20 Dec Why Can’t I Be Happy Even When Life Is Going Great?
When I saw this article it really resonated.
On pretty much every level, my life is objectively great.
At the same time, however, more often than I’d like, I struggle to enjoy happiness.
Having experienced mental ill-health for much of my adult life, most specifically depression, my moods aren’t always as I’d like them to be. And they’re not always in line with how my life looks to others.
If you can relate to this experience then, read on …
via Very Well Mind by Arlin Cuncic
While life has its ups and downs, some people find difficulty in feeling happy even when things in their life appear to be going well. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as past experiences or genetic predispositions.
Past experiences are likely to have an influence on your current outlook and state of mind. If you have been through a traumatic event in your life, it can be difficult to accept the good even when it is right in front of you.1 This may manifest itself through feelings of guilt or anxiety when things go too well, as those emotions can be hardwired into us from our past.
Genetic predispositions also play a role in our ability to find happiness even when life is going great. People with conditions like depression or anxiety may find difficulty in feeling positive emotions no matter how successful their lives become; this is because these conditions can cause brain chemistry imbalances which make it difficult to experience joy.2
In any case, it is important to identify the root of why you may be feeling this way, and then find ways to work through those feelings in order to learn how to accept and appreciate the good in life. It may also help to reach out for professional help if needed; therapists and psychologists can provide useful strategies on how best to manage these emotions. With the proper support, learning how to be happy when life is going great is possible.
What Does it Mean If You Can’t Feel Happy?
Happiness is an emotion and a state of mind that can be difficult to understand. It’s not always easy or straightforward to feel happy, even when life is going well.
When life is going great, we often have higher expectations for our happiness levels than we do at other times. But sometimes, no matter how good things are, it just doesn’t seem to be enough to make us truly content. Why might this be?
The answer could lie in the fact that our lives are made up of a combination of different elements; emotions, thoughts, relationships, and external factors like money or status, etc. Even if most aspects of our lives are positive, one area could still drag us down and stop us from feeling as happy as we could be.
It’s also possible that when life is going great, it can make us feel intimidated or overwhelmed. We may start to doubt our abilities, compare ourselves with others, and become anxious about making a mistake or messing up (also known as imposter syndrome3). This could lead to feeling low and unsatisfied even if everything is seemingly perfect on the outside.
Is It Normal to Not Feel Happy in Life?
Yes, it is totally normal to not feel happy at times even when life is going great. Everyone experiences highs and lows in life, and happiness isn’t a constant emotion or state of mind. It can take time, effort, and self-reflection to understand what brings you true contentment…
… keep reading the full & original article HERE