Is There Something Wrong With Me?

January 25, 2024

Is there something wrong with me? We ask this question when feeling out of sorts and unable to explain our feelings. Is there a problem, and how can you solve it?

Hi. My name is Katie Lister, and I am a practicing Registered Nurse and the founder of Growth Gals. Feeling stressed, stuck, or overwhelmed can cause self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. These feelings will make you wonder if something is wrong with you. This article will tell you everything you need to know about why you feel like something is wrong with you, why you think this way, and what to do about it.

Katie Lister

Written by Katie Lister, RN, BScN. An experienced Registered Nurse, Group Facilitator, Life Coach, and Community Leader. Read Katie's Full Author Bio

Why Do You Feel Like Something Is Wrong With You?

Is there something wrong with me? Before you start wondering how to manage your feelings about something being wrong, consider the possible root cause. From normal setbacks in life to mental health problems, multiple reasons could be making you feel this way. Here are some of the possible causes of why you think something is off:

· You are Overwhelmed

When you start getting negative thoughts that something could be wrong with you, do you feel overwhelmed or like you have brain fog? Do you feel like you are bogged down with too many obligations and can’t keep up? You might sometimes feel so overwhelmed that you are suffocating or drowning.

Feeling overwhelmed is more common than you might think. You might be going through financial stress, your job is demanding, you are a caregiver to an elderly family member with Alzheimer’s, or other situations that make you feel like life is too demanding.

· Loneliness

Research has linked loneliness to health issues like lung and heart disease and mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorder.

Many things can make you feel lonely, such as lacking friends and distance from family. Sometimes, you might have friends and family, yet still feel lonely. Feeling that something is wrong when you feel lonely is a sign that you struggle with making social connections.

· Feeling Stuck

Sometimes, you might feel stuck in a rut in life. You get the feeling of being left behind while your peers have already figured their lives out. If you’re going through heartbreak, considering quitting a job that’s making you unhappy, or contemplating leaving a toxic relationship, it’s understandable to feel stuck.

Even if you have a clear idea of where you want your life to go, it can seem like something needs to be fixed. This can leave you feeling like there’s something wrong with you.

· Lack of Self-Worth

The feeling that something is wrong with you may stem from deep-seated issues of low self-esteem. Your self-worth perception is powerful and impacts what you think of yourself.

When you have a low self-worth, it seeps into every aspect of your life, making you always feel like you aren’t good enough. You may have to identify the underlying issues, whose root cause might be feelings of guilt or shame rooted in your subconscious from childhood.

· Physical Illness

Our bodies are very complex, and sometimes, when we are feeling blah, it could be a physical illness manifesting. Check your blood sugars or other indicators that might make you feel off. If you are experiencing symptoms of a medical condition or have already received a diagnosis, it’s natural to feel concerned and uncertain about your health.

You may be wondering, “What is wrong with me?” The best course of action is to schedule an appointment with a doctor and undergo a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.

· Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues like bipolar disorder, personality disorders, anxiety disorder, or depression could also be the reason why you feel off. The only way to get a proper diagnosis is to seek the help of a mental health professional. You must also learn to develop good coping skills to manage your situation.

Is There Something Wrong With Me? - How to Cope

As seen, numerous reasons can leave you feeling unmotivated or as though something is off with you. There are also as many things you can do to cope with these feelings. However, the method of managing you choose depends on the specific issue.

Calm Down

The thought that something may be wrong is not constant and may come suddenly, making you anxious and agitated. The best thing to do when this happens is to calm down. Make a to-do list of activities that you can do to calm you down, such as:

Take a walk and get some fresh air.
Breathing exercises: Take a deep breath by slowly inhaling and exhaling to control your heart rate and reduce anxiety
Journal about your insecurities: Free writing will allow you to pour out all your emotions, which is therapy. You can track your thought patterns and emotional state on different days by journaling.
Make a to-do list when you feel overwhelmed by things to do and don’t know where to start.
Spending time with a loved one, such as a family member or a friend. Talking to an empathetic person will allow you to see a different perspective on your situation, and allows you to open up about your feelings.
Download and use meditation apps or attend meditation classes if you can
Read a book or listen to a lighthearted podcast
Inhale calming essential oils such as lavender
Do yoga
Listen to soothing music to calm you down.
Practice techniques like Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) to relax you and get rid of tension and stress.

Develop an Action Plan

If you feel something is wrong with you because of a specific issue, you need to develop a plan. It’s sometimes easier to wallow in the negativity. Still, it would be best if you took action to boost your motivation when things get tough. Develop a growth mindset to help you move forward. You can:

Seek the services of a mental health professional
Get a job aligned with your talents
Set realistic and achievable goals to reduce your frustration at things not getting done
Get a hobby

Self-Care

I’m stuck, what can I do? Take care of your emotional needs and ensure you make time for self-care. Do things for your well-being that make you feel good, mentally and physically, and include them into your daily life routine until they become a habit. Examples of things to include in your self-care time are:

Enough sleep, between 7 to 8 hours per day
Regular exercise
Soak in a bubble bath
Watch a movie or read a book
Take walks in nature

Change Something about Yourself

Identify one thing you want to change about yourself and consciously try to improve it. Start small and make achievable changes, such as being kinder to people or seeking help to improve your mental health. Remember, small changes can significantly impact and lead to improvements in other areas of your life. Commit to the process and patiently work towards a happier, healthier you.

Get Help from a Mental Health Professional

A mental health professional like a psychotherapist will help to diagnose your mental health condition. The mistake most people make is to self-diagnose off of online information, especially on social media. Some of the most common mental issues that might make you feel like something is wrong include:

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder (mood disorder)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis
Paranoia
Schizophrenia
Narcissism

A mental health professional will advise you on personality disorders and mood disorders. If a mental disorder is causing the negative feelings, a psychotherapist can help you better understand your diagnosis and how to manage it.

Growth Gals Can Help You Improve Your Sense of Self-Worth!

If you’re interested in joining Growth Gals, we suggest following us to become a part of our community. There are many benefits to being a member, including improved confidence, clarity, and direction in life. You don’t have to take our word for it – read testimonials from women who have benefited from being a part of our community. Take the first step towards self-improvement and join Growth Gals today!

Follow @growthgals_ on Instagram to stay updated on our goal-setting journals, coaching, and support groups. Be sure to check out our newsletter for the latest tips and tricks on personal growth. Join us now and start your journey towards self-improvement.

Is There Something Wrong With Me? - Conclusion

Feeling as if something is wrong with you is not and should not feel bad. It’s normal for every human being to feel this way when you are overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck. You need to rule out a mental illness by seeing a mental health professional who will evaluate your situation.

To cope with these feelings, you must list ‘calm down’ activities to help you calm down when anxious. You can also take time off to practice self-care or develop an action plan. If you are stuck in a job you hate, look for a different job that aligns with your passion. Once you identify your issues, work diligently and commit to a solution.