Why do I Feel Upset When Nothing is Wrong?

One of the most disorienting, yet very common, emotional experiences is feeling upset, anxious, angry or sad when “nothing is wrong.” Why does this happen, and what can you do?

Let Yourself Feel

The first and most important thing to remember is that it’s okay to have feelings, even if you can’t place exactly where they’re coming from. Sometimes, you just feel the way you do without a specific reason, and that’s not an issue! It doesn’t mean you’re broken or “feeling the wrong things.” 

Feeling Good Doesn’t Necessarily Happen Automatically

Even if your life is going well overall, many people find they need to put some effort into feeling good. The days can feel a bit repetitive or monotonous if you’re not intentionally adding some joy. Consider including a morning routine you enjoy (such as going for a brief walk), a hobby in the evening, a special dessert or a show you love. It doesn’t have to be big, it just has to bring a little happiness to the day. 

While it may be frustrating that you can’t just feel content, if we compare it to physical health, it makes a little more sense. To be physically healthy, we need to actively try to eat balanced meals, drink enough water and incorporate movement into our routines. If you neglect your physical health, you likely won’t feel your best. 

Try to envision your mental health the same way. Limiting exposure to screens, practicing mindfulness, doing kind things for yourself and others are all ways to intentionally keep up your mental health. To learn more about how gratitude can influence happiness, see our blog post here.

Be Sure There Really is Nothing Wrong

Like we said earlier, it’s totally fine to feel upset without a specific reason. But, sometimes, something is bothering you that hasn’t quite surfaced yet. It may be worth it to set aside some time to really think through when you feel the most down. Here are some factors to consider:

Environment. If you’re living somewhere with harsh weather, this could affect your mood. It can even result in Seasonal Affective Disorder, where declining exposure to sunlight results in depression-like symptoms. Alternatively, some find big cities to be stressful, while others find small towns to be boring.

Physical health. Are you taking care of your physical needs? Drinking enough water, eating enough, moving your body, hygiene, etc. 

Social needs. With our ever-busy lives, sometimes it’s easy to forget to make time for friends and family. Or, perhaps those you’re surrounded by aren’t quite giving the same energy you’re providing. 

Stress. Though everything is “going well,” it’s still normal to be overwhelmed by the everyday. Perhaps you’re carrying the main load of chores or childcare, taking on more at work or school. Ensure you’re managing your stress levels. 

Consider Chemical Imbalances

Feeling sad or stressed here and there is not a sign of mental illness, and is quite normal. However, if your negative mood is impacting daily life, this may indicate something bigger going on. Mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, don’t need a precursor to appear. They are associated with lower levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain (along with many other factors). Meaning, even if “nothing is wrong,” the illness is still there.

If you’re intentional with your health, though still feeling down, consider reaching out to dive deeper into what’s going on. Reach out here to book a consultation with one of our counsellors.