Last updated on June 5th, 2024 at 09:17 pm
Have you ever said to yourself, “I feel like shit” or wondered why you’re always down? Everyone goes through emotional or physical lows, but understanding why can be confusing.
Sometimes, everything feels heavy, and those words “I feel awful” keep repeating in your mind. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. It’s a call for help, a desire for understanding, and a hope for answers.
Maybe you just want someone to say, “I get it,” or you’re searching for a way to feel better.
In this post, we’ll explore the reasons behind feeling off and show you some paths to feeling better.
Everyone deserves to feel good. Let’s start this journey toward healing together.
What does “I feel like shit” mean?
When you say, “I feel like shit,” or “Why do I feel like crap all the time”, you’re signaling that you’re struggling mentally, emotionally, or physically—or perhaps all three.
It’s like sending an alarm that says, “Help, I need support!” 🚨
Physically, it means your body needs attention. Make sure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Your body needs care!
Emotionally, it often helps to talk to a friend or family member. They might not have all the answers, but sharing your feelings can reduce stress.
The Reasons that Make You Say “I Feel Like Shit”
1. You’re Emotionally Exhausted
Feeling mentally and emotionally drained means you’re experiencing emotional exhaustion. This isn’t a temporary state; it’s a sign that something in your life needs to change. Whether it’s stress at work or personal challenges, various factors can lead to emotional exhaustion, leaving you feeling like crap.
Three Signs of Emotional Exhaustion:
- Emotional Sensitivity: You react more easily to stress and frustration.
- Feeling Detached: You feel disconnected and cynical about things.
- Physical Issues: You experience headaches or stomach problems.
These signs indicate that your feelings aren’t baseless; there’s a deeper issue at play.
Action Steps:
To break free from feeling like crap, consider these changes:
- Ask for help to lighten your load.
- Set clear emotional and physical boundaries to prevent future exhaustion.
2. “Why do I feel like crap all the time?” It’s Stress and Anxiety
Stress comes in different forms, and not all are the same.
There’s short-term stress, like when you’re rushing to an important meeting. Then there’s chronic stress, which lingers like a never-ending raincloud. Chronic stress can seriously affect your emotions, leaving you wondering, “Why do I feel like crap?”
Imagine you’re drowning in a sea of tasks and worries—that’s how chronic stress feels.
Action Steps:
- First, try deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves
- Consider taking an anxiety quiz to understand better
- Break your tasks into smaller chunks to make them manageable
- Reach out to a therapist who can help you identify the stress and provide solutions
3. Depression can make you feel like crap!
When you’re in the grip of depression, it can make you feel truly awful, both mentally and physically. It’s more than just feeling sad; it’s like waking up every day with a heavy weight pressing down on you.
Depression can make you feel extremely tired, with constant headaches and a sense of heaviness that makes even simple tasks, like getting out of bed or brushing your teeth, feel overwhelming. It’s as if every part of your body and mind is weighed down, making it hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel.
Action steps:
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help; Even friends can provide some relief.
- Also, consider seeing a therapist.
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4. A lack of social connection can make you feel down
We all need social connections; they’re like fuel for our well-being. When we don’t have meaningful connections, it can really bring us down. Leading to loneliness and sadness.
Picture this: Weeks pass, and you realize you haven’t had a good heart-to-heart with anyone. You start feeling more and more isolated. You realize you don’t have any friends or anyone to vent to.
Action steps:
- Join Online Groups: Social groups can help you beat loneliness and revive your social life.
- Talk to Someone: Start a conversation with a co-worker, neighbor, or even a fellow commuter. A short chat can make you feel better. Connecting with others is essential, especially when you’re feeling down.
5. You have mental traps
Sometimes, people feel weighed down by negative thoughts. These are known as “mental traps,” and they can significantly impact emotions.
Imagine this: You start thinking about the worst possible outcomes in every situation. It’s a type of negative thought pattern called catastrophizing, and it can quickly make you feel awful. When these mental traps take over, they make it seem like everything is terrible, even when it’s not that bad.
Action steps:
- Recognize the traps: Be aware of when these distortions happen. Once you know what they are, you can start to challenge negative thoughts.
