find some peace. I used to be rather interested in psychedelics and had to step back because I've always felt a Truman show effect to my life and those substances would bring that out. To the point I once asked my own mother if she would tell me if she was Truman showing me. Like I said I feel for that guy heavily. On the other hand, I sure hope that he can take this concept and use it to make himself feel a little less alone in what he's going through. If nothing else, perhaps he can use this moment to see that he can relate to some of the stuff because we all go through some very similar things in life! To know that someone can live parallel to your existence to the point you think it's about you... Well that's kind of beautiful when you think about it. Thanks Joel for caring enough to reach out to him and take the time. Keep being you brother man.

I needed this so bad. I was diagnosed with cancer yesterday, I'm waiting on surgery and this is the most scared I've ever been. He's right, it's ok to be scared. I'm embracing my friends and family and doing the best I can. Good luck out there, everyone. ♥️

This is one of those days for me. Happy I can come to this video to be reminded to keep trying. ❤️

Joel. My 63 year old father laughs so hard sometimes even cries. Man raised as a child/teen on Monty Python. Myself and my brother love your Videos. Your comedy and your friends, and your own personality is empathetic. Thanks bro. Cheers I'd buy you a pint anytime. And I'm going to share this with my family and friends

Joel is genuinely my favorite RU-vidr. this man is creative, funny, positive, and insanely humble. I wish many decades of success to you Joel, in everything you do.

This was the dorkiest yet most profound therapy session I never knew I needed.

My guy, your level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and just straight up genuine love for your fellow human continues to be truly inspirational ❤️❤️

Thanks Joel, life is hard and acknowledging that is helpful. Life isn’t great for me right now, got a kidney stone and I can’t pass it and I’m broke so I can’t take time off from work. Been in the hospital twice this month. It’s hard to get up in the morning. I was too sick to go on vacation over July 4th. This was supposed to be the Summer of Sean, and it’s been the Summer of Suck. Your videos are a welcome distraction to me. The encounter with the mentally unwell friend sounded tough, dude. My uncle is like that, he’s got paranoid schizophrenia, and sees a lot of conspiracies that are just not there. The unwell person you saw needs support and I really hope they’re getting it.

My brother is a paranoid schizophrenic, and he had a very similar experience to this. He thought my family and I were giving rappers and singers stories of his life and they would sing about it. This made me think of that and I hope the guy gets help. I don’t have experience myself with psychosis episodes but from seeing my brother it seems to real to them and I’m glad you made this video to bring awareness.

You’re a lovely guy Joel. You’ve really wormed your way into our hearts, burrowing deep for sustenance.

Joel, cant stress how important this video is for me right now- im feeling bummed out at work and hate my job- just believe i cant do anything right and Im a bit fed up- this video hit me in a way where I realise that this stuff is totally natural to feel and is just a bit of a crazy thing we just call life. Its ok to fail a bit and go through bad times. We all have that and talking about it is so important. Thanks for this vid and Im sure a lot of people will see this and feel the exact same way. Cheers pal.

I really needed this. Thank you, its been hard to cry and this helped me cry.

Every day my day is made knowing that Joel Haver exists

"You're succeeding in the way you can right now" thank you Joel. thank you so much.

one of my personalities did not like the setting....sitting on the rock...and did not like the subtle fade in of sad music like some kind of "you can do it" type malarky....however my other personality found it very endearing and wholesome.......and my other personality just wanted to urinate in my trousers while standing.........decisions decisions....life really will be the end of me.

When you make serreal content such as yours, it's bound to happen that it'll relate to someone on a deep level. But I think it is that idea that makes it great. I hope wherever that guy is he eventually takes a break from the internet. Sometimes just seeing the world outside helps get away from all the nonsense and see what you really have. Keep up the great work

I love these chill talks. I'm a doomer so I'm in the deep end all the time.

i literally googled this video again to watch , coz oh man i am feeling down … thank you for this video

❤

This was beautiful. Reminds a little of JSchlatt’s video about why he ended The Weekly Slap because of the whole Parasocial thing. Love you Joel Edit: Droodle outro was perfect for this

I kept waiting for the joke to drop, while at the same time feeling able to let some deep stuff go that I'd been holding on to. It's almost as if waiting on the edge of my seat allowed me to hear the message and let it resonate more. What a weird and wonderful creator you are.

