I’m a 20-year-old female currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. While everything seems fine with my studies and life in general, I can’t shake the feeling of unhappiness. I would say I’m only 10 percent happy, and within that 10 percent, my parents and my boyfriend bring me joy. I’m struggling to pinpoint the exact cause of my unhappi. Please help me.
Answered by Rishav Koirala, psychiatrist and researcher
As a 20-year-old female pursuing your Bachelor’s degree, your persistent unhappiness is a matter of concern, and it’s important to recognize that multiple factors can contribute to this state. First,we need to find out whether it is natural or pathological (related to illness). If there are major negative ongoing events in one’s life, feeling of sadness is common. But we tend to overcome such sadness with time. If these symptoms are present without any major reason, then mood disorders such as dysthymia, and depression and adjustment disorders can be potential contributors to your unhappiness. Dysthymia, often referred to as persistent depressive disorder feeling, is characterized by chronic feelings of sadness and hopelessness that persist for at least two years or longer. While it may be less severe than major depression, dysthymia can still significantly impact your daily life and overall happiness. On the other hand, depression is a mood disorder marked by intense feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can be episodic or chronic and can significantly affect one’s ability to function in daily life.
Academic stress is another factor worth exploring in your situation. Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree can be demanding, with the pressures of coursework, exams, and future career expectations. It’s advisable to discuss your academic concerns with an academic advisor or counselor who can offer guidance and strategies for managing your workload more effectively.
Moreover, it’s crucial to evaluate your overall lifestyle. Are you getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity? Neglecting these basic self-care practices can have a considerable impact on your mood and contribute to feelings of unhappiness. Sleep problems, in particular, can manifest in various ways, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep for long hours, waking up too early, or experiencing poor sleep quality. These disturbances can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to fatigue, irritability, and mood changes during the day. Sometimes, sleep disturbances may even serve as a symptom of underlying mental health conditions or stressors.
Regarding the duration of your condition, it’s important to note that it can vary widely depending on the specific issues involved. Mental health concerns like unhappiness, depression, or anxiety can have varying durations and trajectories. While some individuals may experience relatively short episodes, others may deal with these issues for more extended periods. To gain a deeper understanding of your specific situation, it’s essential to consider the possibility of underlying emotional or psychological factors. A licensed mental health professional can be instrumental in helping you explore these factors further and identify any underlying issues or traumas that might be contributing to your unhappiness. Consulting with such a professional can be a crucial step toward improving your overall well-being and finding effective strategies for addressing the root causes of your discontent.