- Seek Help: If it’s hard to do this on your own, consider seeing a therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You don’t have to go through this alone; consider seeking professional help like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
6. Dealing with the past hurts. It feels crappy
It’s tough, but sometimes things from our past, especially difficult or painful stuff can still make us feel terrible today. These old memories and feelings can stick with us and make life harder. It’s important to know that if you’re feeling this way, it’s okay, and you’re not alone.
Imagine when you were younger, you went through a really tough time that left you feeling scared and hurt. Even though those days are long gone, those feelings still show up and make you feel upset.
Action Step:
- The first step is to recognize that these old feelings are still affecting you.
- Then, consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you work through these unresolved issues from your past. You don’t have to carry this burden alone, and you deserve to feel better.
7. Feeling shitty? Maybe it’s what you’re eating
Eating habits can significantly affect your mood and mental health. Research shows that how and what you eat can influence feelings of depression and anxiety.
For example, a study found that people who often feel out of control eat in response to stress and are more likely to feel anxious or depressed.
It’s also important to know that the types of food you eat matter.
Foods high in sugar and fat can make you feel sluggish and down, creating a cycle where you feel bad, eat poorly, and then feel worse (American Heart Association).
On the other hand, another study talks about how diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, like the Mediterranean diet, are linked to a lower risk of depression.
Your brain needs the right nutrients to function well, so if your diet lacks essential vitamins and minerals, it can change your brain’s structure and how it operates, affecting your mood and behavior (London Clinic of Nutrition).
Lastly, improving your diet quality is a helpful way to prevent and treat depression.
8. Not being active can make you feel crappy
Being active is really good for your mental health. Even a walk to buy coffee.
Studies show that moving your body can make you feel less stressed, anxious, and depressed. When you exercise, you’re not just helping your body; you’re also helping your mind feel better. One study found that after just a few weeks of regular exercise, people felt less sad and stressed.
Another study showed that a program with exercise made people feel better mentally in just 30 days. So, if you’re feeling down or stressed, try adding some exercise to your day.
Action steps:
- Take a short 10-minute walk during your break. Try incorporating a daily 30-minute walk into your routine. Whether it’s a brisk morning walk or a relaxing evening stroll, make it a non-negotiable part of your day.
9. Up all night? Sleepless nights can weigh you down
If you’re struggling with constant tiredness and moodiness, it might be due to not getting enough sleep. Even 5 or 6 hours a night can leave you irritable and unfocused. This lack of sleep can make simple tasks feel overwhelming, leading you to wonder, “Why do I always feel so terrible?”
Quick Fixes:
- Set a Sleep Routine: Consistency is key. Stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time daily if you can.
- Optimize Your Bedroom: Create a sleep-conducive environment.
- Reduce Screen Time: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with falling asleep.
Dr. Matthew Walker, a renowned sleep expert, warns, “The shorter your sleep, the shorter your life.”
10. Feeling alone? Isolation sucks and feels shitty
Spending too much time alone can make you feel really down. Without the chance to chat, laugh, or hang out with others, loneliness and sadness can creep in. This isn’t just you; many people feel this way. For example, working from home and missing your friends or colleagues can lead to feeling isolated.
What to Do:
- Reach Out: Even a quick call or text to a friend can lift your spirits. Try to connect with someone every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Learn some quick tips and reasons if you feel like, “I don’t have any friends!”
You Need Balance When Feeling Crappy
When you’re feeling down, it’s important to remember that your mind and body are connected. If one is out of whack, the other might be too. To feel better, you might need to look at both your physical and emotional health. This could mean changing your habits, getting medical help, or talking to someone about your feelings.
Remember, “Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.”
Key Point: Realizing that both your body and emotions need attention is the first step to stop feeling crummy.
Key Point: Feeling better often means making changes in your life, getting some help from doctors or therapists, and taking care of both your body and mind.
Saying “I feel like shit” or “I feel like crap” are common ways to express feeling really tired, sad, worried, or just physically unwell.
Research & Opinions on “Feeling Like Crap”
The Research on Stress & Anxiety
- Research: The American Psychological Association (APA) highlights stress’s negative effects, including headaches and muscle tension.
- Expert Opinion: Dr. Robert Sapolsky suggests chronic stress can lead to long-term health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and a weakened immune system.
Research on Depression
- Research: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
- Expert Opinion: Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison recommends a combination of medication and psychotherapy for treatment.
