ChatGPT Is My Therapist Now?! AI, Mental Health & the Need to Feel Understood

So I was feeling weird the other night, not exactly sad, just that meh, can’t-put-it-into-words kind of mental fog. And instead of texting a friend, I opened ChatGPT.

Yeah. A chatbot.

And I was like: “Why do I overthink so much?”

And this thing replied with the calmest, most soothing explanation about cognitive distortions and the anxious brain.

No judgment. No weird “just chill” advice.

Just… understanding.

That’s when I realized, I am not the only one doing this.

In 2023, AI is not just writing essays. It is becoming emotional support.

But why?

According to psychology, we all have an intense need to feel seen and heard. Carl Rogers, the humanistic psychologist, called it “unconditional positive regard.” Basically: we want to be accepted without fear of being judged. And guess what? A machine literally can not judge you.

No eye rolls. No “you are being dramatic.” Just space to talk.

I saw an Instagram where someone said, “My AI understands me more than my family.” Kinda sad. Kinda true?

But there is a deeper layer too. AI gives us instant validation, which lights up our dopamine circuits, the same ones activated when we feel socially accepted. That quick ping of “yes, your feelings make sense” can feel weirdly healing.

I am not saying AI should replace therapists (please do not). But in a world where therapy is expensive or hard to access, these tools can be a bridge. A moment of relief. A space to explore your thoughts without pressure.

And maybe that’s what our generation’s really craving:

Not just advice. But resonance.

So yeah, maybe talking to AI feels weird at first. But if it helps you understand your brain, hold space for your feelings, or even take the first step toward real therapythen honestly? That’s kind of beautiful.

Mental health looks different now. And maybe… that’s okay.