I really did need to hear this. I just got diagnosed with cancer last week, and my mum and I have been binging your videos after I had surgery to remove a tumor. You've been making my anxious and painful week so much funnier, so I really appreciate all that you do.

Your videos provide an little solace in the crazy world of the internet, especially when you let us peek behind the curtain to see your philosophy at work!

Thank you for this video, don't ever take it down. I have gone back here a couple of times to remind myself that, like you say, life is hard and that's okay. It has helped a lot every time. Thanks Joel :)

I live with bipolar disorder as well as anxiety. I can tell you that it is hard to live with any mental issue, and its even worse if you "know" you are normal. I had a mental breakdown not too long ago, and I am struggling a bit lately. I am the type of person that would rather give than get. As such, I have trouble asking for help. But I know when I really need it and will do what I can to get it. This guy you speak of, I feel for him. My anxiety brews paranoia in me like crazy. I often feel I am being watched or listened to when my stress levels get too high. I will argue with myself in my head because 1 half "knows" I am being watched, and the other knows I am not even worth watching by some rando. I have kinda a voice in my head I talk to. Some would call it a Conscience, others an imaginary friend. But I am able to make it take the form of a persona that isnt me and have little debates or conversations with. Its something I developed back in the day when I was a kid and the newest trend on the block was yugioh. I fell in love with the game, but usually had nobody to play with, so I started playing against myself. I quickly found out that I would tend to want to cheat, so I started pretending to be another person that was oblivious to my strategy. That in time developed to where I would play not knowing my plans on board, but would also know what I might be up against and would plan accordingly. With this, I got pretty good at the game and learned to build better decks and strategies. This... other me as I call him has been a huge part of my life and helped me make sense of a lot of things. I hope this person you speak of can find such peace. Even alone I have a friend that can help me see whats really going on and gives me advice in tough times when I am having trouble thinking due to my anxiety being high. I know some that read this may think "this dude is crazy af" but the thing is I think that too most of the time, lol. But I have been told by mental healthy experts that if you think or know you are crazy, then you arent. Maybe they are right. After all, in my toughest times, such as the mental breakdown I had, I cant hear him. No matter how loud I yell, he doesnt answer to tell me what I need to do to fix myself

Best skit ever Joel I've never laughed harder lol Fr tho I love how honest you are with these one on one type message videos. We do forget to just admit that life is hard, mostly out of denial so we can face another day. It's nice to know that, despite being far from reach, you care about people on a larger level than just as viewers.

Taking things slow is a really good advice. Throughout my life I've been taking things slow, not rushing anything, not pushing my self to the limit and it works for me pretty well. Although I feel that my potential is a little underutilized, I know that in the long run it's good for me. But hey people are different, some can't be happy if they don't grind at work and after that, tho remember to relax for a few hours every day! You deserve it, and you need it. You still have time to reach your goals. It's not like you're gonna die tomorrow... I mean it's possible but chances are pretty low.

In 2 days it’ll be one year since my Dad suddenly died. I want you to know how helpful this video and all your videos are, and I just want to thank you for everything Joel. You rock.

Its crazy how real that sorta stuff feels in the moment, sounds so ridiculous listening to it, but i know for him when his brain was tellin him all that stuff it felt real as fuck it just happens, there's nothing you can do, didn't expect this from a channel like this but i really needed it atm, knowing im not alone with how my brain works, so many people treat me like a freak and abandon me cuz like its alot to deal with, i cant handle it i cant expect others to, and its gotten better here and there but just knowing theres others out there who believe these outlandish things too is a real comfort, and havin someone tell me it's ok when nobody in my life can or will is just really something i need Its hard bein alone

I needed this. I failed an important test today, and even though I know it's not the end of the world, I feel like dying. I'm trying my best, but it feels like these days all I can do is just sit here with my eyes closed and wait for another day to pass. I just wish I had something to say that wasn't a problem.

It takes bravery and compassion to reach out to your audience in such a caring way. I know I've been in a dark place for the better part of the last few years and I appreciate your sentiments greatly. "Forgive yourself and others easily" and "Don't push away people who are trying to help" are two things I continue to try and improve on. Life is super hard. We all have been through some kind of deep shit but having friends and strangers you can relate to helps. I hope everyone is taking it easy on themselves and their loved ones. We have the ability to change the world for the better and I believe we are strong enough to weather any storm. Remember to celebrate your wins friends.

