Why do I feel so unappreciated?

That is a feeling and have oft felt feelings are a sort of indicator of something a bit misplaced in our system or in our life. It maybe the fact that we are always trying to gain the approval of people and in turn leading to them living our life, rather than us enjoying being ourselves... It can also show that we are not putting our entire self and passion onto the stage called life, instead we are putting in the bare minimum then expecting praise for that... Maybe there are more reasons, but these are what I can think of at present. Just put in your entire life in what you do, how you express and how you love. Try being present at all times. And just tone down the need for approval because people change their idea of what's right and good like every second...it would be hard to keep with that!