7 signs you’re a woman secretly struggling with deep unhappiness

It’s one thing to have a few bad days and quite another to be entangled in a web of deep-seated unhappiness.

Often, we ourselves are the last to realize that our sadness has tipped over into an abyss of unhappiness.

Struggling silently with unhappiness can be a solitary journey, and it’s not always easy to spot the signs.

As someone who’s been there and emerged on the other side, I’m here to guide you through it.

The following are seven signs that you might be secretly struggling with profound unhappiness.

This isn’t about diagnosing you, but rather helping you identify what you’re feeling so you can take steps towards healing.

1) Constant exhaustion

There’s tired, and then there’s bone-deep fatigue.

This kind of tiredness isn’t just about needing a good night’s sleep.

It’s a fatigue that seeps into every part of your life, making even the smallest tasks feel like monumental challenges.

This deep-seated exhaustion often comes hand in hand with unhappiness.

It’s not just physical; it’s emotional, mental, and sometimes even spiritual.

It’s a kind of tiredness that no amount of rest seems to cure.

When you’re constantly exhausted, it might be a sign that you’re grappling with deep unhappiness.

It’s not about being lazy or unmotivated.

It’s about being drained from the inside out by a happiness deficit.

Yet, acknowledging this exhaustion is the first step towards understanding and addressing the root causes of your unhappiness.

Healing starts with recognizing the signs.

2) Overcompensating happiness

Sounds strange, right?

But sometimes, the people who seem the happiest are the ones secretly battling with unhappiness.

It’s a paradox of sorts but bear with me.

Often, when we’re unhappy, we put on a mask of happiness for the world.

We laugh louder, smile wider, and make an extra effort to appear ‘happy’.

This overcompensation is a defense mechanism to hide our true feelings from others and sometimes ourselves.

It’s like wearing a bright, cheerful mask that hides our inner turmoil.

But beneath that mask of exaggerated happiness, there’s a deep-seated sadness that’s often overlooked or ignored.

This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as ‘smiling depression,’ where individuals appear happy but internally suffer from depressive symptoms.

3) Codependency in relationships

It’s no secret that our relationships often reflect our inner selves.

When we’re secretly dealing with deep unhappiness, it can manifest in our relationships as codependency.

This is where you depend excessively on someone else for your happiness, self-worth, and emotional needs.

Codependency can make us lose ourselves in the process of constantly catering to others’ needs, while neglecting our own.

It’s a cycle that only feeds our unhappiness.

In my journey of helping people navigate their emotional landscapes, I’ve written extensively about codependency and how to break free from it.

One resource I recommend is my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

It provides practical steps to regain your individuality and break free from unhealthy relationship dynamics.

4) Lost interest in once loved activities

Once upon a time, you loved painting, cooking, hiking, or just curling up with a good book.

But now, those activities that once brought you joy feel like chores.

You’re unable to find pleasure in the things you used to love.

It’s as if your zest for life has been leeched away.

As someone who loves sketching and writing, I remember a period where I simply couldn’t bring myself to pick up a pencil or a pen.

Every activity felt like a burden, and I lost the joy I once found in my hobbies.

Here’s a quote from Confucius that resonated with me during that time: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

The problem was, my heart wasn’t in anything anymore.

So if you’re finding it hard to enjoy the things you once loved, it might be more than just a phase.

It could be another sign of deep-seated unhappiness that needs addressing.

5) Neglecting self-care

When we’re secretly struggling with deep unhappiness, self-care often falls by the wayside.

We stop eating well, exercising, and taking care of our physical and mental health.

We neglect the things that make us feel good about ourselves.

I recall a time where I’d skip meals, stop exercising, and even neglect my skincare routine.

It was as if I’d lost interest in taking care of myself.

I was so caught up in my unhappiness that I’d forgotten the importance of self-love and self-care.

This pattern of neglecting self-care is often associated with depressive symptoms, as individuals may find it challenging to maintain daily routines and personal well-being.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for your well-being.

6) Feeling isolated even in a crowd

Have you ever been surrounded by friends or family, and yet felt utterly alone?

This paradoxical feeling of isolation, even in a crowd, can be a sign of deep-seated unhappiness.

It’s as if there’s an invisible wall separating you from everyone else.

I’ve experienced this myself.

At social gatherings, I’d feel detached, observing the joy and laughter around me as if from a distance.

A quote from Robin Williams always comes to mind during such moments: “I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.”

If this resonates with you, it might be time to delve deeper into these feelings.

And remember, you are not alone in this journey. For more insights and support, consider following me on Facebook.

You’ll find my latest articles and tips on navigating emotional wellness right in your feed.

7) Persistent feeling of emptiness

This is perhaps the hardest sign to admit, even to ourselves.

A persistent, gnawing feeling of emptiness that can’t be filled no matter what you do.

It’s like a deep, dark void within that sucks the joy out of life.

You’re not alone if you feel this way. It’s a sign many of us silently struggle with when dealing with deep-seated unhappiness.

It’s the kind of emptiness that isn’t about being alone or bored. It’s a profound sense of unfulfillment that can be hard to shake off.

No amount of success, money, or external validation seems to fill this void.

It’s not about what you lack in life, but what’s missing within.

Research has shown that chronic feelings of emptiness are often linked to a sense of disconnection from both self and others, contributing to this internal void.

If you’re feeling this emptiness, know that it’s okay to admit it.

Recognizing it is the first step towards seeking help and healing.

You don’t have to live with this void forever.

There is help, there is hope, and most importantly, there is a path to healing.

A path towards healing

As we wrap up this discussion, it’s important to remember that recognizing these signs is only the first step.

Unhappiness, while deeply personal, is not a solitary journey.

You’re not alone, and there are resources out there to help.

One of the resources I recommend is a video by Justin Brown that explores “the illusion of happiness” and why chasing it can actually make you more miserable.

It’s a counterintuitive approach that challenges common beliefs about happiness and provides insightful perspectives on embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself.

This video, like our journey through this article, might not provide all the answers you’re looking for.

But it’s another step towards understanding your emotions better and seeking the help you need.

Remember, it’s okay to be unhappy.

It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling.

And most importantly, it’s okay to seek help.

Your feelings are valid, and acknowledging them is a sign of strength, not weakness.

As we part ways on this topic today, I hope you carry forward this understanding and compassion towards yourself.

You deserve happiness, and I hope you find your path towards it.