The children's swing padlocked to the frame whilst speaking about life being hard was some powerful imagery. A very wholesome video, thank you!

Man ive been going through some of the hardest stuff ive ever gone through lately and i just really needed to hear alot of this, thank you.

I was just like you Joel. I was a content creator that always tried to “make it” but unfortunately I never did. Now I’m in my late 20’s working a deadend job that I hate, always thinking of how things could have been if I made it. But you know, it brings me joy to see someone like you actually make it. You’re a very genuine guy and sometimes I feel like you’re identical to a buddy I had back in high school. There are a lot of dumb untalented famous people on RU-vid, and then there are incredibly talented and genuine people that work hard for years and finally get recognized. I’m really proud that you got your recognition, you definitely deserve it man.

This feels like the future of content, and I hope it is. I'd love to see a shift from fake excitable personalities yelling about whatever's trending to real fireside chats with people who don't have to put on a front. This feels genuine and gentle-like an episode of Joe Pera

GODDAMMIT JOEL, QUIT MAKING VIDEOS ABOUT *ME!* That Video about Dinglemire? that is 100% me, and you can't prove me otherwise! oh, that OTHER guy though? no. nothing is about him. but Me? Dinglemire is totally based on me. im laying face down screaming on a Log *RIGHT NOW!*

Joel I just finished an hour long conversation with myself in the mirror before laying in bed and clicking on the first video that came on my recommended feed, which happened to be this one. It feels like the questions I was asking myself were answered in this 6 minute clip you made. I cannot thank you enough.

Seeing Joel's video about losing his dad struck a cord with me. I haven't lost mine, but I know and fear that I'd be like Joel, and I hope that I have the strength to continue like he has once that time comes. You're a treasure Joel!

Really needed this - I knew I needed it when I saw the thumbnail but didn't have time to sit down and watch it until now. I have a psychotic disorder, and sometimes struggle with those same types of paranoid thoughts. In fact I generally "believe" my life is an amusing production being watched by others, some of whom I routinely hear in my head. I met my new therapist this week. I'm scared because he says he's positive I can overcome my biggest issues by simply accepting and forgiving myself. That sounds so strange. Life is hard. Hope can be frightening, intimidating. You say wade in the water.. I often think I'm drowning. I'm so glad to share this timeline with you. I'm glad you're out here putting messages in people's heads about empathy, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness, for others as well as ourselves. Your work is so important to me and it brings together a community of "weird outsiders" who resonate with your values. Enjoy Massachusetts! Be well

When Joel talks down to earth is so wholesome it makes me shiver! You are an amazing artist and even better person

Thanks for always being a stand-up guy, Joel. Just letting you know your work brings a lot of people a lot of joy.

There was one time. I was like 20ish and smoking some very very strong weed. Do you remember the show Wilfred? with elijah wood and that dog/man? I got super blazed and tried watching that show... I was 100% SURE that that show was about me and i got super paranoid and thought that everyone in my life was conspiring to make that show and sort of exploit my insecurities. I think this sounds a lot like what happened to that guy. It was wierd.

Your sit-downs have brought me to tears and this is no exception. Thank you for being so real and we are wishing the best for every person who watches

those shoes look cool. I want to buy a pair.

Baby talk for adults. Yeah, life is hard- doesn't automatically mean it's bad. We're so spoiled nowadays and everyone just think that saying "life is beautiful" is the way to go and the opposite is just a taboo nobody wants to hear. Life is hard, and yet you can always have a moment to safely sleep between your walls in your bed and this isn't so granted. Wholesome video, easily one of my favorite things so far in the last period. Bless this guy for talking his heart out and you, Joel, for responding. Also, the way you said don't get too attached because sadly you cannot give back or reciprocate is just so heartwarming to me. I think that's another important message to give that's not underrated, but silent

i needed this sm. i am probably at the lowest point ive ever been, ive lost everyone i love and those who havent left either pity me or are family. thanks joel

I have not seen any of your videos before, but this one popped up in my recommended today and really touched me. You seem like a really sweet guy and you made my day better, Joel.

