Is This What Stoicism Has Become?

Every other post here is about dealing with depression, grieving lost ones, or overcoming heartbreak. Not to downplay personal struggles, but is this really what Stoicism has been reduced to—a self-help therapy group?

Ancient Stoicism wasn’t about wallowing in personal emotions; it was about discipline, virtue, and resilience. It was about mastering the self to act with wisdom and strength, not just finding coping mechanisms for sadness. Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca weren’t writing to comfort you in your sorrow—they were telling you to get your act together and live with purpose, regardless of circumstances.

Of course, emotions exist, and we should acknowledge them. But Stoicism teaches transcendence, not indulgence. It’s not just about making yourself feel better—it’s about being better. Have we lost that? Have we turned a philosophy of action and virtue into a soft blanket for emotional distress?

Would love to hear thoughts, but let’s be real—if your first response is just “but people struggle,” you’re proving my point.

Edit:
Clarification: To be clear, I don’t have an issue with people seeking advice on how to handle their struggles. In fact, it’s natural and understandable for people to turn to Stoicism during tough times. My concern isn’t the act of seeking advice itself but rather how these situations are often approached here.

Many responses seem to lean more toward generic emotional reassurance or "it'll get better" platitudes rather than engaging with Stoic principles in a meaningful way. Stoicism isn’t just about coping; it’s about cultivating virtue, accepting the nature of things, and reframing your perspective. If this sub is meant to be about Stoicism, shouldn’t the advice reflect that more rigorously?

I’m not saying every response needs to sound like it was written by Seneca, but if someone is coming here for Stoic wisdom, shouldn’t we point them toward ideas like the dichotomy of control, amor fati, or memento mori rather than just consoling them?

What are your thoughts?