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Why do I feel depressed even when my life is going great?

291 Answers
Last Updated: 05/14/2022 at 3:02am
Why do I feel depressed even when my life is going great?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

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.

Top Rated Answers
TheTripleS719
September 17th, 2016 7:14am
I can't 100% answer that, without knowing the situation personally. But maybe there's the feeling that something is going to go wrong and ruin what's going great, so your brain is making you think you need to shut yourself down before you get used to it and get hurt.
shutteredsilence
November 3rd, 2015 2:59am
There are many causes for depression, and not all of them are obvious. Chemical imbalances. Hormones. Stress. Sometimes it's hard to recognize stress. Sometimes we don't realize something really bothers us until we take the time to stop and think about absolutely everything going on with our lives. Are we fulfilled? Are we truly getting what we need out of all aspects of life? Answering those questions often helps us realize why we feel depressed, and can often lead us to figuring out how to move past it.
sunnyOcean31
April 18th, 2016 2:23am
Depression is a mental illness. .even though your life might be going great. The disease is still there.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2015 12:22am
Your life going great does not equal that you are happy. It doesn't reflect to what's inside your mind, it's only an environmental factor. If we look deeper into this, depression is often caused by something that has happened in your life or it can be caused by an outside factor. Depression does not reflect the true you, it prevents you from being your actual self. A lot of people suffer from depression and it's unique for everyone since we are individuals but gladly there are ways to treat it. For some it goes away by itself, for some an environmental change is needed to happen. Just remember that even if your life is going generally great, it's possible for you not to feel great and that is definitely not impossible and it shouldn't make you feel that you have no right to feel depressed because depression tries to tell us that something is not okay with our lives the way it is right now. Also, know that you don't have to suffer from this. There are people who are there to help you, for you and we all deserve to feel happy.
Eluna
November 24th, 2016 9:23am
I understand this completely; my life is wonderful, and many would kill to be in my shoes, there are a lot of people who are in need of things that I'm so easily given. However, sometimes either loneliness creeps up on us or we feel we could do better, sometimes it's just there to be there. Depression doesn't need a reason to lurk within you; it doesn't have to validate itself. You could feel lonely, depressed, and even anxiety as a person who, considerably, has the best life in the world. It could be hormones, unresolved conflict, disassociation, or even denial that your life may not be as great as you think it is. It could, possibly, even be that you can't pinpoint the problem and it's just there to be there; none of which is something you should feel terrible over. Sometimes things in our life surprise us and linger even though we don't want or need them there.
greendrmartens12
August 25th, 2015 4:25pm
It doesn't matter your situation, depression is a medical condition that sometimes is unavoidable. You don't get to choose how you feel. Even if you had all the money in the world you could still feel depressed
PeaceInEveryStep00
March 12th, 2017 11:38am
As a medical student I routinely feel symptoms of depression that I am not smart enough, I am not good enough, or I mistakenly was accepted to my medical program. Ostensibly it seems I am on track for a great life, but internally I often times feel like an imposter. This brings a lot of negative emotions into my life. It's easy to always feel short of greatness even when you may actually be in the thick of it. I have now started journaling and making lists of positive qualities about myself. This reminds me of the positive things others value in me and helps me feel self confident. We tend to focus on our flaws and obsess about them so much that we forget what makes us unique and a joy to be around. Next time I have a moment when I feel depressed, I will not resist the feeling. Rather, I will analyze why I'm feeling this way and go to my journal to remind myself that I'm much more than just a negative feeling. I've achieved a lot and truly mean it when I say, "I'm confident!"
ItsButterflyLove
January 25th, 2016 1:51pm
Depression takes away positive feelings. And even if you are happy it's still in the back of your head. Depression can be treated. Please concider talking to a doctor or psychologist for help. And remember: You are beautiful❤
SamWise70
May 30th, 2015 11:55pm
Often times depression isn't linked to anything going on externally. It's sometimes internal in nature. Take some time to explore your feelings and see what might be bothering you not related to current events.
Anonymous
January 26th, 2015 8:08am
Depression is a chemical imbalance, not anything to do with if your life is great or not. Speak to a friend or maybe even a doctor.
starrySunshine87
November 5th, 2016 3:22am
That's how depression works. Everything can be going perfectly but depression can make you feel like there's no point.
WithHappyDay3010
October 31st, 2020 11:43am
Why do I feel depressed even when my life is going well? I think this is because I am an ordinary person, often full of plans, full of dreams .... Then when something changes, or there is a big challenge around me, which makes my goal difficult to achieve, or even when facing people around who seem to belittle and underestimate my achievement, then I feel depressed. I can also lack self-confidence and feel very sad, when in fact I just lack self-reflection. So, the challenges and the people around who make it difficult are only 'decorations and learning materials' to enjoy this world. When I look in the mirror, I can see myself more closely, with my strength in many ways, with the ability to grow and develop, by feeling grateful for what I have achieved. So, I have to appreciate whatever, no matter how small the efforts of myself and others, (I am happy to enjoy this conclusion) that I should be grateful, and that feeling of pressure 'just because of the bad influence of' negative self-talk and other people's perceptions, just throw it away all bad comments, and continue living happily! If you are depressed because of boredom, then I try to find "something new fun things for yourself", one of the best things is to help others.