You didn't black pill that guy and say the facts that the universe is conserving energy and that "seemingly coincidental sequence of events" is due to the universe being lazy and the person is a human capable of seeing patterns even when they are random: they are a byproduct of living in a universe that is conserving energy while being a bunch of cells that can comprehend that process of conservation. To further elaborate how your movies and their life experience coincide: Humans only have so many interactions and thoughts based on other people and the environment they are in, so with like the 1.63 million subscribers that a RU-vidr like Joel has will, statistically, result in similar stories being seen both on the film Joel produces and in the interactions that some of his viewers have in their day to day. Dismissing it as "paranoid delusions" is a typical creator response: you didn't invite that person to come partake in a video of yours or even try to talk to them about a story you could collab with them based on something they want to let out into the cosmos or get off their chest. Joel, you just made a fucking video about them while dismissing them as a person struggling with mental health/sentience. Yes bringing randomers into your creative process is dangerous. Yes, it could all blow up in your face. But as someone who creates great content, you're well-established enough to be robust enough to try something like letting someone get something cathartic off their chest using your platform. If you are not stable enough to take a little flak and take a little risk, what are you even building? Seriously considering unsubbing for this and letting the algorithm or memory select which videos I watch of yours, because dude, you're a piece of shit for making this video. Thank you for reading my blog. All the best.

After wasting 10% of my life on a relationship, I really needed to hear this man. Life is hard for sure. Thank you

Love u Joel u have been my go to when I feel shitty and disconnected from this world u always make me feel better and laugh at simple and beautiful things thanku, you rock ☆♡☆♡☆

The other day somebody asked me if there are any celebrities who I would pay to meet and sit down with and I said "Joel Haver!" in a heartbeat. I don't have any sort of mental health issues I am aware of but this video was still valuable to me. I feel like I know you and like you but realistically I don't know you at all. And there are many people around me that I do know but who I don't talk to enough. The internet skews social bonds so much, you feel attached to so many people who don't know you and so many people who have never met you feel like they know what you're all about. #1 is looking out for the people around you and talking to them, asking them how they're doing and when you're feeling down, rather than shouting it out into the void of the internet, tell them about your troubles. Don't know what to say, that was just a great video and I come back to it often.

I came for jokes, but I stayed for the wholesome! Thanks for the positively Joel! I hope everyone out there is taking care of themselves the best they can

You’re a true artist, Joel. You seem like you love humanity, and that’s the best quality of an artist, in my opinion. Loving the world around them.

I didn't know I needed that. I've heard other people saying that life is hard, but hearing it from you, it was the first time it really sank into me that it is normal.

Joel, you’re such a kind and loving person. I have a strong feeling you get this from your father. Thanks for the beautiful message, I sent this to my brother who I feel really needs to hear this. Love you too Joel.

I've been messing up a lot for a long time.(not keeping a job, losing friends, ignoring family. Etc..). So much so where I started shutting down, and not making any decisions cause I'm tired of making mistakes while simultaneously making a mistake of not trying.. Always questioning and just talking down to myself. Sometimes it's nice hearing it's hard for other people too.. I'm glad I found your channel not just for the skits but for messages like this. Anyways.. venting over if you've read this far hope you have a a great day with many more to come.✌️

I love how you framed each shot, I don't know if you put a lot of thought into it or just went with what felt right, but you're an awesome filmmaker either way

I grew up in the same town as Joel did, was a freshman when he was a senior in the same high school. To know that someone who experienced the same environment that I did can go on to do amazing things and spread joy to millions of people around the world is inspiring. You don't need to be born great to become great, and Joel's hard work is evidence of that.

I just have to say it again, those random shots and the background music is wonderful. c: Thanks for the Video Joel

Joel. You could so easily be Mr. Rogers 2.0

I've been feeling down for the first time in a long time, found myself on the verge of tears just about all day long but never able to cry. This video managed to bring me to those tears, and I feel so much better now. Thank you for your sincerity, Joel..

Joel this helped me tremendously, in the past month I have lost my house due to foreclosure and me and my 4 kids have had to move to a two bedroom trailer in a field and I have beat myself up everyday thinking that I have ruined my kids life that I built for them and feeling like a financial failure! But anyways thanks for the encouraging words