For some people, it is easier to pretend that they’re happy than to explain to others why they’re not. This is a sad reality because happiness is often the basis of how successful you are in life. Yes, being sad is normal because we all have problems to face and solve, but keeping it hidden is never helpful. But still, people choose to mask their actual situation and feelings to avoid judgement, criticism, and pity. Sometimes, it is all about keeping their dignity intact instead of asking for help.
What are the common reasons for unhappiness?
Happiness is subjective. Its definition is different for each person. But if there’s one thing in common among unhappy people, it is that they feel hopeless and pathetic. They think that they’re a failure.
Here are the most common reasons people are unhappy.
You’re financially stressed.
It’s hard to admit, but the truth is money is often the cause of many problems. Money may not bring you happiness all the time, but for many people, money is the only solution to their misery. Parents have to work hard to provide for their children. A son has to sell his car to help out his dying mother, or a daughter has to endure working three jobs to pay for rent. All these people would give anything just to have more than enough to sustain their lives.
You don’t find their purpose in life.
You may have everything you have ever dreamed of, but at the end of the day, you still feel useless. It is not enough for you that you have a wonderful family and a great job. You’re still unsatisfied and still looking for more. You want to know your purpose in life and how you can make a difference to other people or your community. There’s that emptiness inside you that you can’t explain.
You’re constantly comparing your life to others.
While this is normal, life isn’t a race. You don’t have to compete with others and compare which of you has a better life. If you keep on doing this, you’ll surely be miserable. Try to focus on your life and find the best way to improve yourself and succeed.
You have relationship problems.
When you’re in a serious relationship, you tend to depend on your happiness and satisfaction with them. All relationships have problems, but when you revolve your world around your partner, you feel incapable of doing anything without them. You slowly become unhappy because all you care about is their happiness and not yours.
You’re sick.
People with chronic illnesses choose to hide their diagnosis from people they love. They think keeping it a secret is a good idea to spare them. But the more you hide your sickness, the unhappier you’ll become. You need these people to help and support you.
You’re pessimistic.
You may frequently hear people say that you’re full of negative thoughts. Instead of being happy for yourself or others, you can easily find a reason to spoil the moment. Negative thoughts will never bring you happiness. You will only lose your confidence because of it.
You’re depressed and anxious.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health problems. Until now, many people choose to hide their real situation because of shame or fear. When you’re constantly sad, it is best to seek therapy right away. Depression and anxiety are treatable, and if you follow your treatment religiously, you will be well in no time.
Why do people hide their unhappiness?
In the world we live in today, it is so easy to judge other people based on what they accomplish in life. When you see a person wearing expensive clothes, you think that their life is perfect and they have no money problems. But when you see someone who’s living in a small house, you assume that they’re unhappy because they lack nice things.
It is not uncommon for people to hide their unhappiness. Sometimes, you feel that when you share your problems with others, you will be judged and criticized. You want to avoid conflict because not all people can understand your situation. It is easier to pretend that everything is well than to cause stress to others.
There are also times that you’re in denial. You don’t want to admit to yourself that you’re miserable and suffering. You believe that what you’re dealing with now is just temporary, so there’s no need to tell everyone about it.
Moreover, most people hide their unhappiness because they always want to project a light and positive image. Well, this isn’t wrong because you know that when you’re happy, other people will feel the same way. It isn’t your nature to be the cause of dull moments. You only want positive vibes all the time.
But you have to remind yourself that being unhappy isn’t a bad thing. It’s perfectly natural to feel down from time to time. No one is happy all the time. We all have our own problems, but it doesn’t mean we have to suffer in silence. One way to alleviate unhappiness is to have someone to talk to.
If you need professional help and support because you’re constantly unhappy, visit Mindshift Psychological Services. Learn more about their mental health management on their website. You can also contact them at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.