Research on Poor Diet
- Research: A “Molecular Psychiatry” study links processed foods with a higher depression risk.
- Expert Opinion: Dr. Felice Jacka, a nutritional psychiatrist, suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet can be protective against depression and anxiety.
Research on Sleep Deprivation
- Research: The CDC states one in three American adults lacks sufficient sleep.
- Expert Opinion: Dr. Matthew Walker, author of “Why We Sleep,” posits that insufficient sleep can lead to mood disorders, impaired judgment, and chronic health conditions.
FAQs: Helpful Answers for Bad Days
“I messed up. How do I bounce back and stop feeling like a failure?”
Answer: First, embrace your feelings without judgment. Mistakes happen to everyone! Consider writing down the lessons learned and finding one small positive action to take right now toward amending the situation or moving forward. Discuss your feelings with a trusted friend or professional to gain new perspectives.
“I always think something is wrong. How do I silence this worrying voice in my head?”
Answer: Identify and challenge your negative thoughts by journaling them and finding alternative positive narratives. Try mindfulness exercises or meditation to distance yourself from incessant worries. Focus on what you can control, and for persistent, intrusive thoughts, consider speaking with a mental health professional.
“Today was rough. Why do I feel so terrible and how do I get through it?”
Answer: Allow yourself a moment to pause and breathe. Engage in an activity that usually brings you comfort or joy, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Break down your evening into small, manageable tasks, and congratulate yourself for each one you manage to complete. Remember that it’s okay to have bad days.
“Why do I feel like crap all the time? What might be going on and how do I start feeling better?”
Answer: Consistent unwell feelings may have various root causes. Establish a routine that includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, which are pillars of physical and mental wellness. Keep a wellness journal to track any patterns or triggers, and most importantly, consult a healthcare professional to explore potential underlying causes.
“Life keeps knocking me down. How can I become more emotionally resilient?”
Answer: Start by recognizing and validating your emotions. Develop a support network of people who uplift you, and don’t be afraid to lean on them during hard times. Cultivate a gratitude practice to shift focus onto positive elements of your life, and engage in activities that promote mental and physical well-being, like exercise, reading, or pursuing a hobby.
“Everything feels too much. When and how should I reach out for professional help?”
Answer: If feelings of being overwhelmed persist or escalate, it’s crucial to reach out sooner rather than later. Speak to someone you trust about what you’re going through. Contact a professional, like a doctor, therapist, or helpline, who can provide the appropriate guidance and support. Remember, reaching out is a strength, not a weakness.
“Should I stay home if I just feel like shit?”
Answer: If you have symptoms like fever, cough, or body aches, stay home to recover and avoid spreading illness. Feeling overwhelmed or drained? A rest day might help. Severe emotional distress? Seek immediate support. For ongoing fatigue, consider seeing a doctor. If you take a day off, inform your work or school, delegate urgent tasks, and truly rest. Prioritize your well-being and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Steps to take to NOT Feel Like Shit
Understanding why you feel bad is the first step towards feeling better.
Here are some potential courses of action:
- Consult Professionals: Therapists and doctors can offer advice tailored to you.
- Improve Lifestyle Choices: Better nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
- Build Connections: Engage in social activities to combat loneliness.
- Mindfulness: Methods like meditation can make it easier to address underlying issues.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and protect emotional space.
The journey towards well-being is ongoing and often complicated. While it’s okay to have bad days and feel like shit sometimes, persistent feelings of unhappiness should not be ignored!!
Take the first step today, because you deserve to feel better.
Consider Professional Help and Support
Consult a Doctor or Mental Health Professional
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re finding that you feel like crap more often than not, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider.
- Medical professionals can offer diagnostic tests
- Possibly medications that can help manage your symptoms more effectively
Action Steps
- !!See what type of therapy you need here!!
- Book an appointment with a healthcare provider and be candid about your symptoms.
Feeling like crap is a universal experience but remember, you don’t have to go through it alone or without solutions.
What else can you do right now?
Download our Tool Kit for free (mini-course, social blueprint, and more) Prepare more when you go out to socialize. We think if you join our community or read a few more blog posts, you won’t be saying, “I feel like shit” or “Why do I feel like crap all the time?”
But, you’ll feel more confident, and prepared and you’ll know what to do next, especially, when it comes to socializing.
