Why do I feel depressed even when my life is going great?
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Last Updated: 05/14/2022 at 3:02am
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Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT
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Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.
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Depression is like a constant underlying current that taints our lens of how we view the world and ourselves. When times are good, we beat ourselves up for not feeling the part. We let the depression take precedence over the here and now. Depression is a fixation of thoughts and worries about the past - something that is not within your means to control. Understanding that depression is fixated on past events prevents you from being present in the now. It is important to know that it is okay and completely normal to feel depressed even though you think you "shouldn't" or have no reason to be - that is how depression manifests itself. But, depression is not a life sentence - remember, you have no reason to feel bad or beat yourself up for feeling how you do. Depression is a mental illness - clinically diagnosed or not - and is as real and prevalent as a torn ACL. Just as those with a torn ACL must deal with the latent consequences of such an injury, so must those dealing with depression (episodic or long-standing).
Just because you feel like you life is going great doesn't mean your mind will be at ease. Reward yourself with the things you love for efforts made and create self-love, because you're you and you're the most important thing in your life.
It can be due to different situations. You don't choose to feel depressed it just happens even when you're doing great. Identify the problem, what is keeping you of feeling good.
Depression can be situational, but it can also be genetic (runs in your family), hormonal (chemical), or a lot of other things.
Because there may be little things in life that keep building up affecting you, try to deplete them as best as you can. If there's some person or activity that keeps contributing to them, then try to find a way to isolate yourself from them/it. If it is a person you're close to, or even just an acquaintance, try to talk to them and see if you can find a way to stop the things if it would be easy on both parties. Majority of the time, it won't hurt to ask.
Anything in life can cause you to feel depressed, even the happiest people still have triggers of depression. It's not an unusual feeling, and there are some ways such as napping, talking to someone that cares, listening to music, etc. that can help!
Anonymous
August 31st, 2017 6:50pm
a wide, wide variety of reasons, but if life seems to be going great, its unlikely to be situational (although that can still be the case). chemical imbalances in the brain (namely a decrease in serotonin and dopamine, and a possible increase in cortisol (a hormone that affects stress levels)) can be put to the cause of a period of depression when life seems to be stellar. it can also be too simple to pin the causes to one thing, so we must look at recent behavioural traits too.
although someone may seem happy, things such as poor diet, self-care and hygiene can often go unnoticed even by the sufferer. these things may gradually begin to grow as an issue and make someones quality of life considerably worse.
in short, there can be no one reason and there never can be, but its useful to assess which causes seem to be the most obvious in the given case and get appropriate help.
also very fitting quote from atticus about mrs. dubose, mrs. dubose's morphine addiction represents a lot about the toxic relationship we can often have with our mental health, but its important to be proud we came through in the end!
Depression in not measured in things like wealth, success, friendships, family and other parts of life. You can have all of these things and still feel depression because depression is an internal factor that mentally impacts you. It can not be stopped or stalled by the things mentioned before, it can be managed and you can find ways to cope through it! There is no cure for depression and things can be going well for you, but you might still feel the symptoms of depression- but thats okay :) You are not defined by your mental illness
There is no set reason for depression - it's a disorder. Some people can have it tough but never feel depressed in their lives, some can live in paradise on earth but feel miserable. You have to explore your own depths, reach the very core of your being, understand how your mind works. The way our life is going can be very different from how our mind is doing. We're all just different. Most important thing - never let yourself think that you have "no reason to be depressed". If you are, you are - you have as much right to reach out and try to get help as anyone else.
Depression is not something that flows depending on how your life is going. It's a real condition, and the people that have it deserve attention and help. Even if you aren't "proved" to be depressed, this kind of thing happens. Sometimes you feel great despite your day not being particularly good, or you feel really sad even if something good happened. It's totally okay. You can't feel great constantly. Remember that you are loved, and that you can talk to any Listener here on 7 Cups if you ever feel the need to do so.
Anonymous
October 19th, 2017 1:50pm
There might be something deep inside of you that wasn't fulfilled. Something you've always wanted to do, somewhere you wanted to go or perhaps someone you wanted to be with. It is often that incomplete feeling that overpowers all the good happening around you. I'd suggest you speak to someone and allow yourself a chance at self-reflection. You might find the answer you're looking for.
Anonymous
October 20th, 2017 12:18pm
Feelings of depression don't necessarily have to depend on what's going on in your life at the moment. This is especially true when you're dealing with things like past trauma or actual clinical depression. A personal example would be the fact that I have struggled with major depression, on and off, for most of my life, and it usually doesn't have an apparent reason or pattern when my depressive episodes happen.