JustBeing22
January 22nd, 2015 11:22pm
Depression has been compared to the "common cold", as the vast majority of people will feel depressed at some point in their lives. It can crop up when you leas expect it, for some reason you just feel helpless and the aspects of your life that are going well seem to drift to the back of your mind, you focus on the bad. This is not an uncommon feeling, but why it happens is a good question. I think everybody is different and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Sometimes you just have to accept the way you feel and be proactive about changing it if it is not how you would like to feel.
Jakubistrashh
October 14th, 2016 4:00pm
Depression doesn't mean your life is going bad. Depression can happen when you're at your happiest. It just randomly comes.
juhirashOA
December 4th, 2017 9:42am
Depression does not look for reasons to happen. Sometimes even though your life is going great, its not going according to your initial ideas. Or in the most ideal way for you. Sometimes its just the lack of a connection that you desire but cannot define. And most of all, it feels like you dont know what to do next. Like there is nothing else left for you to accomplish. The lack of a goal due to the achievement of all the preceding ones can also cause depression. The answer can be anything. On the surface it may seem meaningless to be depressed when you have everything you need. But is it everything you wanted? Thats the question you need to find an answer to, and quite possibly, it could lead you to a less depressive place.
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2016 8:08pm
Depression is often irrational, and does not depend on any circumstance to determine whether or not it stays or leaves. It's good that you say that your life is going great, though it's best to fight rather than question this feeling.
Anonymous
September 14th, 2016 2:52am
I think it depends on how to define great, for example a lot of people regard having security or property as great - so you might have a stable job, nice house, nice car, and say to yourself 'well how can I be depressed with this life', but quite often possessions do not equate to happiness - of course this is better than having absolutely nothing but you see my point. You can have all these things but be unhappy but you are not emotionally satisfied.
Anonymous
October 19th, 2016 8:07pm
Its because we,human beings don't get satisfied...either we bother about our past..or...we want more in future...its good to grow ..but increasing ur desires day by day..will not make u satisfy happy peeson
Beautifuldreamer98
June 21st, 2018 3:43pm
Sometimes I just feel depressed because I'm just lost. I dont know who I am or what I want to do with my life.
CantyCass1416
May 23rd, 2016 4:15am
Depression is a mental illness that can strike at any time. It does not care if you are happy or already sad. There is usually something you may not even realize or think about that triggers it.
Anonymous
July 13th, 2015 12:20am
Depression sometimes has no rhyme or reason. Sometimes, depression is caused by an event. Other times, it is a particular mind-state we have, and there's no shame in it. Don't beat yourself up over the fact that you aren't "thankful enough" for the life that you have. Sometimes, depression is just there. What's important is recognizing it and helping yourself get through it.
BubblyDoll
November 3rd, 2015 10:48am
Depression is an illness, honey. Much like any illness, you can't control it happening or not. IIsuggest you go to a therapist to get help.
WorkInProgress11
October 14th, 2016 2:34pm
Clinical depression really has very little to do with things going wrong or having a reason to be sad or upset. It's usually down to brain chemistry. Like any other disease, depression does not select the right or wrong time in your life to develop. So it's ok to feel depressed, even if we think we don't have a "good reason." It just means you need some help.
EmoSara666
July 7th, 2018 5:18am
Some times I’d be having a great day then I get memories of bad things that happened in my past. Or a lot of times, my parents do freak out a lot and criticize me for everything.
Jesse1285
September 14th, 2016 12:14am
Depression is not necessarily tied directly to life circumstances. A person with a great life can still develop symptoms of depression. While there is debate on the exact nature of depression, it can occur in people regardless of circumstances. If you are feeling depressed when things are going well, consider seeking out professional care, as it is not to be expected and could be representative of an underlying problem.
LightAtTheEnd57
June 4th, 2015 6:49pm
sometimes everyone feels upset or empty even when their life is going great, i used to deal with this a lot and i just tried to focus on the little things, and do things that made me happy. Go out for a walk and look at the view you have. Go to a new place and make some new friends, go and try something new or dabble back in an old hobby (that is healthy) that you used to have. try to be open minded and grateful for everything, and don't be afraid to try something new :)
HighwayOfHope
June 16th, 2017 9:02pm
Sometimes feeling depressed has nothing to do with what is going around you, or you may think something isn't bothering you when it is. Stressors, even little ones that seem insignificant can affect you. Feeling depressed is an unpleasant feeling and I encourage you to try and work through it, and remember that there are many resources available both online, and in person. I suggest you reach out for help if you feel you need some additional support getting through this. I wish you the best. Good luck!
Anonymous
February 4th, 2018 6:25am
Just because life is fine does not mean you have to be fine. Depression can happen to anybody and for any reason, sometimes for no reason at all. You don't have to be struggling through any trauma or grief. Depression can be situational but sometimes chemical.
CalmingBreeze16
September 6th, 2016 9:30pm
Depression is a medical illness and can occur regardless of your current life circumstances. There is also a pisdible genetic predisposition to depression
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2018 12:33pm
Depression usually isn't about what's going on in your life around you but what's going on inside. Depression isn't a choice but we can choose how we respond to it