My name is Nicola, and writing this is not easy. Asking for help is never simple—especially when you’ve spent most of your life feeling invisible.

Not long ago, I had my thyroid removed due to a malignant nodule. It was a hard blow—physically and mentally. But the cancer is just one part of a much longer struggle.

Since I was a child, I’ve lived on the margins. I was always extremely shy, and over time that turned into deep social anxiety. Eventually, I became what is known as a hikikomori—someone completely withdrawn from society, isolated at home, unable to face the outside world.

I can’t work. Even if I found a job, my mental health and phobias wouldn’t allow me to keep it. But I still need to survive. I still need to eat. I still need medical care. I still dream—maybe one day—of rebuilding some kind of life, one small step at a time.

I’m not asking for luxury. I’m just asking for the chance to live with dignity.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Even a small donation means more than you can imagine.

And if you can’t donate, sharing this would help me immensely.

With gratitude,

Nicola.