Maybe you feel unfulfilled. Maybe there are things in your life you wish you could have changed or done differently that you regret on a subconscious level. Whatever it is, actively seek it. Get closure.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2017 8:23pm
This is a tough one, and one I've struggled with too. The thing is, depression isn't something that just goes away once life is better. Depression, like any other illness, needs to be treated, not ignored. If you're able, I think you should see a therapist, who can better help you or get you on medication.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2017 12:09am
Depression doesn't always have to be due to bad life experiences. A lot of people can feel depressed just because. If possible, try finding the root of your depression and go from there!
Anonymous
November 18th, 2017 5:30am
Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is a mental illness and it's a mean one. You could have the best life in the world and depression will suck out that enjoyment. It is not your fault when you feel depressed and it does not mean you aren't appreciating what you have been given. Therapy from a licensed professional is usually a great treatment to help you feel less depressed.
Anonymous
November 24th, 2017 7:41am
Depression is not always based on surroundings or other happenings of your life although that can be a major contributing factor. Depression is considered a mental illness. This is not a bad thing. It is not your fault. It is not something you can control.
Depression is often not a consequence of the things that happen in your life. Even if your life seems like it is going great, sometimes you may not feel well. Chronical depression can sometimes occur as a constant feeling of sadness and it can be hard to overcome. That's is a reason to visit a therapist who can help you deal with it easier.
sometimes that happens you get a bit down even though you life is great but keep thinking positive you will continue on the right journey
Anonymous
December 8th, 2017 6:59am
everyone does at some point in their life. not being satisfied enough with what you have can also be a factor. constant comparison of oneself with others is also a main factor that can leave you feeling sad and depressed.
Anonymous
December 8th, 2017 2:54pm
Most people say it because of Imbalance chemical brains. You just can't control the feelings you feel.
Anonymous
December 13th, 2017 1:42pm
It could be because you are looking for happiness in the wrong places. Just because everything around you is great, does not that mean that YOU are great. What is missing from your life physically OR emotionally?
Anonymous
December 16th, 2017 8:57pm
Depression isnt just caused by how well your life is going, its much more than that. Its not really an emotion and more of a state of mind. There are ways to cope with it though, and you can escape that mindset, even for only a little while.
Anonymous
December 16th, 2017 11:55pm
Sometimes there are little unprocessed things locked in our head that trigger this feeling. It could be negative past experiences, or a certain environment. Many times, these things can bring us down, even though life is going good at the moment.
Anonymous
December 18th, 2017 12:26am
I notice that depression is part of who you are and imbalance the chemicals in your brain. For example I start to feel depress when my mother is going through some tough times. No job, no money, and no one else to support her. I am the only one she depends on, but I don't know how to help her. I also have responsibilities and obligations. It kills me that I sometimes can't help her. I then think about too much that it puts me on depression. It's hard because I know how that feels not having anyone to go to for support. Just wish I could do more.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2017 9:02am
Depression can affect anyone at any time. Even if your life is going great, you can still be depressed. Depression is an illness, much like you can get a cold or the flu even when your life is wonderful. My suggestion is that you treat yourself gently and heal.
Depression is more than just feeling “down.†It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. Research tells us that other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances. People are so quick to judge, so quick to say “but I don’t have any of that and I’m still not depressed.†And you might not be, but just because they seem like they have it all together on the outside doesn’t mean their world isn’t a dark, chaotic mess on the inside.
Depression doesn’t skip over people who seem like they’ve got it all together. It doesn’t matter what you appear to have because you can have it all and still feel worthless because depression is a mental health issue. It goes beyond what you have and own, it has to do with a chemical imbalance in your brain.
Depression is that voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough. It’s the tears that fall for no reason. It’s the lack of motivation that just makes you want to waste away in your bed all day. It’s always hanging around in the back of your mind, even on the best days. It’s constantly wrestling with demons you just can’t explain.
Depression always has the upper hand, even when you think you’re in control. If you feel too stressed or you can’t take it anymore please feel free to share with me. I’m open minded and supportive text me anytime.
Anonymous
January 10th, 2018 10:44pm
The thing is, depression is an illness that isn't necessarily caused by something. It can come from nowhere and hit you hard. Just be gentle and calm with yourself when this does happen. Hard times pass.
Depression can happen even in great times. It's not that anything is wrong with you, sometimes you'll just feel bad and you can't control it, even if something good is happening.
Anonymous
January 13th, 2018 5:11pm
because it is an illness that won’t disappear at the blink of an eye. it’s just like breaking a bone. it might not hurt, but it’s still broken and you’re unable to use it. take time to heal your mental state just as you would your physical
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